DOE, EV automaker Stellantis launch the Battery Workforce Challenge

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is partnering with automaker Stellantis to launch a new initiative called the Battery Workforce Challenge.

Through this initiative, managed by the DOE’s Argonne National Laboratory and co-sponsored by Stellantis, the partners are looking to develop the next generation of engineers, technicians, and workers in the EV/Battery workforce. The Battery Workforce Challenge includes a three-year collegiate engineering competition; vocational training; youth education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and career and technical education.

“American leadership in the global battery supply chain will be based not only on our innovation but also on our skilled workforce of engineers, designers, scientists, production workers, and technicians,” Michael Berube, deputy assistant secretary for sustainable transportation and fuels at the DOE, said. “This comprehensive workforce program will build an educational ecosystem delivering training and education for high school graduates and vocational and transitional workers, fostering a diverse talent pipeline of trained engineers, workers, and technicians who can charge North America’s battery industry forward.”

The Battery Workforce Challenge, which begins this fall, includes an advanced battery design and development student competition series that invites universities and vocational schools to design, build, test, and integrate an advanced EV battery into a future Stellantis vehicle.

“With our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis is taking a leadership role in decarbonization that will drive us to become an industry champion in the fight against climate change, reaching carbon net zero emissions by 2038,” Mark Stewart, Stellantis North America chief operating officer, said. “The Battery Workforce Challenge will help train the engineers of tomorrow and is a win-win for Stellantis and the entire battery industry as we address our nation’s toughest energy and mobility challenges by helping to build a highly skilled and productive future workforce.”

Teams will focus on battery design, simulation, controls development, testing, and vehicle integration and demonstration. Participants will also learn project management, communications, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

“We’re excited to welcome 11 teams to participate in the Battery Workforce Challenge, which is a great opportunity for college and vocational students to experience high-impact collaborations,” said Paul Kearns, director at Argonne National Laboratory. He added, “Argonne is pleased to manage this competition, which supports both advanced battery innovations and the development of the next generation of battery researchers and professionals.”

Argonne is now accepting applications from four-year colleges and universities to select up to 11 teams that will participate in the challenge. They must be accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (ABET) in the United States or the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) in Canada. Non-accredited schools such as community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs may participate as a partner to an accredited university.