An industry group assembled to design a new apprenticeship programme for the battery manufacture technicians of the future has appointed AceOn managing director Mark Thompson to bring his industry knowledge and experience to the discussion table.
The Battery Manufacturing Trailblazer group is made up of employers and experts from across the battery industry. It is working with the Institute of Apprenticeships & Technical Education with the aim of delivering a fit-for-purpose study programme which will suitably skill the next generation of battery technicians and ensure they have opportunities for progression.
As the founder and Managing Director of the Telford-based renewable energy and battery specialists AceOn, Mark Thompson brings 30+ years of experience to the trailblazer group.
Mark said: “Over the years, AceOn has provided opportunities for scores of employees to join the world of battery manufacturing. We have always been keen to give on-the-job training and development opportunities to those who show passion and an interest in the dynamic and ever-changing world of battery technology and assembly. I feel very privileged to be working on a specific Battery Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship and to be helping to shape the UK battery manufacturing sector – from cell manufacturing to custom-module pack assembly.
“Being part of the trailblazer group means I can share all that knowledge of what we do in-house to help shape the apprenticeships of the future, so anyone joining this growing industry gets a formalised experience and all the relevant skills they need to succeed. It’s a positive thing for apprentices and also for the battery industry, which is crying out for more suitably trained people.”
As well as contributing to the development of the occupational standard and its assessment through the working group, Mark will remain involved in the project in the future to help promote the apprenticeship, support its implementation and advise on revisions to the standard as and when required – for example, if new technologies are introduced which apprentices will need to be trained in. It is hoped the final apprenticeship will be available from 2023, pending approval of funding.
AceOn has more than 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of custom-built battery packs, supporting the development of new battery technologies and products, and the distribution of industrial and consumer batteries to the worldwide market. The energy division provides a training, service and distribution centre to offer a full turnkey solution for residential and commercial battery energy storage systems.
The group has built a reputation as being specialists in solar and battery technology, particularly the development of bespoke, custom-built battery packs. Mark and AceOn have been selected by the UK Government as one of its Export Champions.
