Agratas powers up skills pipeline with Somerset training launch

5 min read

Agratas powers up skills pipeline with Somerset training launch

Published on

12 August 2026

We are proud to have launched our first pilot training programme in Somerset as part of efforts to build a skilled workforce to support the UK’s growing battery manufacturing sector.

The initiative will equip our current and future employees with the foundational knowledge needed to work in a global battery manufacturing environment, as we continue building a new UK facility in Bridgwater.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said:

“This is a great example of how we're building the skilled workforce needed to power our clean energy future. That's why we are backing UCS College Group’s work with Agratas to deliver this training, ensuring people across Somerset have the practical, hands-on skills they need to seize the opportunities created by this landmark investment. “Partnerships like this bring government, industry and colleges together to create routes into good, skilled jobs and ensure people across Somerset can benefit directly from this growing sector."

Initial cohort of Somerset - based employees who have taken part in the pilot.

An initial cohort of Somerset-based employees has taken part in the pilot, representing a cross-section of operations, capital projects, health and safety, quality and logistics teams. This has enabled us to test the training content and gather feedback from a diverse mix of roles and experience levels.

Developed in just six months through a collaboration between Agratas, UCS College Group (our training delivery partner and skills coordinator) and Science Industry Assessment Services (SIAS), the awarding organisation supporting the development and accreditation of the qualifications, the programme combines industry expertise, education and nationally recognised qualifications, to prepare employees for careers in battery manufacturing.

The curriculum will continue to be refined throughout the summer, ahead of a wider rollout. In the longer term, it will be delivered to all new employees in Somerset and form part of a broader approach to workforce development globally. Together with UCS College Group, we continue to be supported by UK Government on skills development initiatives.

Bhavik Mistry, our Head of Learning and Development, said:

“This pilot marks an important milestone as we build a world-class training programme from the ground up, allowing us to refine the experience while shaping an approach we can scale globally. “Early feedback has been very positive, particularly around hands-on and immersive elements such as ‘The Agratas Challenge’ – a simulation designed to replicate the pace of a real production shift inside a battery factory. “As we move towards full rollout, we’re excited about the role the programme will play in giving all new joiners a strong, consistent start at Agratas and in the wider battery manufacturing industry.”

Once fully implemented, the three-week programme will be delivered in partnership with UCS College Group at Bridgwater College. It is designed to combine hands-on learning with immersive, scenario-based exercises covering factory health and safety, the fundamentals of battery manufacturing and the structure of production environments.

All new starters in Somerset will complete the programme as their first experience in the business. On completion, participants will receive two Level 2 qualifications awarded by SIAS, underlining the programme’s focus on quality and recognised industry standards.

Andy Berry, CBE, CEO of UCS College Group, said:

“This pilot marks an important milestone in our partnership with Agratas and demonstrates what’s possible when education and industry work together with a shared purpose. “Together, we’re developing the skilled workforce needed for one of the UK’s most significant clean energy investments, creating opportunities for local people while supporting the growth of a nationally important industry.”

Jason Gunningham, Principal of Bridgwater College, part of UCS College Group, said:

"We’re proud to be delivering this pioneering programme with Agratas and our partners. It demonstrates how colleges can work closely with industry to develop the specialist skills employers need, while creating exciting career opportunities for people across Somerset. “This pilot is an important first step, and we’re looking forward to welcoming future cohorts as the programme develops and supports one of the UK’s most significant advanced manufacturing investments.”

In Bridgwater, construction work initially began on our multi-billion-pound project in 2024. When complete, it will be the biggest of its kind in the UK – playing a crucial role in advancing clean technology and sustainable energy, producing battery cells for automotive and energy storage solutions.

When in full operation, our overall facility is set to create around 4,600 direct jobs and is expected to generate around £43 billion in economic growth over a 25-year period.

Click here to register your interest in roles at the Somerset facility