Program has exceeded national training and employment targets
Invest WindsorEssex (IWE), together with partners from NextStar Energy, Upskill Canada powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada are proud to celebrate the success of Battery Boost Technical Training Program for battery manufacturing careers, an innovative workforce development program that has surpassed all expectations in preparing local workers for in-demand careers in Canada’s growing battery manufacturing supply chain.
Launched in early 2025 with over $3.8 million in funding from Upskill Canada, powered by Palette Skills and the Government of Canada, Battery Boost set out to train and place 400 participants by March 2026. Less than a year later, the program has exceeded that goal, training 408 participants and successfully placing 397 graduates into full-time positions, achieving an impressive 97 per cent placement rate.
Graduates of the program are now earning, on average, $13,900 more annually than before entering training. Perhaps most remarkable, 99 per cent of participants had no prior experience in battery manufacturing or technician work, underscoring the program’s impact in creating new, accessible pathways into advanced manufacturing careers.
Through the use of Virtual Reality (VR) and advanced simulation at the Automobility and Innovation Centre (AIC), participants gain practical, hands-on experience before entering live production environments.
The curriculum was developed in collaboration with the program delivery partner, NextStar Energy, which provided proprietary industry insights essential to the training process. VR partner Virtualware continues to enhance the immersive learning experience through its enterprise XR platform, VIROO, used in the AIC’s custom-built VR lab.
The program’s participants reflect the diversity and talent of the Windsor-Essex region, representing Windsor and municipalities across Essex County. Participants range in age, education and experience with roughly one-third being university graduates, one-third college-trained and one-third from apprenticeship or high school backgrounds. Overall, this demonstrates the inclusive and community-focused nature of the program.
Battery Boost’s success also complements NextStar Energy’s recent announcement to expand its Energy Storage System (ESS) operations in Windsor-Essex, further strengthening the region’s position in the battery supply chain.
By equipping local workers with in-demand skills, the program ensures that Windsor-Essex is ready to capitalize on new investment, innovation and job opportunities associated with ESS growth.
Today’s event and open house brought together program partners, government leaders, employers and graduates to celebrate this achievement and showcase the immersive VR training technology that has made it possible.
The event featured remarks from Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, Essex County Deputy Warden Joe Bachetti and Danies Lee, CEO of NextStar Energy followed by program participant testimonials and guided demonstrations of the AIC’s VR lab with the Battery Boost team.