We recently caught up with Aaron Fitzgerald during a residential in Southampton to hear about his journey as England’s very first Battery Manufacturing apprentice and what it’s like to be part of a programme that’s helping to shape the future of electrification.
Battery manufacturing is a fast-emerging industry in the UK, fuelled by the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market and the nation’s drive toward net zero by 2050. In response, Cogent Skills’ apprenticeship training division became the first registered provider to offer the Battery Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, giving young people like Aaron a direct route into this cutting-edge sector.
With over 1.2 million fully electric cars now on UK roads, a huge leap from just over 200,000 in 2020 – the demand for skilled technicians has never been higher.
For Aaron, stepping into this brand-new apprenticeship felt like joining a movement right at the starting line.
“It feels special knowing I’m part of something new,” Aaron says. “People will take this course after me, but I’m the one who started it off – I was there when it began.”
Aaron works at RML Group in Wellingborough, where he’s part of a team manufacturing high-voltage batteries destined for high-performance and race cars. He describes battery manufacturing as a process that starts with individual cells and ends with a product that powers elite vehicles on the track.
“We get the cell from a supplier, build up the battery, assemble the protective devices and housing – and eventually it goes into a car,” he explains. “Then you see that car win a race at the weekend… You’re part of that journey from start to finish.”
Aaron’s involves both practical work at RML and theory-based learning, some delivered online and some in person. This blended approach allows him to develop hands-on skills while building the technical knowledge he needs for the future.
“I’m more of a hands-on learner,” he admits. “I still have to do coursework, but I’d rather be on the factory floor actually building things. And even when I’m at college, I get to do practical work too.”
Aaron first discovered the apprenticeship on the government’s website. After two interviews, he landed the role – and hasn’t looked back since.
“I really wanted the job, and once I started, I’ve enjoyed every moment,” he says.
On the factory floor, Aaron is starting out by building smaller batteries, gradually working up to larger, more complex systems. Every week, he dedicates a day to his college work, with a clear goal in mind: “I’m aiming for a distinction,” he says confidently.
One of the highlights so far has been working with a laser welder, a rare and powerful piece of technology few get the chance to operate.
“I’m not fully trained on it yet, but I can use it under supervision – and it’s amazing,” he says. “The speed and precision… There aren’t many like it in the country.”
But it’s not just the tech that excites Aaron, it’s the bigger picture. He sees battery manufacturing as a critical part of reducing carbon emissions, whether that’s in high-performance vehicles or everyday cars.
“Batteries aren’t engines, so they’re better for the environment,” he says. “The ones we build for public cars are helping to cut emissions, that makes a real difference.”
Perhaps most valuable, though, is the knowledge he’s gaining from colleagues with decades of experience.
“You can’t learn that in a classroom,” Aaron reflects. “The experience you get from working alongside people who’ve been in the industry for 30 or 40 years.”
His advice to anyone considering a career in battery manufacturing? Simple.
“Go for it. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You’ll only get one chance to be part of something this new, so why not?”
Aaron credits Cogent Skills with providing strong support throughout his apprenticeship.
“My tutor checks in regularly, and if I ever need help, I can just call or email,” he says. “If I’m behind or need an extension, they always do their best to help me out.”
To find out more about the Battery Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship, click here.
