Battery Boost
Technical
Training Program

Boost Your EV Career!

Note: Qualified candidates will be contacted by mid-January.

Battery Boost is an innovative training program funded by Upskill Canada [powered by Palette Skills] and the Government of Canada. Administered by Invest WindsorEssex with delivery support from NextStar Energy, this program is designed to prepare participants for careers that include Product and Process Technicians in electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.

Through advanced Virtual Reality (VR) simulations, participants gain hands-on, job-specific training that equips them with the skills needed to thrive in Canada’s rapidly growing EV battery manufacturing sector.

The program offers paid training, aiming to help candidates secure a full-time role as a Product OR Process Technician after successful completion of the program. Those who do not successfully complete the program’s requirements will have the opportunity for additional unpaid training to support a career in the EV supply chain. There are no direct costs to participate in the Battery Boost program.

Battery Boost
Technical Training
Program

Boost Your EV Career!

Note: Qualified candidates will be contacted by mid-January.

Program Benefits

Job Specific Benefits

Comprehensive, hands-on experience in EV battery manufacturing, tailored specifically for Product and Process Technician roles. VR modules simulate real-world equipment and manufacturing processes.

Paid Training

Participants receive payments during the training period, with opportunities for full-time employment upon successful completion and performance.

Career Transition Support

Job placement assistance is available for participants not directly hired after the program.

Ideal Candidates

Battery Boost is seeking individuals who: 

Have at least 3 years of work experience (in any field). 
Are legally allowed to work full-time in Canada.
Recognize that all training will be conducted in English and have proficiency in the language. 
Are open to structured, intensive training to support their career shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to qualify for this program?

Have at least 3 years of work experience (in any field).
Are legally allowed to work full-time in Canada.
Are open to structured, intensive training to support their career shift.
Are open to structured, intensive training to support their career shift.

When does this program start?

The program will run from February 2025 to March 2026. There will be up to eleven cohorts, each accommodating up to 50 participants.

The first cohort is scheduled to begin in February 2025, with additional cohorts running continuously until March 2026.

If selected for the program, you will automatically be assigned to a cohort

Will participants of the program be paid?

Yes, participants of the program will be paid hourly for the duration of their cohort.

What does it mean to be selected into this program?

Being selected for this program provides participants with access to paid training tailored to roles in the Windsor-Essex battery manufacturing sector. Participants will develop skills directly relevant to jobs as product and process technicians. The training takes place in a hands-on environment, leveraging state-of-the-art XR technology to deliver real-world experiences. This ensures participants are fully prepared to excel in a battery manufacturing facility before they even step through the door.

What are the specific positions being hired for?

Production Technician

Duties include inventory counting, quality inspections, basic troubleshooting of automation/manual processes, and using production systems (GMES, HMI controls, PDAs, scanners). The role requires continuous walking and standing (8-12 hours per day), reading/writing in English, cross-training across all departmental jobs, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

What happens if a participant does not successfully complete the program?

Participants who do not successfully complete the program will have the opportunity to pursue additional unpaid training tailored to support their career goals within the EV supply chain. They can access up to two extra training modules at no cost—one technical and one non-technical—to further develop their skills. These participants will also be connected with Invest WindsorEssex’s Talent Attraction Specialist, local resources and support systems to help them enhance their job prospects and prepare for future opportunities in the industry.

How are candidates assessed throughout the training process to ensure the proper skill set and fit for the these positions?

Candidates will receive a combination of hands-on and in-class instruction, complemented by continuous evaluations throughout the program. Assessments will include performance reviews within the XR environment, where participants will demonstrate their skills in simulated real-world scenarios.

Participants will be trained by experts in the technician process, ensuring that the curriculum is effectively delivered and comprehended. Additionally, as the program’s delivery partner, NextStar will leverage its expertise to confirm that the curriculum aligns with the specific requirements of technician roles, guaranteeing that all necessary skills are covered and mastered.

Once training is successfully completed, will the candidates be guaranteed a position within NextStar?

Candidates who successfully complete the program will acquire the skill set necessary to qualify for roles at NextStar Energy as well as other opportunities within the Windsor-Essex battery manufacturing supply chain. While a position at NextStar Energy is not guaranteed, participants will be well-prepared to meet the requirements for available roles.

For those seeking additional job placement assistance, IWE’s Talent Attraction Specialist and local job placement partners, will provide support to help connect participants with relevant employment opportunities in the sector.