DOE Battery Workforce Initiative (BWI)

Open this page to explore the U.S. Department of Energy’s Battery Workforce Initiative (BWI), a national effort to strengthen the advanced battery manufacturing workforce. The initiative coordinates DOE, the U.S. Department of Labor, industry partners, and labor organizations to build standardized training, define skill requirements, and support employer-validated talent pipelines. Use this network to access National Guideline Standards, pilot training programs, publications, and open Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for eligible facilities.

What this network offers:

• National Guideline Standards (NGS) for high-demand battery manufacturing occupations.
• Pilot training programs co-developed with industry, labor unions, and community colleges.
• Employer-validated skills frameworks and on-the-job training guidance.
• Publications and technical reports on workforce needs, job task analyses, and manufacturing trends.
• Industry webinars, roundtable summaries, and fact sheets detailing battery workforce development strategies.
• Periodic federal RFPs for facilities with at least 25 employees seeking to participate in training or validation programs.
• DOE/DOL coordinated workforce planning resources for employers scaling U.S. battery production.

Who should engage:

• Employers expanding or launching battery manufacturing facilities in the U.S.
• HR and training leaders designing curricula for battery machine operators or technicians.
  Community colleges and training providers aligning programs to federal NGS standards.
  Workforce agencies, economic development teams, and policymakers supporting advanced manufacturing talent pipelines.
• Industry partners seeking insights into federal workforce development priorities and opportunities.