In a quirky bid to combat labor shortages, Japan is embarking on an unconventional mission to teach teenagers how to make batteries for electric vehicles. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, along with industry trade groups such as the Battery Association for Supply Chain, which includes Toyota Motor and Panasonic Energy, unveiled a plan to train an additional 30,000 battery-related workers by 2030. This initiative aims to address the shortage of skilled battery engineers, a scarcity felt worldwide. As a first step, an experimental class on battery technology will be offered at Osaka Prefecture University College of Technology, where about 40 students will have the opportunity to dive into the electrifying world of battery manufacturing. So, get ready for a shocking development as Japan’s young minds spark their way into the EV battery industry!
