Newcastle University is a key strategic partner in MADE NE, a £14.6 million project led by Nissan on behalf of the automotive sector that will create a new generation of skilled local workers in electric vehicle and battery technology

Manufacturing, Automation, Digitalisation, Electrification North East (MADE NE) is a partnership between Nissan, the North East Combined Authority (NECA), Sunderland City Council, Education Partnership North East (EPNE), New College Durham, AESC, Vantec, Newcastle University, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult, and the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA).

As part of the region’s £160 million 10-year North East Investment Zone programme, NECA is investing £9.7 million in the project, which will provide open access facilities to industry for skills training and industrial innovation in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector, with a focus on EV and battery manufacturing.

The University’s contribution will build on its UKRI/Innovate UK co-funded Institute of Electrification and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (IESAM), in partnership with the North East Institute of Technology and the National Battery Training and Skills Academy in collaboration with New College Durham, and the Driving the Electric Revolution Innovation Centre in Sunderland.

Both initiatives are aligned to the Local Skills Improvement Plan and underpinned by Newcastle University’s drive to contribute to proving seamless education, skills and training pathways aligned to the National Electrification Skills Framework from entry level through to Master’s and doctoral level.

IESAM is the first institute to address the industry need for Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD) training in the North East. There is an increasing need for experts in these growing fields to meet the needs of the Electric Revolution. IESAM is bridging the skills gap, providing high-quality training for those looking to pursue a career in electrification and sustainable advanced manufacturing.

By offering a PEMD educational pipeline from Level 3 to Level 7, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and information, advice and guidance for the industry, educators and career advisors, IESAM is creating a flexible, high-quality training pipeline that will help to address the need for qualified professionals at all technical levels.

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