Hello! I created this new thread for this subcommittee to keep in touch and provide updates on the development of the Battery Workforce Framework.
About the Battery Workforce Framework:
The Battery Workforce Framework (BWF) is a fundamental reference resource for describing and sharing information about battery-related work. It provides a common language to define workforce roles, competencies, knowledge, skills, and tasks across the battery value chain-spanning raw materials, cell design, manufacturing, integration, recycling, and policy. BWF supports educators, employers, policymakers, and workers in aligning training, hiring, and career development with the evolving demands of the global battery industry. Its purpose is to ensure America's leadership in advanced energy storage by:
- Defining core competencies in battery science, manufacturing, safety, and systems integration.
- Aligning workforce training programs across academia, industry, and government with national standards and employer needs.
- Accelerating readiness of technicians, engineers, and operators to staff gigafactories, recycling facilities, and defense-critical supply chains.
- Strengthening U.S. competitiveness by ensuring a skilled, reliable workforce that supports domestic manufacturing, national security, and energy independence.
By providing a common competency framework, BWF enables consistent training, certification, and career pathways, reducing skills gaps while supporting innovation, safety, and resilience in America's battery ecosystem.
Our Progress (8/6/2026 Update):
Jill kicked off the development of BWF in Fall 2025, and the subcommittee has supported the direction of this being modeled after the NICE Framework.
In Spring - Summer 2026, the subcommittee reviewed the first two drafts, confirming the work role categories, providing information from existing work role resources (i.e. Battery Workforce Initiative, Faraday Institutude, etc.), and providing feedback and input to help fill gaps and define the scope of the BWF.
As it stands today, draft 3 is in progress. In August 2026 the goal is to complete draft 3, work with subcommittee members to finalize the set of work roles and their descriptions and skills, knowedge, tasks, and competency areas.
We are also working on setting up a system to gather NAATBatt member company feedback and input once the first version is available, as well as on an annual basis so that the BWF is maintained and remains up-to-date.
For those interested in participating in the subcommittee, the best way to start is to email jill.pestana@pestanasolutions.com and set up a call to ask questions and explore how you can contribute. The subcommittee does meet periodically and you can be included in those meetings as well.
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Jill Pestana
Founder & CEO
Pestana Solutions
(661)972-1801
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