Recruitment drives forward as AESC welcome first gigafactory workers

AESC’s UK electric vehicle battery production capacity is set to be transformed with the introduction of hundreds of new roles on their new Sunderland gigafactory which is nearing completion.

Workers have now started in roles on the gigafactory. Working in partnership with New College Durham, new starters were invited to complete the Battery Fundamentals course at the National Battery Training & Skills Academy. The academy, created in partnership with AESC, will provide crucial learning and development opportunities to work in the UK’s first electric vehicle (EV) battery gigafactory.

Many people have already applied to join AESC’s new workforce, but hundreds of Production Operator positions are still available as AESC UK’s Senior HR Manager Michelle Kennard explains.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to join the UK’s only Electric Vehicle battery business. The construction of our new gigafactory is a significant investment for Sunderland and the wider North East region, as we scale up production to support the green energy transition.

Positions such as our Production Operators play an integral role supporting the efficient and safe production of our lithium-ion batteries – producing high quality products. We’ll also have plenty of opportunity for those new to manufacturing to start a career as a Quality Inspector or Material Handling Operator. In turn we’ll provide a welcoming and inclusive working environment, with opportunities to learn new skills, advance your career and help our business continue to lead the way in EV battery innovation."

To support the significant recruitment drive needed to create the new workforce who’ll work on the new Sunderland gigafactory, AESC have partnered with local specialists NRL. Located just a short distance from the gigafactory site, NRL bring invaluable regional expertise and a deep understanding of the local talent market. In addition to their nearby office, NRL also operate a dedicated recruitment base on AESC’s existing site, allowing them to connect top local talent with exciting new opportunities.

The initial interest in roles on the gigafactory has been positive, and NRL’s recruitment team are now in the process of progressing successful applicants towards confirmed start dates. In the coming months there will be plenty more opportunity to work on the new site, so AESC and NRL are encouraging more people to apply for positions. Visit https://www.gigajobs.aesc.co.uk/ to find out more and apply.

NRL’s Head of Delivery Lisa Jackson says:

“We’re proud of the partnership we’ve built with AESC to support recruitment for their new Sunderland gigafactory and having worked with the team for some time can attest to what incredible job opportunities there are.

The roles available will ensure our local community can forge careers that will carry them through the energy transition for generations to come.  It is such an exciting time to be in the North East and it’s companies like AESC who are building on our world leading automotive heritage and ensuring its sustainable legacy.

We welcome applications from everyone who want to be part of AESC’s future, and we look forward to continuing to onboard new starters over the coming months.”

About AESC UK:

AESC UK owns and operates the UK’s only electric vehicle battery gigafactory, a 1.8GWh plant in Sunderland. The company is currently building its second 15.8GWh gigafactory in Sunderland, work on which began in 2022. The project will create and support more than 1,000 jobs once operational. The factory will produce lithium-ion batteries for next-generation electric vehicles manufactured in the UK.

Incorporated and headquartered in Japan, AESC is a developer and manufacturer of high-performance batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems and has a production footprint with major facilities in the U.K., France, Spain, U.S., China, and Japan.

About NRL:

Powering organisations by empowering people. At NRL Group, our experts make a positive impact in our societies by supporting some of the most innovative global companies, the people who power them and the major Infrastructure projects they deliver.

Our expert recruitment teams have partnered with leading engineering companies since 1985. For us, it’s about more than just filling job vacancies. We help our clients to meet their future growth plans and deliver their projects with 100% compliance, knowing that this approach provides a wealth of opportunity for our candidates.