Identifying and Developing the Battery Manufacturing Workforce: A Regional Analysis of Supply–Demand of Skilled Workers

Abstract

Several regions throughout the country are at a crossroads in identifying and developing a sizeable workforce to support President Biden's 2030 zero-emission goals. This case study investigates the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman region's burgeoning viability in supplying the needed workers in its local electric vehicle battery manufacturing industry. This article presents findings from a mixed-methods approach that includes a supply–demand analysis of the region using Lightcast job-postings data; an analysis of the National Labor Exchange data to identify the most common and desirable skills by employers; a curriculum mapping analysis of local educational institutions training programs; and a cost–benefit analysis of program-educated employees that compares employees with only a high school education. Regional stakeholder interviews verified and clarified the findings. The authors conclude with a few partnership-driven recommendations that provide opportunities to strengthen and expand the electric vehicle battery manufacturing workforce for the Youngstown–Warren–Boardman and similar regions.