DOE Awards $2M to UAW-CMGE for Climate Workforce Training

The Facts -

DOE Funds UAW-CMGE High Road Battery Training Program

As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated $2 million to UAW Region 6 and the UAW Center for Manufacturing a Green Economy (UAW-CMGE) to advance the High Road Battery Training Program in collaboration with Sparkz corporation.

UAW-CMGE is among 21 new projects funded by the DOE, receiving a total of $24 million to promote clean energy and sustainable manufacturing across the U.S.

Established in 2023, UAW-CMGE aims to lead union recruitment and training for climate manufacturing careers. This initiative supports the workforce demands created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

“The UAW-CMGE is pioneering a training model for the fast-growing climate industries, especially the domestic battery sector,” said Priyanka Mohanty, Executive Director of UAW-CMGE, regarding the $2 million funding. “Our model emphasizes equitable recruitment, technical battery expertise, and innovative green apprenticeship programs, promoting a just transition to diverse climate industries. This DOE investment underscores the significance of high-road training programs for decarbonization, showcasing how investing in workers is an investment in the American climate economy.”

“The UAW has demonstrated the vital role of an empowered workforce in American decarbonization,” said Mike Miller, Chairperson, UAW-CMGE and UAW Region 6 Director. “The 2023 UAW contract negotiations with Big 3 automakers were pivotal in transitioning to a just economy. The strike brought EV and battery jobs under union agreements with strong job protections, securing investments in retooling closed facilities. It proved that manufacturing electric vehicles and batteries can and must offer good union jobs, crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building new climate industries. The UAW seeks to leverage its training and workforce development expertise to advance new green manufacturing production, recognizing a just transition's critical importance to decarbonization efforts.”

In 2023, UAW and Sparkz announced a memorandum of understanding, establishing a labor-management agreement and statement of neutrality at Sparkz’s facilities.

Founded in 2019, Sparkz develops and manufactures zero-cobalt, American-made Lithium-ion batteries. This innovation reduces lithium battery production costs and addresses environmental concerns.

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