Interview
January 2025

Building the Skills for a Sustainable Future

In this fourth feature on the Voltage project, we highlight the work of Helene, the project manager steering this ambitious initiative. Voltage aims to bridge the skills gap within industries undergoing transformative change, with a strong focus on the battery sector and the demands of the green and digital transitions.

Leading a Transnational Initiative
Helene’s career has centered on skills supply within the automotive, battery, and chemical industries, fostering collaboration between education and businesses, both locally in Gothenburg and across Europe.

“Voltage addresses the urgent need for qualified professionals across the battery value chain. By aligning education with industry needs, we are equipping people with the skills necessary to accelerate sustainable production and new technology,” Helene explains.

A Dynamic Phase of Progress
The project is now in a critical implementation phase, where key milestones are approaching. “We are actively collecting data, developing tools, and preparing pilot initiatives. It’s a fast-paced and dynamic period as we begin delivering tangible results,” she says.

Much of Helene’s daily work involves balancing strategy with hands-on coordination. “I ensure we stay aligned with the project plan by fostering open dialogue between our partner organizations. Transparency and collaboration are key to keeping the momentum and avoiding bottlenecks,” she adds.

Real Impact for Students, Teachers, and Companies
The outcomes of Voltage will be felt across the education and industry landscape:

Students will gain access to tailored education programmes designed to prepare them for careers in the battery and automotive sectors.
Teachers will benefit from modern tools and methods that enhance their teaching.
Companies will see a direct impact in the form of a workforce equipped with the skills they need to thrive.

“Our aim is to build a more integrated chain between education and the labor market in all partner regions,” Helene emphasizes.

Promising Early Results
While still in its early stages, Voltage is already showing progress. “We’ve collected valuable data on labor market demands and identified key competencies crucial for the battery sector. Our first external webinar, Collaborate with Success – Teknikcollege Swedish Model, was well-received, and we are preparing to launch the Teacher’s Forum to support collaboration and professional development for educators,” Helene shares.

These early successes reflect strong engagement from partners and signal that the project is firmly on the right track.

A Lasting Legacy
Looking ahead, Helene hopes Voltage will leave behind a sustainable infrastructure for collaboration between education and industry.

“This could take the form of a digital platform for skills development, new methods for identifying and addressing future skills needs, or enduring networks between key actors in the battery sector. Ultimately, we aim to create long-term impacts that support sustainable growth and a resilient labor market,” she concludes.

About Voltage

Voltage is a transformative and forward-looking Erasmus+ project that spearheads innovation in the dynamic and growing battery industry. Through strategic collaborations with partners in Finland, Germany, Portugal, Sweden and Türkiye, the project places a strong emphasis on vocational education and training (VET) to address the industry’s evolving demands. The project is co-funded by the European Union.