St. Clair students graduate from Canada’s first condensed Electric Battery Manufacturing program

Graduates of the Battery Manufacturing Certificate program at St. Clair College stand with College President Michael Silvaggi in Windsor, Ont. on Jan. 26, 2025. (Source: Rich Garton/St. Clair College)

The first group of students in St. Clair College’s Electric Vehicle Battery Manufacturing program have graduated. The five-month condensed certificate program put students on a fast track into the battery manufacturing sector, marking the first of its kind in the country.

The ceremony was held on Jan. 26, as 24 graduates walked the stage. Not only did it mark a special day for students, the partnership between St. Clair and industry companies was highlighted.

“It has been St. Clair College’s honour to partner with Unifor, Stellantis, LGES, and NextStar Energy to play a role in the inception of this exciting new local manufacturing advancement,” said Michael Silvaggi, President of St. Clair College.

“You are professional pioneers, for you bear the expertise associated with the key component if the newest, most revolutionary and most important automotive technology to find its way from the drawing board to the shop floor.”

The graduates ranged from their 20s to 50s, some entering the field fresh out of high school, while others were pivoting in their career paths.

“This program has transformed devastating job losses into a remarkable new career opportunity,” said Emile Nabbout, President of Unifor Local 195.

“We needed an effective education lead, which can coordinate between corporations and labour, and in this case, St. Clair College was the first college to step up to the plate to introduce this program.”