Powering Canada’s EV Workforce with VIROO
Preparing hundreds of workers in Windsor-Essex, Ontario, for high-skilled roles in Canada’s rapidly expanding battery manufacturing sector.
The region’s NextStar Energy plant – a $5 billion Stellantis-LG Energy Solutions venture – underlines Windsor-Essex’s growing role in North America’s electric battery supply chain.
The Battery Boost program, led by Invest WindsorEssex (IWE) and delivered with support from NextStar Energy, aims to equip participants for technician positions in battery manufacturing.
Running from February 2025 through March 2026, the program targets laid-off workers and professionals looking to transition into advanced manufacturing.
The program leverages the enterprise XR platform to provide scalable, immersive training in battery manufacturing, replacing costly on-site training with risk-free virtual simulations,
“How do we prepare hundreds of new workers for jobs that don’t yet exist in a physical space? That’s where VIROO comes in. By leveraging virtual reality, we’re not just solving today’s training challenges. We’re setting a new standard for the future. Our region is leading the way in innovation and our workforce is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow?”
Ed Dawson, Executive Director, Automobility & Innovation Centre, Invest WindsorEssex
Early outcomes of the program demonstrate strong demand and impact:
- 500+ candidates expressed interest within the first 24 hours of launch, with over 2,500 applications received.
- The Battery Boost Program has exceeded its target of 400 participants scheduled to complete the training across 10 cohorts.
- 97 percent of graduates have secured positions in the battery manufacturing sector, highlighting alignment with employer needs.
By combining these efforts with Virtualware’s XR expertise, Battery Boost is building Canada’s next-generation battery workforce while strengthening Windsor-Essex’s reputation in advanced manufacturing and clean technology.
📧 Contact us by form
💬 Join us on Discord
💼 Follow us on linkedIn
▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube
🤝 Become a Partner