As the UK accelerates towards net zero by 2050 and securing its cleaner energy future, batteries will play an essential part in enabling decarbonisation across transport, energy storage, and manufacturing.

The Government’s 2030 vision is for the UK to have a globally competitive battery supply chain that supports economic prosperity and the net zero transition. A thriving, innovative and collaborative battery ecosystem is pivotal to realising this vision.  

To help strengthen this ecosystem, we are launching a fully funded Mentoring Programme to support early career professionals (0 - 5 years' experience), including final-year PhD students, those working in Research Technology Organisations and directly in industry.

This programme is designed to link the full battery value chain - from materials and cell manufacturing to integration, battery end-users, recycling, and end-of-life - creating meaningful connections and supporting the next generation of talent.  

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We are seeking to recruit both mentors and mentees from across the UK battery value chain. 

• Mentors: Experienced professionals from across the battery value chain. No prior mentoring experience needed as training and support provided. 

• Mentees: Early career individuals (0–5 years' experience), including final-year PhD students, Research Technology Organisations, and industry professionals. 

This programme is part of a wider effort to ensure that the UK battery innovation landscape is inclusive, connected, and equipped with the diverse leadership and talent needed to drive long-term success. 

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The programme has two key strands: Mentor Training and Structured Mentoring Sessions:

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Strand 1: Mentor Training: 

A key aspect of this programme is ensuring mentors are supported and empowered to enable them to maximise their mentoring impact. The training is aimed at building confidence and a toolkit for new mentors whilst also providing those with previous mentor experience a fresh perspective and additional strategies. 

The training will focus on: 

• Guidance and support strategies: Providing frameworks for effective mentoring, including goal setting, feedback delivery, and problem-solving. 

• Adaptive mentoring and coaching tools: Enhancing the mentor’s ability to understand and respond to the mentee’s needs. 

• Continuous development: Mentors will be given resources and access to a support network to further their own professional development during and after the programme. 

Strand 2: Structured Mentoring Sessions: 

Participants will be carefully matched based on alignment of goals and expectations, ensuring a productive and supportive mentoring relationship. 

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Eligibility:  

• Mentors must work in the UK battery sector and have professional experience in the supply chain e.g. materials/manufacturing, cells, packs, modules, battery integration, recycling/end-of-life, end-user (automotive or non-automotive).  

• Mentors should have a desire to give back and support the next generation of leaders (prior mentoring experience is not a requirement).

• Mentees must work or research in the UK battery value chain e.g. materials/manufacturing, cells, packs, modules, battery integration, testing & characterisation, recycling/end-of-life, end-user (automotive or non-automotive).

• Mentees should be individuals looking to advance in their careers and gain insight into leadership and innovation within their sector.  

We welcome applicants from underrepresented groups seeking leadership and career development opportunities.

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Key details:

As this is a funded programme, there is a requirement to fully commit to the programme. The time commitment is around 2 hours a month for each mentoring relationship from December 2025 to May 2026, with an additional time of around 6 – 8 hours for mentor training up front for mentors which can be done flexibly spread over Oct – Dec 2025. All training will be delivered virtually, and mentoring sessions are also expected to be delivered virtually, unless matched pairs are able and choose to arrange in-person meetings.

Key dates: 

• Application deadline: 23:59 on 29th Sept 2025 

• Mentors will be notified of outcome by 10th Oct 2025 

• Mentor Training online kick-off workshop 20th Oct 2025 11:00 - 12:00

• Mentee-Mentor online kick-off workshop 1st Dec 2025 12:00 - 13:30

• Mentoring Meetings will run Dec 2025 – May 2026

• Mentee-Mentor online Speed Mentoring workshop 13th Jan 2026 12:00 - 13:15

• Mentee-Mentor IN-PERSON workshop, London, 29th Jan 2026 11:00 - 15:00

• Programme completes end May 2026 

• Mentee-Mentor online close-out workshop 8th June 12:00 - 13:00