McMaster University & Mohawk College

McMaster University is teaming up with Mohawk Community College – both are located in Hamilton, Canada – for the three-year Battery Workforce Challenge collegiate competition.

The McMaster University & Mohawk College Battery Workforce Challenge team is committed to shaping a skilled and diverse workforce for the battery industry. It is the team's mission to foster learning, ignite passion and bridge the gap in battery technology careers, empowering individuals and advancing the energy revolution.

True progress comes from embracing innovation. The McMaster University & Mohawk College team is dedicated to exploring cutting-edge technologies, novel materials and innovative approaches to battery design. Here innovation is not just a goal; it's woven in to the fabric of the team's work, driving the crew to discover groundbreaking technologies that not only meet the highest performance standards but also adhere to the principles of environmental responsibility. The team's efforts are centered around creating solutions that contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Our team goals represent a commitment to excellence, growth and meaningful contributions to the battery industry. We believe that by setting clear objectives and success criteria, we can make a substantial impact in the various aspects of the Battery Workforce Challenge, such as engineering, communication, project management and DEI. Our team’s year one goals include:

• Effective Team Communication: Effective communication is crucial for team cohesion and building positive relationships with sponsors, mentors and industry experts. Therefore, our first communication goal is to implement a seamless internal communication system to enhance collaboration and information flow among team members, using the following the guideline:
  • Use a communication platform within the first two weeks of the competition
  • Achieve 100 percent participation in the platform within the first month of the competition
  • Ensure all team members receive updates within 24 hours of any critical project changes
  • Conduct a satisfaction survey after the first month, aiming for a score of 95 percent or higher
  • Maintain the established system throughout the competition
• Stakeholder Engagement: In the BattChallenge, stakeholders are not just supporters; they are catalysts for collaborative innovation. We aim to engage with sponsors and industry partners to ensure our solutions align with real-world needs, bringing practicality and relevance to our endeavors. We will implement the following stakeholder engagement activities:
  • Hold bi-monthly meetings with sponsors and mentors to provide detailed project updates
  • Secure additional sponsorship or support from at least two industry partners by the midpoint of the competition
  • Maintain an active social media presence, reaching a minimum of 500 followers by the end of the competition
  • Regularly showcase team progress on social media platforms to keep stakeholders engaged
  • Continuously remain engage with stakeholders throughout the competition
• Timely Milestone Achievement: Ensure that each project milestone is achieved within the designated timeframe.To do so, we will do the following:
  • Clearly define and communicate the timeline for each milestone in the project plan
  • Achieve 100 percent adherence to milestone deadlines
  • Regularly assess progress and allocate resources to address any potential delays
  • Align milestones with the overall project objectives
  • Complete each milestone within the specified timeframes throughout the competition