This e-Paper has been created to present the vision, structure, and practical impact of the PIECE Project’s comprehensive training programme for the Digital Battery Passport (DPP). Developed by a consortium of European industry leaders, training providers, and research organisations, the initiative responds to the urgent skills gap identified in the battery sector as it transitions towards a circular economy. By outlining the project’s background, needs analysis, assessment tools, and multi-level training modules, this document serves as both an informative resource for stakeholders and a roadmap for organisations aiming to future-proof their operations against evolving EU regulations. It showcases how PIECE equips professionals—from entry-level learners to strategic leaders—with the competence to integrate, manage, and innovate with the DPP, ensuring industry readiness ahead of mandatory implementation.

Driving Circularity through Skills: The PIECE Project’s Training Pathway for the Digital Battery Passport

 About the Project

The PIECE Project aims to support the European battery industry’s shift toward a circular economy by equipping both industry leaders and training providers with essential skills to implement the Digital Battery Passport (DBP). This initiative increases transparency, enhances lifecycle management, and ensures compliance with evolving EU regulations.

It empowers top-level managers and production teams to take proactive action ahead of mandatory requirements.

 The Consortium

Led by UCRS (Denmark), the consortium unites AIMEN (Spain), ASA and EWF (Belgium), FAN3D (Portugal), OLIFE (Czech Republic), and Minespider (Germany). This pan-European collaboration guarantees technically robust, relevant, and impactful educational materials.

 Needs assessment and Training preparation

Through extensive desk research, two targeted surveys (one focused on VET providers, one on industry), and a roundtable with external experts, the project identified urgent gaps in:

• Regulatory compliance, environmental impact, blockchain applications, data security
• Data ownership and sharing protocols

These findings shaped later on PIECE’s training design to be both relevant and learner focused.

Respondents and experts considered that there is a notable lack of awareness and understanding about the benefits DPPs can offer to companies, as well as a deficiency in technical knowledge on how to implement them. Experts recommended showcasing real case scenarios to demonstrate the advantages of DPPs, particularly within the battery sector, to increase awareness and understanding. Furthermore, the decision that the training should target managers has been taken by the consortium.  

Findings confirmed the urgency of developing a structured, multi-level training programme and practical assessment tools.

From Round Table to Training Design

The round table gathered experts to validate survey findings and define industry-driven training requirements. Key outcomes included: competency priorities, practical delivery methods, and industry alignment for maximum adoption.

 Assessment Tool

To support organisations in mapping their readiness, PIECE developed a Maturity Assessment Tool that:

 Training Structure and Content

The PIECE Project delivers a comprehensive three-level training programme designed to equip professionals in the battery value chain with the skills and knowledge to implement, manage, and optimise the Digital Battery Passport (DPP).

The programme addresses industry needs identified through the preliminary steps of the project, ensuring relevance and practical applicability. Each of the three competence units is gradually progressing from foundational knowledge to advanced strategies and innovation.

The training also follows a modular approach. Each module is designed to function independently, offering learners greater flexibility. Therefore, if a learner already has some basic knowledge, they can take an initial assessment to validate it and begin directly with Module 2, which may better suit their learning needs.

Level 1 –  Introduction to the Digital Product Passport and its Significance in the Battery Industry

This unit builds a foundational understanding of the DPP, introducing participants to its purpose, structure, and role in supporting the EU Circular Economy objectives. It combines theoretical knowledge with interactive discussions and case-based learning.

Main Topics

• Overview of the DPP and benefits
• Regulatory Requirements and standards
• Supply chain and stakeholders’ roles
• Data and Intellectual Property (IP)and ownership basics

Case Studies & Learning Tools

– Case study on DPP implementation in a European battery manufacturer

Level 2 – Intermediate Module:  Implementation and Management of Digital Battery Passport

This unit focuses on embedding DPP into organisational processes and leveraging digital tools for operational excellence. It uses real-world case studies to demonstrate best practices in data security, stakeholder engagement, and compliance monitoring.

Main Topics

• Understanding DBP Requirements and Compliance Guidelines
• Integrating DBP into Business Operations
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
• Passport Labels, Support Digital Tools and Technologies

Case Studies & Learning Tools

– Examples of successful digital tool integration for DPP management

– Group discussion and problem-solving exercises

Level 3 – Advanced Module: DBP Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

This advanced unit empowers participants to optimise DPP systems, adopt predictive technologies, and drive innovation in sustainability and compliance. It draws on global best practices to benchmark performance and explore future trends.

Main Topics

• DBP Analytics
• Assessing the Current State of Supply Chain, Production and Sustainability
• Tackling IP Protection and data Security along supply chain
• Regulatory Landscape

Case Studies & Learning Tools

– International benchmarking and best practice analysis

– Guides on advanced analytics, IoT integration, and regulatory compliance

Delivery Methods Across All Levels

– Expert-led presentations with visual learning aids

– Interactive elements: Q&A sessions, group discussions, workshops

– Supplementary materials: Handouts, guides, case studies, and digital toolkits

Learning Outcomes

By completing the three competence units, participants achieve a comprehensive skill set covering basic awareness, operational integration, and strategic innovation for the Digital Battery Passport, enabling effective implementation in their organisations.

 Advantages offered by the training

Strong Link with Industry

The training content is rooted in real-world industrial needs, with case studies, sector-specific examples, and technology showcases ensuring applicability for manufacturers, suppliers, and regulators.

Peer Review of Materials

All training resources underwent peer review by consortium members and industry representatives to guarantee accuracy, relevance, and usability.

Flexible, Modular, and Practical Learning

Learners benefit from a highly flexible learning path, informed by a pre-assessment that ensures training starts at the most relevant level. The modular design, blending theory with practical content, enhances engagement and effectiveness.project-piece.eu+1

 Spreading the knowledge

Train-the-Trainers & Piloting

In April 2025, a Train-the-Trainers event in Lisbon gathered 15 trainers to refine and validate the materials, promoting quality and consistency. This milestone preceded the rollout of pilot sessions, now underway across partner countries, including online sessions with 30 participants by ASA. Pilot sessions offer valuable information about how the training structure and content could be improved before being advertised through the multiplier events.

 Way Forward

PIECE will:

– Roll out the training programme across Europe

– Continue updating content in line with evolving DPP regulations and technological innovations

– Foster long-term collaboration between industry and training providers to maintain high skill levels in the battery sector.

Learn more: http://project-piece.eu