Author Archives: Elena Giorgi

Bradley White with Penn State University METAL Program

Check out this episode of Industrial Talk featuring Bradley White with Penn State University METAL Program.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Bradley White with Penn State University METAL Program about “The Profession of Metallurgy”.

The Industrial Talk podcast episode, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, features a discussion with Bradley White from Penn State’s METAL program. The program, which stands for Metallurgy, Metallurgical Engineering, Trade, Apprenticeship, and Learning, aims to train the next generation of workers in foundry skills. White, with 32 years of industry experience, is helping to establish a foundry lab at Penn State Barron, expected to be operational by 2027-2028. The program, funded by the Department of Defense, is expanding nationwide, with schools like Ohio State, Tennessee, and Purdue joining. The initiative emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world skills to inspire future industrial leaders.

 

 

 

Manufacturing Dive: Reality show Cast in Steel aims to attract next generation of metal casters

Original source: Manfacturing Dive

Six teams from schools across the U.S. cast and forge one of George Washington’s swords in a competition to win $25,000. The series is funded through a Defense Department $16.3 million contract.

A Department of Defense’s multimillion-dollar contract has brought a metal casting competition to the worldwide stage as reality show competition in an effort to spread awareness of the skill trade and inspire a new workforce.

Six teams from schools across the United States will be competing for a $25,000 cash prize on the season one finale of the metal casting reality show, Cast in Steel, airing Thursday on YouTube.

Read the story

 

 

Modern Casting: Reviving the Metalcasting Workforce: Keystone Foundry Trains the Next Generation

Original source: Modern Casting, August 2026 Issue

Twenty years ago, Adam Scheloske set out to transform Keystone Foundry into a world-class metal manufacturer. Today, METAL is helping fuel that vision — training the foundry’s workforce while preparing the next generation of American metal workers.

Read the story on page 28

 

Gear Technology: METAL’s Manufacturing Workforce Network

Original source: Gear Technology

A DoW-funded partnership brings online courses and hands-on bootcamps to Purdue’s foundry lab, training that feeds gear production.

Many students and job seekers are unfamiliar with the advanced technologies and career opportunities available in metal casting and forging. But thanks to the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program, led by the IACMI-The Composites Institute, that is changing. METAL is partnering with universities to showcase the rewarding careers these industries offer. Together, these institutions are hoping to revitalize American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable, and sustainable workforce development programs.

Read the story here

 

Closing the Manufacturing Skills Gap with IACMI’s Mike Kubacki and Elliot Keas (Part 1)

Check out this episode of Manufacturing Unscripted featuring Mike Kubacki and Elliot Keas with IACMI, The Composites Institute.

Peter Parsons sits down with Mike Kubacki and Elliot Keas of IACMI, the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing and Innovation, to talk about how they’re building the next generation of the manufacturing workforce. Mike directs the METAL program and Elliot directs the ACE program, and together they break down how these initiatives connect academia, industry, and government to close the skills gap in advanced manufacturing.

They dig into the K through 12 outreach efforts getting kids hands-on with sand casting and machining before they ever set foot in a factory, why foundries have declined 40 percent over the past 20 years and what that means for national defense, and the career paths (apprenticeships, boot camps, internships) that can lead to a six figure salary without a four year degree.

Mike and Elliot also share their own winding paths into manufacturing, from wire bonding microelectronics for space and defense projects to leading 600,000 square feet of manufacturing operations. This is part one of a two part conversation. Join us next episode as we continue the discussion with Mike and Elliot.

 

 

A Future in the Foundry: Wisconsin Precision Casting Corp. Teaches Anyone Who’s Ready to Cast

When Shannon Partick was 18, he applied for a job in the metal industry and was turned down.

Patrick grew up working with tools. He knew he could quickly learn the skills needed for the machine shop role he wanted, but the hiring manager told him he needed industry experience.

“He said, ‘Go out and get some experience and come back,’” Patrick remembered. “I asked him, ‘How am I supposed to get experience if nobody will hire me?’”

The manager didn’t have an answer.

“At that point, I said to myself, if I ever got into that position, I was never going to be that guy,” Patrick said. He’s been true to that promise. 

Patrick worked his way up from the foundry floor to become plant manager and co-owner of Wisconsin Precision Casting Corporation, a precision investment casting manufacturer. Today, he does whatever he can to help metal workers get their start, including K-12 outreach and mentoring college students in the Cast in Steel competition. 

Wisconsin Precision Casting Corporation produces investment castings in more than 180 alloys for industries ranging from agriculture and construction to medical equipment and food processing.

Lighting the Way to Metalcasting and Forging

When Patrick began his manufacturing career in the 1980s, U.S. steel employment had fallen 57% as foreign competition contributed to layoffs and plant closures. Jobs were scarce, and newcomers often struggled to find opportunities to learn skilled trades. 

Now, manufacturers face a different challenge. By 2033, there could be almost 4 million manufacturing jobs available in the U.S., without enough workers to fill nearly half the positions. As the nation rebuilds its metal workforce, employers like Wisconsin Precision Casting are looking for applicants who are reliable and eager to join the foundry’s mission.   

“If someone is willing to learn, if they’re open-minded about things, I can teach anybody how to be successful in this environment,” Patrick said. 

METAL, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, and Cast in Steel provide students and entry-level workers more opportunities to gain hands-on metal manufacturing experience — before applying for a foundry job. 

From immersive K–12 workshops to metallurgy bootcamps and paid apprenticeships, METAL introduces learners of all ages and backgrounds to metalcasting and forging. Cast in Steel challenges college engineering students to push their problem-solving skills by designing and casting a fully functional metal tool or weapon. Teams from across the country then come together to test their castings in a three-day competition.  

Both METAL and Cast in Steel are supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, which manages investments made pursuant to the Industrial Base Fund (10 U.S.C.  §4817), to accelerate the development of a highly skilled, self-sustaining U.S. workforce. 

Watch new episodes of Cast in Steel on YouTube.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Zachary Plett, a mechanical and manufacturing engineering technology student at the University of Northern Iowa, realized he was in over his head when he signed up to compete in the 2026 Cast in Steel Horseman’s Axe Challenge. 

Plett, 20, had learned sandcasting in his university’s foundry, but his team needed professional guidance to produce an axe strong enough for the competition’s performance tests. The students drove almost four hours to Wisconsin Precision Casting, hoping the foundry team could help bring their axe design to life. 

Plett remarked it “blew my mind” when he saw the scale of the operation.

“The same guys are back and forth all day pouring, putting in different molds,” Plett said. “It was a really good experience because it opened my eyes to how big it all truly is.”

Michael Malek found a different path into the foundry. The 25-year-old product engineer accepted a job with Wisconsin Precision Casting right out of college. He knew he wanted a career in manufacturing but wasn’t sure how he could use his mechanical engineering degree to solve real industry problems. 

“I didn’t know I was going to find my way to investment casting. That wasn’t necessarily covered,” Malek said about his college courses. 

In Patrick’s experience, most engineers who apply to the foundry immediately after graduation are “very, very green” in investment casting. 

“Very few universities offer investment casting, and when they do, everybody I’ve talked to said it’s maybe one chapter,” Patrick stated. 

At Wisconsin Precision Casting, Malek began developing hands-on skills that built on his college education. Only two years into his role, Malek works directly with customers on part designs, optimizes mold production and maintains the foundry’s robot. The robot is central to the shell-building stage of investment casting. It coats injected wax parts in ceramic, creating shells that are later filled with molten metal to produce the final castings. 

“Until you get into the field, you don’t know what skills you will need to sharpen,” Malek said. “Coming here has been really fun and interesting because you learn something new every single day. You’ll never be bored.” 

METAL’s metallurgy bootcamps help bridge the gap between classrooms and metalcasting. For up to a week, students and career seekers get an in-depth look at industry design and simulation software, material compositions and pouring processes. 

Anyone interested in learning metalcasting, forging or advanced manufacturing topics can start the experience with METAL’s free online training. After completing the required online training and earning a Credly badge, participants travel to one of METAL’s partner universities. There, leading metallurgists mentor them through their first casting pour.    

“You walk into the foundry and watch metal being poured. You’re taking something that’s a liquid at 3,000 degrees, and you’re going to turn it into a solid shape,” Patrick said. “It’s cool.” 

Whether it comes through a METAL course, Cast in Steel or an internship, Patrick believes any time spent in a professional foundry is invaluable. By working with the Wisconsin Precision Casting team, students learn about investment casting, foundry automation and the expectations they will face in the workplace. 

“They learn about what your boss will ask you, which can be a tough lesson,” Patrick noted. “Sometimes you get that in the moment at work instead of as an intern or a college student.”

Wisconsin Precision Casting’s robot builds ceramic shells around wax patterns, preparing them to be filled with molten metal. Product engineer Michael Malek helps maintain and program the system, which he says has made the process safer and expanded the range of castings the foundry can produce.

What Do American Foundries Need Most?

Exposure. 

Jose Duran, a supervisor at Wisconsin Precision Casting, has been with the company for more than 20 years. But until he applied for a job there, he didn’t know what a foundry was. 

Interested in mechanics, Duran attended a technical school after high school and realized he didn’t want to turn his love for cars into a career. He decided to return home to Wisconsin to figure out his next move. 

“I just had to get a job, and then I got this opportunity to see what a foundry was,” Duran said. “I never knew what a foundry was until I started working here. It was different from everything else.”

Duran accepted an entry-level role setting castings. He discovered life in the foundry wasn’t easy — it was interesting, exciting and hot — but he was up for every challenge it offered. Duran soon moved into a melter role, where he received extensive training in alloy chemistry from his teammates and supervisors. Like generations of foundry workers before him, Duran developed his skills on the job as experienced employees passed down their knowledge. 

“It’s an industry where it’s fun. You learn from it. You get better at it. You don’t have to have a master’s or Ph.D. or anything. We’ll show you,” Duran said. “That’s how I came up. I worked through all these years and I got to the position where I’m at because I understood the job.”

More than two decades later, Duran has turned a skilled trade he didn’t know existed into a career with purpose.   

Patrick believes more people might choose this career path if they learned about metalcasting sooner. 

“To be honest with you, it should go back to junior high — the middle school levels of metal shops and the industrial arts, exposing kids to power tools and saws and drills,” Patrick said. “Show them you can make things and you can fix things.” 

“When they started taking industrial arts out of the middle schools and even out of high schools, I think they did a disservice to this country,” he added.

Patrick does what he can to create those early experiences. He donates materials to local high schools, including 500 pounds of aluminum for one school’s sandcasting program, and provides foundry tours to interested student groups. He encourages teachers to reach out to see how they can introduce more young people to the possibilities of metal manufacturing. 

“If I see excitement, I’m going to give you all the time that you desire,” Patrick said. 

METAL also offers mini foundry experiences for K–12 students. Typically organized through partnerships between METAL’s university hubs and local schools, the workshops introduce students to metalcasting careers through fun, hands-on projects they can take home.

For metal workers, Wisconsin Precision Casting continues investing in employees after they’ve been hired through tuition reimbursement and a paid tool-and-die apprenticeship.  

“I don’t know how we could make it any more attractive,” Patrick said. 

He added, “we get to see all the different things we make that have an impact on somebody else’s life.”

Patrick never forgot how difficult it was to get his start in metal. Now, whether he’s welcoming a student tour, mentoring a Cast in Steel team or hiring someone new, he’s dedicated to giving the next generation their chance.

Ready to begin your metalcasting career? Start with METAL’s free online training, then visit our events page to find a hands-on bootcamp near you.

Kayla Konieczny with Erie Bronze and Aluminum

Check out this episode of Industrial Talk featuring Kayla Konieczny with Erie Bronze and Aluminum.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Kayla Konieczny, Sales and Procurement Specialist at Erie Bronze & Aluminum about “Manufacturing careers”.

Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevotec, a company offering ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions, and highlights the Industrial Talk Podcast’s focus on industry innovations and professionals. Kayla Konieczny, from Erie Bronze, discusses her career path from the food and car industries to her current role in procurement and manufacturing. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and the challenges of material sourcing, particularly the volatility of prices for metals like tin and aluminum. Kayla also highlights the need for more women in manufacturing due to their attention to detail and organizational skills. The conversation concludes with a call to support programs like Penn State’s METAL program to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.

 

 

 

“We Need You”: Gen Z Finds Careers That Matter at Ashland Foundry & Machine Works

John Mingst grew up in Bethpage, New York, a manufacturing town shaped by its long history of military and aerospace innovation. He remembers family members talking about working on the Apollo lunar module, and Grumman aircraft known as “the cats” — the Hellcat, Wildcat and Tomcat — were all part of his community’s identity. 

When it was time to choose a career, Mingst had no doubt he’d follow that legacy. Today, the 24-year-old engineer leads project management for the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program at Ashland Foundry & Machine Works, LLC (AFMW), a Pennsylvania manufacturer that specializes in fully machined iron castings for defense and other critical industries. 

“You could say it was in my blood,” Mingst said, “to work in the military aspect of industry.”

Mingst is part of a growing number of Generation Z pursuing careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades. METAL is fueling their momentum, helping more young people discover paths into metalcasting and forging through hands-on training. 

John Mingst, 24, is a project manager supporting the Navy’s nuclear manufacturing needs at Ashland Foundry & Machine Works, LLC.

Gen Z Redefines Career Success 

Gen Z has officially overtaken Baby Boomers in the workforce, and more young adults are expanding their definition of desirable careers to include manufacturing and skilled trades.

In 2024, economists found that nearly 25% of new hires in trade industries were 18 to 25 years old. Even with this growing interest, U.S. manufacturers could have 3.8 million positions to fill by 2033 without enough workers for nearly half the roles.

“You’ll walk through just about any domestic foundry and see a lot of old gray-haired guys like me, and you’re missing a lot of younger people,” said Tony Badamo, AFMW vice president of sales, marketing and engineering. “We need to play catch up.”

As President Donald J. Trump prioritizes reindustrialization, manufacturers need workers with advanced skills to cast and forge parts for fighter jets, naval ships, aircraft turbines, heavy equipment and nuclear energy. 

“There’s a lot of growth going on in nuclear power,” Badamo explained.

The stakes are especially high for the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program, which maintains the nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines that protect our nation. With ballistic missile submarine production expanding and shipbuilding and repair years behind schedule, foundries must be ready to deliver the castings the Navy depends on. 

“I’m going to borrow a line from Uncle Sam: We need you,” Badamo said.

Building the Foundry’s Talent Pipeline

Led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, METAL is accelerating the development of a highly-skilled metal workforce. Through hands-on bootcamps, K-12 workshops, free online training and apprenticeship support, METAL helps students and career seekers discover opportunities in the metal industry and gain the foundational experience to pursue them.

“A skilled engineer, in my opinion, is somebody that can walk in the foundry on day one and add value,” said Dr. Paul C. Lynch, an associate professor of industrial engineering who leads METAL’s bootcamps at Penn State Behrend. “How do you get there? It’s internships and real-world experiences working in the industry.”

AFMW is helping build that talent pipeline through research, internships and recruitment in partnership with Penn State Behrend. The foundry also sends new engineers to METAL’s bootcamps, where they can expand their knowledge of modern metalcasting and forging processes.

“METAL is a nice opportunity to give a young emerging engineer who’s never been in the industry a broad look at the foundry industry,” Badamo said. 

Ashland Foundry & Machine Works, LLC, a Pennsylvania iron manufacturer, partners with Penn State Behrend and METAL to give students and career seekers hands-on training and build stronger pathways to metalcasting and forging careers.

The Impact of Real-World Experience

Mingst had his first industry experience while he was in engineering school. He interned at TTM Technologies, a leader in advanced defense and aerospace communication, where he worked on microchips. Although the scale and processes differed from foundry work, Mingst said the internship provided him with the understanding to support the military’s manufacturing needs. 

“TTM builds the communication systems for Air Force One and all the modern F-35 fighter jets,” Mingst explained. “I really got exposed to how things work with the government and the military and how important it is, which I brought to my first full-time position.”

After graduating from SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Mingst followed his curiosity about machining to a process engineer position with defense and high-tech manufacturer PRL Inc. It was his first time in a foundry, and watching red-hot liquid metal cool into solid parts changed Mingst’s future. He was hooked. 

“I fell in love with getting down to the chemistry of the metals and the pouring practices,” he recalled. “That’s what led me down this path of ‘I want to continue to do this.’”

When an engineering position opened at AFMW, Mingst didn’t need much convincing to join the team. Badamo described the foundry as the manufacturing mothership for defense clients, with opportunities to help lead production of advanced metal products. Three months after Mingst joined AFMW as a project engineer, Badamo promoted him to program manager.

“We knew that we needed to shore up our talent pool,” Badamo explained. “There’s a real high demand for quality engineering support when you produce castings for the Navy’s Nuclear Program.”  

For Jack Nemshick, a 21-year-old mechanical engineering senior at Penn State, his first day at AFMW’s foundry was eye-opening.

“When I first got in, there was a lot more to it than I thought there would be. I thought they just pour the metal and then shake it out,” Nemshick said. “But they do pretty much everything from start to the finish, and that was really interesting to me.”

As an intern, Nemshick spent his summer learning heat treatment processes, researching material microstructures, and preparing a presentation for the Steel Founders’ Society of America.  

“We offer an immersive experience,” Badamo said. Whether training entry-level engineers, metal workers or student interns, AFMW prioritizes workforce development for industry newcomers.

“The first day you walk in the operation, you either say to yourself, ‘There’s no way I want to be here,’ or you’re like, ‘Hell yes, I’m all about this,’” Badamo said with a laugh.

Regardless of previous experience, Badamo believes the foundry is the best place to learn. 

“We just need people who want to come and work, who want to make something with their hands,” he said. “That’s first and foremost, because we’ll teach it. We’ll show you what you need to do.”

Jack Nemshick, 21, is a mechanical engineering senior at Penn State University who had his first hands-on foundry experience as a summer intern at Ashland Foundry & Machine Works, LLC.

Closing Metal’s Skills Gap 

Thanks to METAL, students and potential metal workers don’t need to wait until their first day on the job to discover if they’re a good fit for the metal industry. 

METAL’s metallurgical bootcamps provide up to a week of hands-on metalcasting and forging experience at university foundries nationwide. Participants begin with the fundamentals of the casting process, designing molds and testing pour simulations with CAD software. They also study quality tests that metallurgists use to evaluate bridge beams, aircraft components and products people depend on every day.

Before the bootcamp ends, participants suit up for the foundry. Clad from head to toe in fire-resistant gear, each one learns how to guide a ladle filled with molten metal and complete a safe pour. They leave with pieces they cast or forged themselves and a clearer picture of where these skills can take them.

“We need people to recognize there are career opportunities here,” Badamo explained. 

AFMW recently collaborated with METAL on a virtual reality tour of its foundry for job candidates and bootcamp participants. The video offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a pattern maker, molder, operator, cleaning area worker, and quality inspector. METAL plans to share the tour with middle school students during week-long K-12 workshops, where they’ll also practice casting with chocolate and aluminum.

“If you don’t see it, you just have no idea what you’re getting into and you wouldn’t know if it’s a career you’d want,” said Crystal Bentley, communications and public affairs manager at IACMI. “It’s important to have visuals like this on the front and the back end of training.”

Mingst can’t imagine a more exciting career choice, and he’s following his dream: contributing to mission-critical work the nation depends on. 

“You learn a lot coming right out of school very quickly in this industry,” Mingst said, adding, “this industry is going to stay in the United States. It has to, and the foundries are still strong.” 

Ashland Foundry & Machine Works produces and tests iron castings weighing up to 10,000 pounds for naval vessels, defense systems and other critical applications.

Ready to forge America’s future? Explore METAL’s free online training and hands-on bootcamps to discover careers in metalcasting and forging. Visit our events page to find a bootcamp near you.   

METAL is supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, which manages investments made pursuant to the Industrial Base Fund (10 U.S.C  §4817). 

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METAL announces four new partnerships to advance workforce training in metalworking and manufacturing

University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering, University of Northern Iowa, Cleveland State University and Texas State University strengthen growing national network of METAL hubs

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (August 3, 2026) – The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce four new partnerships to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals: the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering, the University of Northern Iowa, Cleveland State University and Texas State University. Supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting and forging.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) College of Engineering, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), Cleveland State University (CSU), and Texas State University (TXST) will implement METAL’s nationally recognized curriculum in their programs, beginning with a combination of online training and immersive in-person bootcamps held in manufacturing labs equipped for metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities.

In addition to adult training, most of these programs will lead outreach efforts for K–12 students by offering workshops and partnering with high schools and other local and regional schools to spark early interest in metallurgical careers. 

“METAL is proud to partner with the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering, the University of Northern Iowa, Cleveland State University, and Texas State University to strengthen the metalworking and manufacturing talent pipeline,” said Michael Kubacki, METAL Program Director at IACMI. “By investing in hands-on training and skill development, we’re not only helping individuals build successful futures – we’re contributing to the next generation of manufacturing excellence.”

Upon completing online and in-person bootcamp training, participants at each METAL partner may enter a stacked curriculum offering a menu of specialized training opportunities within METAL, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience, including an enhanced focus on automation in the casting and forging industry. 

“We are excited to have the UW-Madison College of Engineering participate in this manufacturing workforce development program and to partner with the UW-Madison School of Education to leverage the Art Department’s foundry,” said Frank Pfefferkorn, a professor of mechanical engineering who is leading the METAL program at UW-Madison. “Inspiring people to pursue careers in metal casting and forging continues a long-standing tradition in the state of Wisconsin, which has the most foundries per capita of any state in the U.S. Anyone who is interested can participate in the hands-on experiential bootcamps – no prior knowledge or experience is required.”

“Metal casting has been a cornerstone of the University of Northern Iowa’s academic programs for generations, and this partnership allows us to introduce more students to the tremendous opportunities within the industry,” said Nathaniel Bryant, associate director of the UNI Metal Casting Center. “We are excited and proud to join the METAL network and provide the workforce training that will help meet the evolving needs of manufacturers across Iowa and the nation.”

“At the CSU Washkewicz College of Engineering, we believe the best engineering education combines a strong academic foundation with meaningful hands-on learning,” said Tushar Borkar, professor of Mechanical Engineering at CSU. “Through our partnership with METAL, students and industry professionals will gain practical experience in advanced manufacturing and forging technologies, helping build the highly skilled workforce needed to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing ecosystem and support the future of American manufacturing.”

“We are very excited to join and contribute to the METAL network and to be able to provide these high-quality training opportunities to our students and the people of the state of Texas,” said Luis Trueba, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at TXST.

UW-Madison College of Engineering, UNI, CSU and TXST’s partnerships with METAL include plans to:

  • Provide online training, progressing to hands-on, in-person bootcamps conducted within manufacturing labs, equipped with metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities
  • Execute multiple in-person bootcamps for program participants throughout the course of their tenure
  • Hold numerous workshops for K-12 students (select sites)
  • Foster collaborations with local high schools and community colleges. This strategic partnership will focus on integrating METAL training into their educational curriculum, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing
  • Host metalworking job fairs to provide a platform for student recruitment (select sites)
  • Establish academic credit for secondary and post-secondary students and non-credit pathways including courses that can be applied to micro credentials, industry certifications, apprenticeships and degree tracks. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and future educational opportunities in metallurgy.

Last month, IACMI announced plans to expand METAL and America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), another workforce development program focused on machining and manufacturing, to 53 new locations at universities, colleges and trade schools by 2030, bringing the total number of sites to more than 100. Additionally, IACMI will introduce new initiatives to engage over 50,000 K-12 students and provide hundreds of internship opportunities.

UW-Madison College of Engineering, UNI, CSU, and TXST’s additions to the METAL network strengthen a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Tech, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, NC State, Purdue University, and Georgia Southern University. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.

For more information about METAL at UW-Madison College of Engineering, UNI, CSU and/or TXST, please contact:

Sarah Pope
Email: Sarah@piper-communications.com
Phone: 865-329-0553 

About METAL
Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL), led by IACMI, is an industry-driven initiative aimed at providing high-quality, hands-on training in the metalworking and manufacturing sectors. The program is designed to address workforce development needs by offering comprehensive curricula in casting, forging and metallurgy, with an emphasis on automation and modern manufacturing technologies.

About IACMI
IACMI – The Composites Institute® is a national public-private partnership focused on advancing composite materials and process technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of War, IACMI brings together over 170 members from industry, academia, and government to drive manufacturing innovation and workforce development.

About the University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, prepares students for success through personalized learning, hands-on experiences and an education that delivers exceptional value. Serving more than 9,000 students and offering more than 160 areas of study, UNI combines nationally recognized academic programs with the support and real-world opportunities that help students graduate confident, career-ready and prepared to make an impact.

About the University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting Center

The University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting Center (MCC) is in the Applied Engineering Building on UNI’s main campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  As leaders in independent research specializing in metal casting materials, processes and technology, the UNI Metal Casting Center focuses on materials research, metal manufacturing and foundry education.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution located in the heart of downtown Cleveland with 13,000-plus students, eight colleges and more than 175 academic programs. CSU leverages its unique location and strategic partnerships to equip learners with knowledge and future-ready skills for infinite opportunities. Through innovative research, dedicated service and exceptional talent, CSU addresses the evolving needs of Northeast Ohio. Find more information at csuohio.edu. 

About Texas State University

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is among the largest universities in Texas with an enrollment of more than 44,000 students on campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Texas State’s 251,000-plus alumni are a powerful force in serving the economic workforce needs of Texas and throughout the world.

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Cleveland State University partners with METAL to provide workforce training in casting and forging

CLEVELAND, Ohio (July 31, 2026) – The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce a new partnership with Cleveland State University (CSU) to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting and forging.

Cleveland State University (CSU) will implement METAL’s nationally recognized curriculum in its program, combining online training with immersive in-person bootcamps focused on casting and forging.

In addition to adult training, these programs will include executing and hosting metalworking job fairs with local companies to provide interviews and hiring opportunities for participants, including internships, apprenticeships and full-time employment.

“We are excited to welcome Cleveland State to the growing list of METAL university partners,” said Mike Kubacki, METAL Program Director. “METAL has made a significant impact on thousands of people and the metalworking and manufacturing industries. Our partnership with Cleveland State will provide increased access to training and enable students and adults to acquire the skills needed to join the workforce quickly.”

Upon completing online and in-person bootcamp training, participants may enter a stacked curriculum that offers a menu of specialized training opportunities within METAL, allowing them to tailor their learning experience, including an enhanced focus on automation in the casting and forging industry. 

“At the CSU Washkewicz College of Engineering, we believe the best engineering education combines a strong academic foundation with meaningful hands-on learning,” said Tushar Borkar, professor of Mechanical Engineering at CSU. “Through our partnership with METAL, students and industry professionals will gain practical experience in advanced manufacturing and forging technologies, helping build the highly skilled workforce needed to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing ecosystem and support the future of American Manufacturing.”

CSU’s partnership with METAL includes plans to:

  • Conduct a minimum of 8 hands-on, in-person bootcamps, with an emphasis on forging, for at least 200 participants throughout the contract period. CSU’s goal for bootcamp participants includes at least 40% participation from public, industry and other groups, while the other percentage will consist of CSU students.
  • Foster collaborations with local high schools, community colleges and other universities. These strategic partnerships will focus on integrating METAL training into their educational curricula, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing. 
  • Develop and sustain an industry engagement strategy, expanding relationships with regional employers representing metalworking sectors to ensure training remains aligned with current workforce demands. Engagement activities include:
    • Inviting industry partners to participate in networking events, guest speaking opportunities, technical presentations and workforce panels designed to increase awareness of career pathways within the metalworking sector
    • Encouraging industry partners to participate in on-site training activities, including attendance at in-person bootcamps, demonstrations of real-world applications, and direct engagement with participants to communicate skill expectations, hiring needs, and emerging workforce trends
    • Encouraging employers to utilize METAL online and instructor-led curriculum as part of incumbent worker training, apprenticeship development, and new employee onboarding processes
    • Inviting industry partners to host facility tours, participate in onsite job fairs, provide interviews and hiring opportunities for participants, and contribute subject matter expertise to continuous improvement teams responsible for curriculum review and modification
    • Inviting industry partners to participate in advisory boards, provide internships and mentorship opportunities and identify emerging technologies and process needs to ensure curriculum remains relevant to the evolving metalworking workforce
  • Establish academic credit and non-credit pathways, including courses that can be applied to micro credentials, industry certifications, apprenticeships and degree tracks. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and a future in metalworking.

Last month, IACMI announced plans to expand METAL and America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), another workforce development program focused on machining and manufacturing, of which CSU is also a partner, to 53 new locations at universities, colleges and trade schools by 2030, bringing the total number of sites to more than 100. Additionally, IACMI will introduce new initiatives to engage over 50,000 K-12 students and provide hundreds of internship opportunities.

Cleveland State University’s addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Tech, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, NC State, Purdue University, Georgia Southern University, University of Madison-Wisconsin and the University of Northern Iowa. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.

For more information about METAL at Cleveland State University, please contact:

Sarah Pope
Email: Sarah@piper-communications.com
Phone: 865-329-0553 

About METAL
Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL), led by IACMI, is an industry-driven initiative aimed at providing high-quality, hands-on training in the metalworking and manufacturing sectors. The program is designed to address workforce development needs by offering comprehensive curricula in casting, forging and metallurgy, with an emphasis on automation and modern manufacturing technologies.

About IACMI
IACMI – The Composites Institute® is a national public-private partnership focused on advancing composite materials and process technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of War, IACMI brings together over 170 members from industry, academia, and government to drive manufacturing innovation and workforce development.

About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution located in the heart of downtown Cleveland with 13,000-plus students, eight colleges and more than 175 academic programs. CSU leverages its unique location and strategic partnerships to equip learners with knowledge and future-ready skills for infinite opportunities. Through innovative research, dedicated service and exceptional talent, CSU addresses the evolving needs of Northeast Ohio. Find more information at csuohio.edu. 

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Texas State University partners with METAL to advance workforce training in metalworking and manufacturing

SAN MARCOS, Texas (July 24, 2026) – The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce a new partnership with Texas State University (TXST) to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting and forging.

TXST will implement METAL’s nationally recognized curriculum in its program, beginning with a combination of online training and immersive in-person bootcamps held at a manufacturing lab, equipped for metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities.

In addition to adult training, these programs will lead outreach efforts for K–12 students by offering workshops and partnering with high schools and other local and regional schools to spark early interest in metallurgical careers. 

“Texas State University is a valuable addition to the METAL program,” said Mike Kubacki, METAL Program Director at IACMI. “Partnerships with educational institutions not only enhance awareness of the advanced technologies and career paths that these industries provide, but also create meaningful opportunities through internships and apprenticeships, ultimately helping place participants in high-paying, rewarding careers.”

Upon completing online and in-person bootcamp training, participants may enter a stacked curriculum offering a menu of specialized training opportunities within METAL, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience, including an enhanced focus on automation in the casting and forging industry. 

“We are very excited to join and contribute to the METAL network and to be able to provide these high-quality training opportunities to our students and the people of the state of Texas,” said Luis Trueba, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at TXST.

TXST’s partnership with METAL includes plans to:

  • Provide online training, progressing to hands-on, in-person bootcamps conducted within a manufacturing lab, equipped with metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities
  • Execute a minimum of 10 in-person bootcamps for at least 160 participants throughout the course of its tenure
  • Hold at least nine outreach events for a minimum of 300 K-12 students
  • Foster collaborations with local high schools and community colleges. This strategic partnership will focus on integrating METAL training into their educational curriculum, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing. 
  • Establish academic credit for secondary and post-secondary students and non-credit pathways including courses that can be applied to micro credentials, industry certifications, apprenticeships and degree tracks. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and a future in manufacturing. 

Last month, IACMI announced plans to expand METAL and America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), another workforce development program focused on machining and manufacturing, to 53 new locations at universities, colleges and trade schools by 2030, bringing the total number of sites to more than 100. Additionally, IACMI will introduce new initiatives to engage over 50,000 K-12 students and provide hundreds of internship opportunities.

TXST’s addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Tech, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, NC State, Purdue University, Georgia Southern University, the University of Wiconsin-Madison, the University of Northern Iowa and Cleveland State University. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.

For more information about METAL at TXST, please contact:

Sarah Pope
Email: Sarah@piper-communications.com
Phone: 865-329-0553 

About METAL
Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL), led by IACMI, is an industry-driven initiative aimed at providing high-quality, hands-on training in the metalworking and manufacturing sectors. The program is designed to address workforce development needs by offering comprehensive curricula in casting, forging and metallurgy, with an emphasis on automation and modern manufacturing technologies.

About IACMI
IACMI – The Composites Institute® is a national public-private partnership focused on advancing composite materials and process technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of War, IACMI brings together over 170 members from industry, academia, and government to drive manufacturing innovation and workforce development.

About Texas State University

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is among the largest universities in Texas with an enrollment of more than 44,000 students on campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock. Texas State’s 251,000-plus alumni are a powerful force in serving the economic workforce needs of Texas and throughout the world.

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University of Northern Iowa partners with METAL to provide workforce training in casting and forging

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (July 23, 2026) – The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting and forging.

UNI will implement METAL’s nationally recognized curriculum in its program, combining online training with immersive in-person bootcamps focused on casting and forging.

In addition to adult training, these programs will include outreach efforts for K–12 students through workshops and partnering with high schools and other local and regional schools to spark early interest in metallurgical careers. 

“The University of Northern Iowa brings significant value to the METAL program,” said Mike Kubacki, METAL Program Director. “Partnerships with educational institutions strengthen awareness of advanced manufacturing technologies and the diverse career opportunities available within the industry. These partnerships create pathways for internships and apprenticeships that equip participants with practical experience and help connect them to well-paying, fulfilling careers.”

Upon completing online and in-person bootcamp training, participants may enter a stacked curriculum that offers a menu of specialized training opportunities within METAL, allowing them to tailor their learning experience, including an enhanced focus on automation in the casting and forging industry. 

“Metal casting has been a cornerstone of the University of Northern Iowa’s academic programs for generations, and this partnership allows us to introduce more students to the tremendous opportunities within the industry,” said Nathaniel Bryant, associate director of the UNI Metal Casting Center. “We are excited and proud to join the METAL network and provide the workforce training that will help meet the evolving needs of manufacturers across Iowa and the nation.”

UNI’s partnership with METAL includes plans to:

  • Conduct a minimum of 12 hands-on, in-person bootcamps for at least 175 participants throughout the contract period
  • Hold at least 10 outreach events for a minimum of 250 K-12 students
  • Foster collaborations with local high schools and community colleges. These strategic partnerships will focus on integrating METAL training into their educational curricula, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing. 
  • Establish academic credit for secondary and post-secondary students and non-credit pathways, including courses that can be applied to micro credentials, industry certifications, apprenticeships and degree tracks. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and a future in manufacturing. 

Last month, IACMI announced plans to expand METAL and America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), another workforce development program focused on machining and manufacturing, to 53 new locations at universities, colleges and trade schools by 2030, bringing the total number of sites to more than 100. Additionally, IACMI will introduce new initiatives to engage over 50,000 K-12 students and provide hundreds of internship opportunities.

The University of Northern Iowa’s addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Tech, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, NC State, Purdue University, Georgia Southern University and the University of Madison-Wisconsin. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.

For more information about METAL at the University of Northern Iowa, please contact:

Pete Moris
Email: pete.moris@uni.edu

Sarah Pope
Email: sarah@piper-communications.com 
Phone: 865-329-0553 

About METAL
Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL), led by IACMI, is an industry-driven initiative aimed at providing high-quality, hands-on training in the metalworking and manufacturing sectors. The program is designed to address workforce development needs by offering comprehensive curricula in casting, forging and metallurgy, with an emphasis on automation and modern manufacturing technologies.

About IACMI
IACMI – The Composites Institute® is a national public-private partnership focused on advancing composite materials and process technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of War, IACMI brings together over 170 members from industry, academia, and government to drive manufacturing innovation and workforce development.

About the University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa, located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, prepares students for success through personalized learning, hands-on experiences and an education that delivers exceptional value. Serving more than 9,000 students and offering more than 160 areas of study, UNI combines nationally recognized academic programs with the support and real-world opportunities that help students graduate confident, career-ready and prepared to make an impact.

About the University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting Center
The University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting Center (MCC) is in the Applied Engineering Building on UNI’s main campus in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  As leaders in independent research specializing in metal casting materials, processes and technology, the UNI Metal Casting Center focuses on materials research, metal manufacturing and foundry education. 

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