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. (July 31, 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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