Texas A&M University-Kingsville partners with METAL to advance workforce training in metalworking and manufacturing

KINGSVILLE, Texas (September 8, 2026) – The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce a new partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) 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.

TAMUK 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.

“METAL gives us a powerful platform to expand advanced manufacturing training in South Texas,” said Jeff West, Chief Workforce Development Officer at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “This partnership will help prepare more individuals with the skills and credentials needed by today’s manufacturing employers.”

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 A&M-Kingsville is an outstanding partner for the METAL program because of its deep expertise in engineering and advanced manufacturing, strong connections to industry, and commitment to hands-on workforce development,” said Mike Kubacki, METAL Program Director at IACMI. “By bringing those capabilities together through METAL, we can give students and workers the practical skills and real-world experience they need to build rewarding careers in metalworking while helping strengthen the talent pipeline that is so critical to the U.S. manufacturing and defense industrial base.”

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.

“The partnership with METAL strengthens Texas A&M-Kingsville’s commitment to providing accessible, industry-responsive engineering education and workforce development opportunities throughout South Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Heidi A. Taboada, Dean of the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “By combining TAMUK’s engineering expertise and hands-on learning environment with METAL’s nationally recognized workforce training, we can create stronger pathways from education to employment while supporting the manufacturing capabilities that are essential to our nation’s economic and industrial security.”

TAMUK’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 18 in-person bootcamps for at least 270 participants by the end of 2028
Hold at least ten outreach events for a minimum of 3,000 K-12 students and four half-day workshops serving a minimum of 50 participants
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.
Develop and sustain industry partnerships with regional metalworking employers to align training with workforce needs. Activities include employer participation in hands-on training, networking events and panels, integration of the METAL curriculum into workforce training, and creating hiring opportunities for participants.
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.

Earlier this summer, 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.

Texas A&M-Kingsville’s addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of 18 contracted METAL sites across 13 states. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.

For more information about METAL at TAMUK, please contact:

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

Mark Molina
Email: Mark.Molina@tamuk.edu
Phone: 361-593-4532

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 190 members from industry, academia, and government to drive manufacturing innovation and workforce development.

About Texas A&M University-Kingsville
The first institution of higher learning in South Texas, Texas A&M University-Kingsville advances the region through academic excellence, student success, innovative research, workforce development, and strong community impact. The university offers nationally recognized academic programs in engineering, animal and wildlife sciences, education, kinesiology, social work, business, and music. Home to renowned research centers including the National Natural Toxins Research Center, the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the Citrus Center, and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, Texas A&M-Kingsville is a Carnegie Classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity. Nationally recognized for advancing social mobility and student opportunities, Texas A&M University-Kingsville prepares graduates to lead and succeed in our region and beyond. To learn more, visit www.tamuk.edu.

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 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.

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 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

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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.

“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.”

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.

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 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

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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.”

“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.

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 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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