CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (July 21, 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 (UNI) academic programs for generations, and this partnership allows us to introduce more students to the tremendous opportunities within the industry,” said Dr. 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:

Nathaniel Bryant

Email: Nathaniel.bryant@uni.edu

Phone: 319-273-7134

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’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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