MADISON, Wis. (July 15, 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 Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) College of Engineering 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.

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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. UW-Madison’s College of Engineering will also modify its longstanding Metal Casting Course (ME 431) to align with METAL Level 1 training. Students who complete the metal casting courses will receive a METAL Level 1 Credly badge and certificates. 

“The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Engineering is a strong addition to the METAL program,” said Mike Kubacki, METAL Program Director at IACMI. “Many students and job seekers aren’t fully aware of the advanced technologies and career paths within the metal casting and forging industries. Through partnerships with educational institutions, we’re working to highlight the exciting and fulfilling opportunities these industries provide.”

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 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.”

UW-Madison College of Engineering’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 12 in-person bootcamps for at least 160 participants throughout the contract period
  • Host at least seven workshops for a minimum of 150 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.
  • Host two job fairs to provide a platform for student recruitment. UW-Madison’s College of Engineering will invite local companies from the casting, forging, plate rolling and machining sectors to participate and engage with prospective talent.
  • Participate in a comprehensive Train the Trainer initiative, which aims to equip future METAL program partner schools and training centers with the knowledge and capability to host bootcamps
  • 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

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’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 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, 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.

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