The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce a new partnership with Purdue University engineering programs to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Funded by the Department of War’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting, forging and plate rolling.
Purdue’s School of Materials Engineering within the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Program within the Polytechnic Institute 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 Purdue 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. Purdue has been a core innovation partner with IACMI since the institute was founded in 2015, providing leadership for Design, Modeling & Simulation Technology for composites manufacturing and performance. This expanded partnership builds on that cross-collaboration of research and workforce development.