The University of Tennessee recently conducted its second “metalcasting boot camp” as part of the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship and Learning (METAL) program. The UT School of Art and Tickle College of Engineering are participants in the METAL program, established in late 2023 by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), an extension of the U.S. Dept. of Energy, and others to drive a “strategic countermeasure to fortify national defense through workforce empowerment and technological sovereignty.”
The bootcamp participants were exposed to technical skills in metallurgy, heat treatment, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Training in metalcasting and forging are included.
The program sponsors cite the U.S. Dept. of Defense forecast that at least 122,000 more manufacturing workers by are needed 2028 are needed to support national defense objectives by 2028.
“The METAL bootcamp reflects UT’s steadfast commitment to combining the strengths of our nationally renowned research and unique workforce training programs to meet regional and national needs,” stated Deb Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development.