HOUGHTON — Michigan Technological University announced a partnership with the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. According to a Michigan Tech press release, the program is Led by IACMI – The Composites Institute with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, and is aimed at strengthening and diversifying the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting, forging and plate rolling. The partnership will provide hands-on and online workforce training designed to strengthen the casting, forging, and machining industries.

As METAL’s newest hub operator, Michigan Tech will deliver METAL’s nationally recognized curriculum, facilitate instructor certification, and launch boot camps and academic pathways tailored to current and future metalworking professionals. MTU will also integrate METAL training into its Summer Youth Programs to offer an immersive introduction to metalworking, metallurgy and materials science to high school students from across the Upper Midwest.

The Michigan Tech hub will implement a stacked curriculum model, which combines interactive online learning with immersive in-person casting and forging boot camps at MTU’s state-of-the-art labs. Future educational modules will incorporate training on automation in casting and forging, and will open pathways to employment in critical industry roles.

According to the press release, Tech joins a consortium of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Together, these institutions are driving a nationwide resurgence in metallurgical and manufacturing excellence by expanding access to high-quality, industry-relevant training.