Through this new partnership, students can receive hands-on learning to prepare them for the manufacturing and metalworking industry.The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Engineering is partnering with the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning, or METAL, program to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals.
The METAL program at UAB will focus on automation, casting, forging and rolling techniques critical to the metalworking and manufacturing industry future. The UAB METAL hub will teach principles in the metallurgical fields, such as heat treatment of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
“We are excited to play a key role in shaping the future of manufacturing education and workforce development,” said Haibin Ning, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. “UAB is always looking for solutions to address the challenges of modern manufacturing while providing students with the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the industry.”
Led by IACMI – The Composites Institute® with funding from the Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, METAL works to strengthen the United States’ metal manufacturing workforce.
To learn more about METAL bootcamps offered at UAB, click here.
“The METAL program hopes to increase workforce skills in skilled trades from the technician through engineering levels, providing a pipeline of personnel excited about the casting and forging industries,” said Lucinda Curry, METAL National Workforce Manager at IACMI. “By working with UAB, we hope to increase capacity in the United States to meet the needs of both the commercial and national defense supply chains.”
Through a combination of online and in-person training, participants will learn a series of skills such as CAD design and 3D printing of patterns, casting, material testing, and machining. The hands-on experience and essential technical skills can prepare participants to receive future academic credits, industry certifications and apprenticeships.
To learn more about METAL bootcamps offered at UAB, click here.