Purdue University programs partner with METAL to advance workforce training in metalworking and manufacturing

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.

“Purdue is an exciting addition to the METAL program,” says Lucinda Curry, METAL National Workforce Manager at IACMI. “Many students and job seekers are unfamiliar with the advanced technologies and career opportunities available in metal casting and forging. We are partnering with educational institutions to showcase the dynamic, rewarding careers that these industries offer.”

“We're thrilled to partner with IACMI and the METAL program to leverage decades of Purdue investment in metal casting, heat treating and characterization across campus,” says Michael Titus, associate professor of materials engineering. “The METAL program will expand and update our capabilities across investment casting and automated foundries to bring unique training opportunities to students, job seekers and industrial partners alike.”

“The METAL program will leverage Purdue’s uniquely integrated Smart Foundry, embedding Industry 4.0 capabilities such as digital twins, advanced sensing, data analytics, robotics, and AI directly into the foundry environment,” says Ragu Athinarayanan, professor of smart manufacturing and industrial informatics. “This positions Purdue as a living laboratory where metalcasting expertise and next-generation digital manufacturing technologies come together to advance productivity, sustainability, and workforce readiness.”

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.

Purdue’s Engineering and Polytechnic partnership with METAL includes plans to:

• Develop an investment casting module with both online and in-person components, as well as an in-person smart foundry bootcamp.
• Execute a minimum of 15 in-person bootcamps for at least 225 participants throughout the course of its tenure.
• Hold at least 25 outreach events for a minimum of 750 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.
• 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. The effort ensures alignment with industry standards while providing students with recognized certifications and future educational opportunities in metallurgy.
  

Purdue’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 and NC State. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.