The University of Northern Iowa Metal Casting Center has established partnerships with the Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, seeking to “scale-up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals,” according to an MCC announcement.

"The University of Northern Iowa brings significant value to the METAL program," stated Mike Kubacki, METAL program director. "Partnerships with educational institutions strengthen awareness of advanced manufacturing technologies and the diverse career opportunities available within the industry. These partnerships create pathways for internships and apprenticeships that equip participants with practical experience and help connect them to well-paying, fulfilling careers."

METAL was established in 2024 in collaboration by federal agencies and academia to address “critical workforce shortages” for U.S. manufacturers, specifically for metalcasting and forging operations. The program aims to serve as a “strategic countermeasure to fortify national defense through workforce empowerment and technological sovereignty,” according to the sponsors. At the time of its launch, the U.S. Dept. of Defense had determined that at least 122,000 more manufacturing workers were needed to support its national defense objectives by 2028.

Today, METAL has expanded from four university-based research and training centers to 12 programs with varying areas of emphasis, under the oversight of IACMI - The Composites Institute.

The UNI Metal Casting Center is a widely recognized center of research in foundry process technologies, applied technology, and technical business assistance. The MCC will implement the METAL curriculum in its program, combining online training with “immersive in-person bootcamps” focused on casting and forging.

"Metalcasting has been a cornerstone of UNl's academic programs for generations, and this partnership allows us to introduce more students to the tremendous opportunities within the industry," stated Nathaniel Bryant, the MCC’s associate director. "We are excited and proud to join the METAL network and provide the workforce training that will help meet the evolving needs of manufacturers across Iowa and the nation."

Besides adult training, the programs at the MCC will include outreach efforts for K-12 students through workshops, collaboration with high schools, and other local and regional schools to spark early interest in metallurgical careers.

In detail, the Metal Casting Center reported its partnership with METAL will:

•   Conduct a minimum of 12 hands-on, in-person bootcamps for at least 175 participants throughout an unspecified contract period.
•   Hold at least 10 outreach events for a minimum of 250 K-12 students.
•   Foster collaborations with local high schools and community colleges, focusing on integrating METAL training into their educational curricula, enriching opportunities for students interested in metalworking and manufacturing.
•   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 a future in manufacturing.

Other universities working in partnership with the METAL program include: the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee Technological University, Michigan Technological University, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, North Carolina State University, Purdue University, Georgia Southern University, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.