Teknovation: Forging the Future | METAL Bootcamp tackles skilled labor shortage in U.S. Defense industry

Original source: Teknovation

Participants explored the skills needed to pursue careers in metalwork that support the U.S. manufacturing of critical materials.

Experts in casting and forging are necessary for the well-being, efficiency, and reliability of the United States Defense. While it may not be the industry most people immediately think of, these workers are the ones behind 92 percent of specialized end items used in defense platforms—including ships, submarines, aircraft, and ground combat vehicles. As an example, The U.S. Navy has already documented challenges in its casting and forging capacity, which have impacted shipbuilding.

Furthermore, our country is projected to face a shortfall of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2030, with a deficit of 383,000 skilled workers needed to support industries like casting and forging.

Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships and Learning (METAL) is tackling the problem locally through a boot camp at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). METAL is led by IACMI – the Composites Institute, which is headquartered in Knoxville.

Read the full original story here.

UT Art and Engineering Partner To Address Pressing Workforce Shortage in National Defense Manufacturing

Original source: University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is helping train the next generation of innovators in casting and forging. Casting and forging industries play a critical role in U.S. manufacturing, especially in the defense sector.

UT is hosting its second METAL casting bootcamp this week, a unique collaboration between IACMI — The Composites Institute and UT’s School of Art and Tickle College of Engineering. Twelve participants — some college undergraduate students and some mid-career professionals — are getting a hands-on introduction to metallurgy, a field crucial to a broad range of industries including defense manufacturing, as they gain valuable technical skills in metal properties, heat treatment processes and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Read the full original story here.

WVLT: UTK hosts ‘METAL’ bootcamp to help with national defense manufacturing

Original source: WVLT

By Kelly Ann Krueger

Published: Mar. 20, 2025 at 7:59 PM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Some of the most important jobs for the U.S. could be filled by people attending the METAL bootcamp at the University of Tennessee this week.

METAL stands for metallurgical, engineering, trades, apprenticeships and learning.

The military said the country is facing more than two million unfilled jobs by 2030.

These jobs rely on skilled labor like casting and forging on military equipment like ships, submarines, aircraft and combat vehicles.

This boot camp aims to find the next generation of staff.

“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,” said Deb Crawford, vice chancellor for research, innovation and economic development.

The bootcamp gives people hands-on learning about metal properties, heat treatment process, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Watch the full coverage on WVLT here.