The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL) and America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) teams attended the 2024 Defense Manufacturing Conference (DMC) in Austin, Texas, from December 2–5. These IACMI-led workforce development programs are pivotal to addressing the growing need for skilled talent in casting, forging, CNC machining, and other advanced manufacturing fields.
Our presence at DMC underscored IACMI’s commitment to strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base!
Why Workforce Development Matters to the Defense Industrial Base
DMC is the premier annual event for defense manufacturing, bringing together leaders from government, industry, and academia to explore cutting-edge technologies, workforce challenges, and innovative solutions. With the defense manufacturing sector heavily reliant on a skilled and adaptable workforce, the conference presented an unparalleled opportunity for METAL and ACE to share their mission, forge new connections, and gather insights to refine their impact.
According to a DMC panel focused on workforce development, there will be 4.6 million open manufacturing jobs in the next decade. This eye-opening number underscores the importance of reaching the next generation to revitalize America’s manufacturing talent pipeline.
“DMC 2024 was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders who share our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient workforce,” said METAL Workforce Manager Lucinda Curry. “The conversations we had reaffirmed that programs like METAL and ACE are essential. By working together, we can tackle workforce shortages head-on, inspire the next generation, and make sure the talent is there to keep defense manufacturing moving forward.”
Highlights from DMC 2024
- IACMI and Partner Speakers
- IACMI CTO Dr. Uday Vaidya spoke on a panel with other leaders in the metallurgical industry, highlighting the various initiatives METAL focuses on, including K-12 curriculum, adult hands-on bootcamps, engineering internships, and apprenticeship development with employers.
- Technical Director for Metallurgy and Manufacturing for the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) Office in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Resilience Matt Draper spoke on the importance of the defense industrial base and the federal investments made to help manufacturers grow their engineering, artisan and skilled trades workforce to support and innovate as they strive to provide the warfighter with the best in critical equipment, armaments, and supplies.
- Spotlighting Workforce Solutions:
Attendees learned about our unique training and apprenticeship programs tailored to the critical needs of defense manufacturing. From forging and casting to CNC machining, metrology, and cybersecurity, METAL and ACE deliver hands-on education and online modules that align directly with Department of Defense and industry requirements. - Expanding Partnerships:
Our conversations with industry leaders and educational institutions focused on co-developing programs, integrating advanced technologies into curricula, and scaling our initiatives nationwide. Partnerships forged at DMC will play a vital role in shaping the future of workforce development. - Exploring Emerging Trends:
By participating in sessions on advanced manufacturing technologies and defense-specific needs, we gained invaluable insights to keep our programs aligned with the rapidly evolving landscape of defense manufacturing. - Inspiring Future Innovators:
A highlight of our booth was the InnoCrate kits, which bring composites and metallurgy concepts to K-12 classrooms. These kits are designed to spark curiosity and interest in manufacturing careers at an early age, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for the future.
What’s Next for METAL and ACE?
DMC 2024 reaffirmed the critical role of workforce development in ensuring the U.S. maintains its edge in defense manufacturing. Equipped with new knowledge and strengthened relationships, METAL and ACE are more committed than ever to expanding our programs and partnerships.
The conference was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. Our participation not only amplified our mission but also emphasized the collective effort required to sustain and grow a resilient manufacturing workforce. Thank you to all who connected with us at DMC—we look forward to continuing the conversation and building the future together.
Stay tuned for more updates on our work and partnerships as we continue to forge a stronger defense industrial base!