Forging the Future | METAL Bootcamp tackles skilled labor shortage in U.S. Defense industry
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.
Additionally, the boot camp is funded and supported by the U.S. Defense Department’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program.
“I’m really impressed by the types of students we have here today,” Greg Harrell, the boot camp’s facilitator said. “We have engineers, business students, art and design students, as well as people outside of the University system who are interested in learning this skillset.”
The first day of the five-day boot camp was focused on providing students background on casting and forging, the second day focused on planning for the projects, and the last few days allowed students to dive into the hands-on learning elements of the process.
“We created a form, they box it, clean it up, and pour in the melted metal,” he said. “There are engineers here who have never ran a screw gun, and engineers who have never ran a grinder. It’s all about the education of it. Plus, it’s a great resume builder.”
Harrell watched as the students poured hot metal over their forms from earlier in the week. A lot of people came out to support the project.
“METAL is a movement to rebuild America’s industrial workforce, whether you’re a student, veteran, or industry professional there’s an opportunity to gain hands on experience, learn valuable trade skills, and build a future in manufacturing,” Harrell said.
As Harrell mentioned, the exposure and education from METAL Bootcamps, along with other METAL initiatives, help address the growing skills gap in the U.S. defense industrial base. Participants can explore the skills needed to pursue careers in metalwork that support the U.S. manufacturing of critical materials.
As defense manufacturing competes with other sectors for these critical workers, failure to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals could exacerbate vulnerabilities within the defense industrial base.
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