KINGSVILLE (Sept. 8, 2026) — The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute®, is proud to announce a new partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) to enhance and scale up industry-driven training opportunities for current and prospective metalworking and manufacturing professionals. Supported through funding by the Department of War’s (DoW) Office of Industrial Base Policy, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting and forging.
TAMUK 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.
“METAL gives us a powerful platform to expand advanced manufacturing training in South Texas,” said Jeff West, Chief Workforce Development Officer at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “This partnership will help prepare more individuals with the skills and credentials needed by today’s manufacturing employers.”
In addition to adult training, these 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.
“Texas A&M-Kingsville is an outstanding partner for the METAL program because of its deep expertise in engineering and advanced manufacturing, strong connections to industry, and commitment to hands-on workforce development,” said Mike Kubacki, METAL Program Director at IACMI. “By bringing those capabilities together through METAL, we can give students and workers the practical skills and real-world experience they need to build rewarding careers in metalworking while helping strengthen the talent pipeline that is so critical to the U.S. manufacturing and defense industrial base.”
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.
“The partnership with METAL strengthens Texas A&M-Kingsville’s commitment to providing accessible, industry-responsive engineering education and workforce development opportunities throughout South Texas and beyond,” said Dr. Heidi A. Taboada, Dean of the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “By combining TAMUK’s engineering expertise and hands-on learning environment with METAL’s nationally recognized workforce training, we can create stronger pathways from education to employment while supporting the manufacturing capabilities that are essential to our nation’s economic and industrial security.”
TAMUK’s partnership with METAL includes plans to:
- Provide online training, progressing to hands-on, in-person bootcamps conducted within a manufacturing lab, equipped with metal melting, heat treatment and machining capabilities
- Execute a minimum of 18 in-person bootcamps for at least 270 participants by the end of 2028
- Hold at least ten outreach events for a minimum of 3,000 K-12 students and four half-day workshops serving a minimum of 50 participants
- 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.
- Develop and sustain industry partnerships with regional metalworking employers to align training with workforce needs. Activities include employer participation in hands-on training, networking events and panels, integration of the METAL curriculum into workforce training, and creating hiring opportunities for participants.
- 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.
Earlier this summer, IACMI announced plans to expand METAL and America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), another workforce development program focused on machining and manufacturing, to 53 new locations at universities, colleges and trade schools by 2030, bringing the total number of sites to more than 100. Additionally, IACMI will introduce new initiatives to engage over 50,000 K-12 students and provide hundreds of internship opportunities.
Texas A&M-Kingsville’s addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of 18 contracted METAL sites across 13 states. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.
For more information about METAL at TAMUK, please contact:
Sarah Pope
Email: Sarah@piper-communications.com
Phone: 865-329-0553
Mark Molina
Email: Mark.Molina@tamuk.edu
Phone: 361-593-4532
About METAL
Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL), led by IACMI, is an industry-driven initiative aimed at providing high-quality, hands-on training in the metalworking and manufacturing sectors. The program is designed to address workforce development needs by offering comprehensive curricula in casting, forging and metallurgy, with an emphasis on automation and modern manufacturing technologies.
About IACMI
IACMI – The Composites Institute® is a national public-private partnership focused on advancing composite materials and process technologies. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Department of War, IACMI brings together over 190 members from industry, academia, and government to drive manufacturing innovation and workforce development.
About Texas A&M University-Kingsville
The first institution of higher learning in South Texas, Texas A&M University-Kingsville advances the region through academic excellence, student success, innovative research, workforce development, and strong community impact. The university offers nationally recognized academic programs in engineering, animal and wildlife sciences, education, kinesiology, social work, business, and music. Home to renowned research centers including the National Natural Toxins Research Center, the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, the Citrus Center, and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, Texas A&M-Kingsville is a Carnegie Classified Doctoral University with High Research Activity. Nationally recognized for advancing social mobility and student opportunities, Texas A&M University-Kingsville prepares graduates to lead and succeed in our region and beyond. To learn more, visit www.tamuk.edu.