IACMI’s America’s Cutting Edge program surpasses 25,000 learners, strengthening U.S. manufacturing talent pipeline!

IACMI – The Composites Institute has announced a major milestone for its workforce development initiative, America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), which has now surpassed 20,000 online learners and 5,000 in-person bootcamp participants. The achievement highlights growing interest in manufacturing careers and the increasing need for skilled talent across the industry.

Launched in 2020, the ACE program was initially introduced as a free online CNC machining course developed in collaboration with University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Since then, it has evolved into a comprehensive workforce training platform offering 11 online courses and hands-on training through 43 locations across the United States.

The program has attracted participants from diverse backgrounds, reflecting its accessibility and relevance. Approximately 49% of learners come from colleges and universities, 17% from high schools, and 23% are working professionals looking to upgrade their skills or transition into advanced manufacturing roles. This mix of participants underscores the program’s role in bridging the gap between education and industry requirements.

The rapid growth of ACE comes at a time when manufacturers are facing an increasing demand for skilled workers, particularly in areas such as CNC machining, digital manufacturing and advanced production technologies. As industries adopt automation, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing practices, the need for a technically skilled workforce has become more critical than ever.

To further support workforce development, IACMI launched its “Make it in America” outreach campaign in late 2025. The initiative is designed to promote manufacturing careers and highlight the wide range of job opportunities available in modern industry. The campaign integrates ACE with other training initiatives such as Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL), which focuses on skills development in casting, forging and metallurgical processes.

One of the key strengths of the ACE program is its accessibility. Both students and industry professionals can enroll in the courses free of charge, making it easier for individuals to gain valuable technical skills without financial barriers. This approach aligns with the program’s broader goal of making manufacturing careers more inclusive and widely accessible.

In December 2025, ACE also marked its five-year anniversary, further reinforcing its impact on workforce development. Beyond student participation, the program has built a strong ecosystem of more than 200 trainers, academic institutions and industry partners who contribute to curriculum development, training delivery and industry alignment.

According to Justin Brooks, the program’s growth reflects a strong and sustained interest in modern manufacturing careers. He noted that when ACE was launched, there was already a clear demand from both learners and industry stakeholders. Over time, this demand has continued to grow as more individuals recognize the opportunities available in advanced manufacturing.

The success of the ACE program highlights a broader trend—the resurgence of interest in manufacturing as a career path. With increasing investment in domestic production, reshoring initiatives and the adoption of advanced technologies, workforce development programs like ACE are playing a crucial role in preparing the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals.

By combining accessible training, industry collaboration and practical skill development, IACMI’s ACE initiative is helping to build a stronger, future-ready workforce while supporting the long-term competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.