IACMI: How manufacturing workers without experience are being hired
National program equips participants with the basics, enabling companies to find ambitious entry-level talent
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- When Macrae Alford was 15 years old, he looked to the trades for his first job. He found it in plumbing.
For about 3.5 years, Macrae learned the essentials, honing his craft and nearly becoming a tradesman. But lingering inside him was a desire he held since he was younger – to become a machinist.
"I've always been into mechanical things," he said. "I always knew the next step was some sort of machining job – I just didn't know when."
That's when he found a free in-person CNC machining bootcamp with America's Cutting Edge (ACE) at Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station's Facility for Advanced Manufacturing.
Last winter, he spent days learning the basics of CAD/CAM software and getting his hands on CNC machines.
The challenge for Macrae after it was over? Getting hired.
Thanks to a referral and the right attitude, an Austin, Texas, company – Wolfram Manufacturing – took a chance on Macrae, initially hiring him into a manufacturing assistant role.
"They're cleaning, topping off fluids, moving parts around," said Katherine Satterwhite, Wolfram operations manager. "But not so much machine control."
But it's Macrae's enthusiasm that shows the chance they took paid off.
After about six months of employment, Macrae was promoted to a manufacturing specialist position. This unlocked machine control – making his dreams come true, and proving the value of ACE participants who have no prior machining experience.
"It's been an amazing adventure," Macrae said.
If you're looking to kickstart your career, ACE can help you get underway. You could end up in a position like Macrae. Start by registering for an ACE online course now.
If you're an employer looking for talent like Macrae, check out what ACE partners may be near you here. Contact us here if you'd like to make a connection.
Read more about Macrae's story here.
About ACE
America's Cutting Edge, supported by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, is a national training program designed to reestablish American leadership in the machine tool industry through transformative thinking, technological innovation, and workforce development. The curriculum – developed by University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Professor Dr. Tony Schmitz – combines advanced training and techniques from the University of Tennessee, the scientific expertise of the Department of Energy's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the proven workforce development capabilities of IACMI.
ACE has expanded beyond the initial testbed of the University of Tennessee to include training hubs at Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center, North Carolina A&T State University, Penn State Behrend, St. Cloud State University (Minn.), Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, University of Florida, and University of St. Thomas (Minn). There's a growing network of over three dozen training partners in 14 states, including high schools, trade schools and community colleges.
About IACMI
The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI–The Composites Institute®, is dedicated to securing U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. IACMI is a 170-plus member community of industry, academic institutions, and government organizations working to enhance U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, with a strong focus on technology, commercialization and workforce development. Established in 2015 by the Department of Energy, IACMI is one of 18 Manufacturing USA Institutes collaborating to accelerate new technology, create new products, reduce costs and risks, and equip the workforce with future-ready skills. IACMI also partners with the Department of Defense to scale up industry-driven job skills and revitalize American manufacturing. Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, IACMI is managed by the Collaborative Composite Solutions Corporation, a not-for-profit organization established by The University of Tennessee Research Foundation.
SOURCE IACMI - The Composites Institute
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