IACMI Names Andrew Pokelwaldt as Education and Workforce Director

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IACMI – The Composites Institute^® has named Andrew Pokelwaldt as its new director of education and workforce. In this role, Pokelwaldt will lead IACMI's education and workforce team, overseeing strategic planning and the execution of key initiatives and programs to revitalize America's manufacturing workforce.

"Andrew is an excellent addition to the IACMI team," said Chad Duty, IACMI CEO. "Throughout his career, Andrew has been instrumental in shaping manufacturing talent to align with industry needs. His leadership in manufacturing, deep expertise in composites, and extensive experience in workforce training and certification will play a key role in advancing IACMI's mission to developing a highly skilled, advanced manufacturing workforce."

Duty added that IACMI is committed to strengthening the advanced manufacturing workforce by equipping individuals with the skills needed to succeed, broadening access to career pathways, and sparking interest in advanced manufacturing careers to drive continued industry growth.

IACMI cultivates best-in-industry workforce development programs that scale up and connect regional programs to meet the national manufacturing agenda. Supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD), IACMI brings together diverse stakeholders and partners in advanced manufacturing. The institute supports training through a wide variety of programs that create accessible pathways to learning and employment opportunities for all workers, including K-12 STEM events, internships, apprenticeships, online and in-person workshops.

Pokelwaldt brings extensive experience to IACMI in workforce development and training, including Composites Instruction Credentials (CCT-I), marine manufacturing, and composites manufacturing technical writing. He previously served as Director of Workforce Training and Credentialing at the American Composites Manufacturing Association (ACMA) and as Training and Development Manager at Brunswick Recreational Boat Group in Knoxville. Most recently, he was the Corporate Technical Training Manager at Newell Brands in Maryville, where he oversaw workforce programs across the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.

Based in Knoxville, Tenn., Pokelwaldt holds a master's degree in education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In addition to his civilian career, he is a former dual-career retired military veteran, having served 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army.

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