The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI - The Composites Institute, has announced a new partnership with California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (CPP) to establish a West Coast hub for advanced workforce training in metalworking and manufacturing. Funded by the Department of Defense's Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, METAL strengthens and diversifies the U.S. metal manufacturing workforce, focusing on casting, forging and plate rolling.
As the newest METAL hub operator, CPP will serve as a regional training and coordination center, integrating METAL training across educational institutions.
"This new hub in Southern California marks an exciting expansion of our national training footprint," said Lucinda Curry, METAL National Workforce Manager at IACMI. "CPP brings strong regional connections, a commitment to innovation in engineering education and a proven track record of engaging learners. Through this partnership, we will ensure that current and future professionals in the West Coast have access to critical metallurgical skills training."
CPP will implement METAL's nationally recognized curriculum, beginning with a combination of online training and immersive, in-person boot camps held at CPP's state-of-the-art manufacturing labs, which are equipped for melting, machining and heat treatment.
Participants will gain practical experience in foundational processes, with access to advanced training in automation and specialized industry needs as they progress through the METAL curriculum.
In addition to adult training, CPP will lead outreach efforts for K-12 students by offering half-day workshops and partnering with high schools, technical schools and community colleges to spark early interest in metallurgical careers.
"We are proud to join the METAL program and help shape the future of manufacturing talent in California and beyond," said Winny Dong, the chemical and materials engineering professor leading the CPP METAL program. "This program aligns with our polytechnic mission to provide hands-on, industry-relevant education and reinforces our commitment to workforce readiness in advanced manufacturing."
CPP's addition to the METAL network strengthens a growing national network of METAL hubs, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, The Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Tennessee Tech and Michigan Technological University. Together, these institutions are revitalizing American manufacturing by delivering responsive, scalable and sustainable workforce development programs.
For more information contact:
METAL at Cal Poly Pomona
3801 West Temple Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
909-869-5299
www.cpp.edu
IACMI
2730 Cherokee Farm Way, Suite 207
Knoxville, TN 37920
www.iacmi.org