University of Northern Iowa to enhance metal casting center offerings with partnership

The University of Northern Iowa is expanding its metal forging and casting education to students and adult learners across Iowa through a new industry partnership.

The Cedar Falls university announced in a news release it has partnered with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation through its Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program to create bootcamps, outreach events, credit and non-credit academic offerings and more.

“Metal casting has been a cornerstone of UNI’s academic programs for generations, and this partnership allows us to introduce more students to the tremendous opportunities within the industry,” said Nathaniel Bryant, associate director of the UNI Metal Casting Center, in the release. “We are excited and proud to join the METAL network and provide the workforce training that will help meet the evolving needs of manufacturers across Iowa and the nation.”

Founded more than 25 years ago, UNI’s Metal Casting Center houses metal casting and molding equipment as well as 3D printing technology on campus, it states online, and concentrates on materials research, metal manufacturing and foundry education.

Metal Casting Center staff will incorporate curriculum provided by METAL into online and in-person training, the release stated, for both adult and young learners. UNI will put on at least 12 bootcamps through the partnership, with the goal of enrolling at least 175 participants, and hold at least 10 outreach events for at least 250 students in elementary through high school.

UNI will also collaborate with local high schools and community colleges to incorporate METAL training into existing curriculum, and develop credit and non-credit course opportunities for high school and college students hoping to earn their degree or work their way toward apprenticeships or other credentials.

Mike Kubacki, director of the METAL program for the institute, said in the release this new partnership “brings significant value” to his program.

“Partnerships with educational institutions strengthen awareness of advanced manufacturing technologies and the diverse career opportunities available within the industry,” Kubacki said in the release. “These partnerships create pathways for internships and apprenticeships that equip participants with practical experience and help connect them to well-paying, fulfilling careers.”