Charles R. Goulding and Kate Esposito highlight the groundbreaking initiatives transforming manufacturing education and preparing the next generation of additive manufacturing professionals.
Introduction
On July 22nd, the Additive Manufacturing Coalition hosted a virtual forum to address the severe additive manufacturing workforce shortage and develop ways to train employees in the skills necessary to enter the field. The seminar surrounded how the United States has developed the tools required to use additive manufacturing for national security but not the personnel. Featuring speakers from the University of Tennessee, America Makes, ASTM International, and SME, the conference included many of the leading names in workforce development. The panelists discussed initiatives their respective companies have undertaken to attract workers to the 3D printing industry.
The introduction of additive manufacturing across numerous fields has revolutionized industry standards, requiring a workforce capable of running advanced equipment rather than performing manual, repetitive tasks. This shift leaves the United States facing a critical lack of skilled workers, with projections suggesting 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030. The programs mentioned in the conference are aimed at training both new and existing employees to work with systems related to additive manufacturing. Bolstering the workforce will allow the United States to implement 3D printing in the national security sector, a crucial step toward making America more competitive on a global scale.
The University of Tennessee
Joshua Penney, director of the University of Tennessee’s Manufacturing and Design Enterprise, spoke about many recent advancements the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) has made towards fostering student interest in underdeveloped fields. From the creation of a new college to partnerships with local programs, UTK is dedicated to helping its students delve into relatively unexplored sectors.
America’s Cutting Edge (ACE)
UTK’s ACE program is a free, federally funded workforce development initiative created to restore the United States’ prominence in the machine-tool sector and address its national security vulnerability. Launched in December 2020 as a pilot program between UTK, Pellissippi State Community College, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the program is now managed by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and the US Department of Defense.
ACE was designed with several strategic objectives aimed at correcting decades of industrial decline and aims to create a pipeline of skilled manufacturing engineers and machinists. The program seeks to rebrand manufacturing from repetitive manual work into a high-tech field involving AI, robotics, and AM, attracting students who are comfortable operating advanced equipment. The training includes both online instruction and in-person boot camps. Currently, ACE has 24,000 virtual participants and 8,000 physical attendees across the 31 training sites.
Since its inception, ACE has transitioned from a local pilot into a national model for workforce development. The program serves a diverse demographic, ranging from high school and college students exploring career paths to industry professionals looking to enhance their skills. By removing the cost barrier and providing important technical training, ACE serves as a cornerstone of the manufacturing renaissance aimed at keeping the US competitive in the global market.
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS)
UTK’s College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS) is a first-of-its-kind academic institution designed to revolutionize higher education by addressing the rapidly evolving demands of a technology-driven workforce. Launched in July 2023, the college serves as a collaborative hub that merges campus-wide expertise with direct industry input to create an educational model based on future developments. The primary mission of CECS is to train innovative thinkers who can navigate and lead in a landscape increasingly defined by additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Despite its recent launch, the college has seen historic momentum and significant student interest. In the 2024-2025 academic year, 757 students enrolled in CECS courses, with 56 declared majors. Today, there are 2,000 students across all programs and 600 majors. Furthermore, the college’s Career Catalyst events, designed to foster connections between faculty and the business community, have doubled in industry attendance year-over-year. By offering more opportunities for students to get involved with the technology of the future, CECS and the University of Tennessee are fostering talent that can fill the workforce gap crippling the United States.
Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships and Learning (METAL)
The METAL initiative is a specialized workforce development program designed to secure the future of the United States’ defense and industrial sectors. Managed by IACMI, the program addresses critical talent shortages in the forging and casting industries, which are key components of national defense. UTK is a central hub for the METAL program, serving as both a host and main collaborative partner through several of its colleges and departments. At UTK, the program is a joint effort between the Materials Science department in the Tickle College of Engineering and the School of Art’s Sculpture program. As part of the initiative, UTK hosts immersive bootcamps that introduce participants to the full spectrum of metallurgy.
The Tennessee Manufacturing and Design Enterprise (TN-MADE)
Launched in partnership with the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, TN-MADE is an industry-focused, collaborative space designed to drive innovation in the manufacturing sector. Located in Knoxville, the 40,000-square-foot facility serves as a hub where research, state-of-the-art technology, and workforce development programs converge. The primary objective of TN-MADE is to keep both the Tennessee and national economies thriving by equipping the future workforce with the skills needed to run advanced equipment. The facility provides a space where researchers and industry leaders can collaborate on manufacturing initiatives and innovative processes. TN-MADE has demonstrated significant reach, serving 191 manufacturers across Tennessee and attracting over 1,500 visitors to the site, including representatives from major manufacturers such as Volkswagen and Ford. By equipping future generations with the skills to thrive in manufacturing careers, TN-MADE is working to erasing the United States’ workforce gap.
Aerospace Engineering
The University of Tennessee offers an extensive aerospace program featuring core research areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, orbital mechanics, and flight control. Students in the aerospace field have access to UTK’s Tickle College of Engineering, the specialized University of Tennessee Space Institute, the Tennessee Aerothermodynamics Laboratory, and a unique Aerospace and Defense MBA from UTK’s Haslam College of Business. For undergraduates, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering with a 5-year accelerated BS/MS option. The graduate program includes a Master of Science with thesis, project, and non-thesis tracks, alongside a Doctor of Philosophy with a minimum of 72 credit hours. Across UTK’s research facilities, specialties include aerodynamics, propulsion systems, orbital mechanics, and vehicle stability and control. The university has collaborated on projects with NASA, the Department of Defense, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Within its aerospace programs, UTK incorporates 3D printing as part of its broader focus on advanced manufacturing technologies. This includes the use of AM techniques to create components relevant to aerospace and defense sectors. The university’s programs emphasize practical applications of engineering principles, preparing students for real-world industry challenges and creating a future workforce with highly valuable skills.
America Makes
Representing America Makes, Edward Herderick, Ph.D., spoke about the company’s desire to grow the manufacturing workforce in the face of additive manufacturing’s rapid growth. As the Director of Education and Workforce Development, Dr. Herderick is deeply involved in developing ways to drive the industry forward through investments in research and skill training. In 2025, America Makes invested nearly US$14 million in additive manufacturing projects, training, and standards. The institute utilizes several strategies and programs to expand the national AM talent pipeline, including outreach goals, digital tools, and collaborative infrastructure.
In 2022, America Makes launched the first phase of its AMTrain initiative. The program aims to align the competencies of incumbent workers and veterans with industry needs, providing training resources to fill skill gaps. In 2025, the second phase was initiated, which offers role-specific training for 15 critical job roles within the Defense Industrial Base. America Makes uses AMTrain as a main driver in their mission to bolster national defense readiness by exposing one million Americans to additive manufacturing by 2027. AMTrain’s development of specialized pathways ensures that individuals gain the exact technical skills required for careers in the AM industry.
ASTM International
Sergio Sanchez, the Director of Business Development and Strategic Relations at ASTM International, provided information regarding the company’s programs aimed at solving the workforce crisis. Founded in 1898, ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards to improve product quality, safety, and market access.
In 2018, ASTM International formed a collaborative partnership with government agencies, academia, and industry to create the Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE). The Center plays a critical role in developing the next generation of AM professionals. The program has a global team of over 100 experts and more than 10 specialized training courses aimed at supporting education and workforce development. These efforts are backed by $10 million in combined support from industry, government agencies, and partnership members. By providing these classes, the AM CoE hopes to address the gaps in the additive manufacturing industry.
SME
Established in 1932, SME is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the manufacturing industry by accelerating technology adoption and building a skilled talent pipeline. Speaking on behalf of SME was Debra Volzer, the Vice President of Workforce Development. Volzer leads the organization’s national strategy to close the manufacturing skills gap and expand economic opportunity through education, government collaboration, and public-private partnerships. SME’s main goal is to accelerate the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing to drive competitiveness, resilience, and national security.
In 2011, SME formed SME PRIME to establish customized manufacturing and engineering programs in high schools across the country. The initiative partners private industry with local schools to create tailored educational paths. It is offered at no cost to the schools and provides manufacturing equipment, teacher training, student scholarships, and a tailored curriculum aligned with state standards and local industry needs. As of 2026, the foundation has reached 133 schools across 27 states, serving approximately 12,000 students annually. SME PRIME is incredibly successful, with 91% of members choosing to pursue manufacturing or engineering paths after graduation. Getting students involved in manufacturing at a young age is a great way to end the workforce shortage.
The Research and Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes, and/or software. 3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, evaluating, and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Our firm handles R&D tax credits for three of the world’s leading aircraft and other vehicle composites manufacturers and we recognize the expanding opportunities in this materials sector. Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
The Additive Manufacturing Coalition’s virtual forum shed light on the labor gap that is plaguing the manufacturing workforce. Fortunately, the efforts of the University of Tennessee, America Makes, ASTM International, and SME represent a comprehensive strategy to ignite a manufacturing renaissance in the United States. Moving away from traditional, linear education models and embracing high-tech, interdisciplinary training enables these institutions to directly address the critical challenge of filling millions of available jobs. By fostering collaborations and creating initiatives to get young students involved, these companies are helping the United States strengthen its national security and global prowess through a highly skilled, home-grown workforce.
