Machining and machine tools are at the foundation of America’s manufacturing capability and its global competitiveness. America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), supported by the U.S. Department of War (DoW) 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 NMU Engineering Technology Department has partnered with ACE to provide FREE hands-on, in-person CNC Machining bootcamps that will provide participants with training that can put them on a path to a career (or advancement, for existing workers) in the machine tool industry. The curriculum 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-The Composites Institute.
Online Training
Participants first complete an online Fusion 360 course. The course takes approximately six to eight hours to complete and is self-paced. Participants must complete this online course in order to complete the hands-on training.
Hands-On Training
After completing the online course, participants will attend a five-day (32 hours total), hands-on bootcamp led by NMU instructors. Bootcamps are held in the manufacturing lab located at the NMU Jacobetti Complex. Participants will learn CAM instruction, parameter selection, part setup and probing, and controller use. They will use what they have learned to machine and assemble an oscillating piston air engine.
Bootcamp Information
Who can participate?
Anyone who is at least 16 years old can register for a bootcamp. No CNC machining experience is needed.
How long is the bootcamp?
The online training will take between 6-8 hours to complete. The hands-on bootcamp is five days (32 hours total).
Credentials
Participants will earn an ACE CNC Machining credential from Credly.
Registration Requirements
Bootcamp space is limited. Seats will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to those who complete the online training.
Cost
This training is 100% free!
Bootcamp Schedule
Summer 2027 | |
| Bootcamp I | May 24-28 |
| Bootcamp II | June 7-11 |
Bootcamp details and registration information will be available soon.