The programming panel for a CNC machine.

America's Cutting Edge

Logo for ACE (America's Cutting Edge)

Elevating America's Manufacturing

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 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.  


Training Format

Bootcamps will take place in May and June.  Attendees will complete a combination of online training followed by in-person, hands-on training over the course of one week.  This is considered a day camp; no on-campus housing will be available.

Location

Each camp will take place in the manufacturing lab within the NMU Jacobetti Complex.  

Prerequisites

None.  Anyone with or without prior experience or training are welcome to attend!  

Eligibility

Individuals high school age or older

Cost

FREE!  There is no cost to participate.  This training is sponsored by the DoW (Department of War)

Schedule

Summer 2027 and 2028 bootcamp dates will be available soon!  Please stay tuned for more information, including registration details.  Once available, information will be advertised here, on our department social media, and other advertising outlets.