University of Tennessee and America Makes on the front line to bridge the additive manufacturing skills gap
The shortage of skilled labor in 3D printing risks leaving 2.1 million manufacturing jobs unfilled in the United States by 2030. The Additive Manufacturing Coalition organized a virtual forum on July 22 to address this emergency, bringing together key industry players to develop concrete training strategies.
The event highlighted a critical paradox: the United States has developed advanced additive manufacturing technologies for national security, but lacks the professionals to use them. The initiatives presented aim to train both new talent and existing workers.
- 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030
- The Additive Manufacturing Coalition brought together University of Tennessee, America Makes, ASTM International and SME
- Free and government-funded programs to train specialized technicians
- Focus on national security and global competitiveness
The ACE program at the University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee has launched America’s Cutting Edge, a free federal initiative to restore American leadership in the machine tool sector.
Joshua Penney, director of the university’s Manufacturing and Design Enterprise, outlined recent advancements. The ACE program represents the centerpiece of this strategy.
Launched in December 2020 as a pilot project, ACE was born from a collaboration between the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK), Pellissippi State Community College, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Today it is managed by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and the U.S. Department of Defense.
ACE is completely free for participants thanks to federal funding. The goal is to address a strategic vulnerability in American national security.
The initiative focuses specifically on the machine tool sector, an area where the United States has lost ground to international competitors. The training includes hands-on skills on advanced additive manufacturing systems.
College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies
In 2023, UTK launched a new college dedicated to training innovative professionals, with particular attention to emerging fields such as 3D printing.
This academic structure represents a long-term institutional commitment. The university recognizes that additive manufacturing requires a different educational approach compared with traditional production.
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies trains “innovative thinkers” capable of managing advanced technologies rather than repetitive manual tasks. This reflects the fundamental transformation of the manufacturing industry.
Strategic partnerships for national security
UTK has established collaborations with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NASA, and the Department of Defense to integrate research and training.
These partnerships ensure that training programs are aligned with the real needs of the defense and aerospace sector. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and concrete projects.
The collaboration with the Department of Defense underscores how the workforce shortage in additive manufacturing is considered a national security issue. The ability to produce critical components internally is strategic.
The role of America Makes and other stakeholders
America Makes, ASTM International, and SME presented their initiatives to attract workers to the 3D printing industry.
These organizations represent the complete additive manufacturing ecosystem: standardization, applied research, and professional training. Their presence at the forum highlights a coordinated approach to the problem.
Partnerships among these organizations make it possible to align industry standards with training programs. America Makes actively collaborates with ASTM International to ensure that the skills taught reflect industry regulations.
From training to global competitiveness
The ultimate goal is to make the United States more competitive globally through a workforce skilled in additive manufacturing.
The programs presented at the forum are not limited to training new technicians. They also include reskilling pathways for workers already employed who must adapt to new technologies.
The transition from traditional manufacturing to additive manufacturing requires completely different skills. Workers must move from repetitive manual tasks to managing complex systems and programming print parameters.
The success of these initiatives will determine whether the United States can close the projected gap of 2.1 million job vacancies by 2030. The stakes include not only economic competitiveness, but also the ability to produce critical components for national defense.
article written with the help of artificial intelligence systems
Q&A
How many manufacturing jobs risk remaining unfilled in the USA by 2030?
According to data presented during the Additive Manufacturing Coalition forum, 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled in the United States by 2030. The shortage particularly concerns skilled professionals in additive manufacturing.
What is the ACE program at the University of Tennessee?
America's Cutting Edge (ACE) is a free federal initiative launched in December 2020 as a pilot project. It was born from the collaboration between the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Pellissippi State Community College, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and is now managed by IACMI and the U.S. Department of Defense.
Who organized the July 22 virtual forum on the labor shortage?
The virtual forum was organized by the Additive Manufacturing Coalition. The University of Tennessee, America Makes, ASTM International, and SME participated in the event to develop concrete training strategies.
Is the ACE program paid for participants?
No, ACE is completely free for participants thanks to federal funding. The goal is to address a strategic vulnerability in American national security related to the shortage of machine tool skills.
When was the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies at UTK launched?
The College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies was launched in 2023 by the University of Tennessee Knoxville. It is dedicated to training innovative professionals, with particular focus on emerging sectors such as 3D printing.
