Tennessee Tech University has received a $434,204 grant to expand metal-casting education and workforce training in Cookeville, the university announced Oct. 8. The funding will support bootcamps, workshops, outreach and industry partnerships through Tech’s Center for Manufacturing Research, according to the announcement.
The first of two free bootcamps this fall is scheduled to begin Oct. 24 and run over four weekend sessions, with additional sessions listed for Nov. 14, 15, 21 and 22, the university said. Training includes eight hours of online instruction and 32 hours of hands-on work at Tech. Participants will study casting, forging, computer-aided design, pattern making, tooling, quality control, heat treatment and metal testing, according to the announcement.
Registration is free and open to adults ages 18 and older, Tennessee Tech said. The announcement directs interested participants to the program’s registration form for more information and registration; it does not provide a specific training location or session times.
Tech plans to offer 12 bootcamps over the next two years and reach nearly 400 students through community college and K-12 partnerships, the university said. Participants who complete the training will earn industry-recognized certification.