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This metal manufacturing jobs program wants to fill 122,000 openings
By Blake Stilwell ·
We Are The Mighty
· Tuesday, February 10, 2026
· 1 min read
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A significant challenge is facing the metal manufacturing industry in the United States. There are currently 122,000 job openings that need to be filled. The industry relies on high-skill workers and
A significant challenge is facing the metal manufacturing industry in the United States. There are currently 122,000 job openings that need to be filled. The industry relies on high-skill workers and complex technology, but the workforce pipeline is not sufficient to meet the demand.
The METAL program, which stands for Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning, aims to address this issue. It provides an on-ramp into metal manufacturing jobs, including casting and forging. Further details about the METAL program and its goals are available from the source.
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Our analysis The METAL program's focus on building a talent base for the US defense industrial supply chain has significant implications for national security and economic stability. With 122,000 metal manufacturing job openings to fill, the program's success could help alleviate potential disruptions to the supply chain. The program's design, which combines free online courses with in-person bootcamps and apprenticeships, may also provide a model for addressing workforce shortages in other industries. By targeting separating veterans and individuals looking for non-office work, METAL may help tap into underutilized talent pools. The program's emphasis on emerging technologies, such as Industry 4.0 and data analytics, could also help ensure that the US remains competitive in advanced manufacturing. As the program expands, it will be worth watching how effectively it addresses the workforce pipeline issues and whether its approach can be replicated in other sectors.
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