KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee’s Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF) hosted an intensive workforce training program July 25-29, 2022, through the DoD IBAS America’s Cutting Edge initiative in partnership with IACMI-The Composites Institute.
The five-day ACE Composites Boot Camp provided hands-on training to 38 participants, including:
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Undergraduate and graduate engineering students
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Community college and high school instructors
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Emerging professionals in advanced manufacturing
Participants gained practical experience in composite materials processing, drone design and fabrication, additive manufacturing, and precision machining. The program’s project-based curriculum culminated in a drone flight competition, demonstrating real-world applications of composite technologies.
This successful model, which awarded certificates to all participants, is being adapted into shorter formats to reach broader audiences. The initiative highlights FCMF’s commitment to developing the next generation of composites manufacturing professionals.