Bootcamp Dates: Monday, December 7 - Friday, December 11
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Friday session ends at 3:30 pm)
Lunch is included
Location: NCMC Martin Jahn Technology Center Manufacturing Lab,
1515 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Cost: FREE
Program Overview
The America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) program is an initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap in the manufacturing sector by providing education, hands-on training and resources to students, workers and veterans. The program focuses on using modern tools and technologies to equip participants with the core competencies needed to take the first step towards starting or advancing a career in machining.
Manufacturing jobs in the U.S. are in high demand, particularly for skilled machinists in the machine tool industry. This program was created to address that growing need, spark interest, and introduce potential career paths within the field. Growing the U.S. advanced manufacturing workforce is essential for producing high-quality tools and parts.
Led by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and supported by the Department of War, ACE's computer-numerical-control (CNC) Machining boot camps build the foundations of what it takes to become a machinist.
No prior CNC machining or Fusion 360 experience is necessary. Upon full completion of the bootcamp, participants will receive the ACE CNC Foundations Certificate of Completion.
The program is free of charge. Participants under the age of 18 require a parent or guardian present at all times.
Lead Instructors: Matthew Vandecar and Jeff Montgomery
What You'll Learn
Online Curriculum - All online coursework is completed during the boot camp and computers are provided.
- Introduction to machining
- Computer-aided machining (CAM) instruction
- Introduction to machining dynamics
- Introduction to machining cost
Boot Camp Curriculum
- Instruction for CAM
- Parameter selection
- Part setup
- Part probing
- Controller use
- Machine components for oscillating piston air engine and assembly
Each day begins with classroom instruction and demonstrations. Participants will receive hands-on CNC machining instruction, initially as a full group and then in smaller groups. Participants will work in pairs, take notes, and practice explaining machine operations to their peers under instructor supervision. Participants will learn the fundamentals of Fusion 360 CAM software during scheduled instructional time. Additional instruction will cover metrology, machining concepts, and related manufacturing topics.
Participants must attend and complete all five days to earn the ACE CNC Foundations Certificate of Completion (40 hours). Makeup opportunities are not routinely scheduled and will be considered on an individual basis.
What to Wear (Lab Safety Requirements)
- Closed-toe, sturdy, protective footwear is required. Steel-toe boots are allowed but not required.
- No Crocs, foam shoes, open-toed shoes, or sandals.
- Long hair must be secured or tied back.
- No loose clothing, long sleeves, or hoodies while operating machinery.
Additional shop safety instructions will be provided by the instructors.
About ACE
America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) is a national initiative to restore the prominence of the U.S. machine tools sector. Through ACE, you can receive free online training and also qualify for hands-on, in-person training that can put you on a path to a career (or advancement, for existing workers) in the machine tool industry. No prior training or experience is required. Machining and machine tools are at the foundation of America’s manufacturing capability and its global competitiveness.
America’s Cutting Edge, 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 tools and composites manufacturing industries through transformative thinking, technological innovation, and workforce development. 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.
