America Makes, the Department of Defense’s Manufacturing USA institute for additive manufacturing, in partnership with 3D Veterans, received a Google.org grant to expand its Additive Manufacturing Bootcamp for veterans. With assistance from General Electric’s Center for Additive Technology Advancement (GE CATA) and Robert Morris University, this summer’s program will expand to include Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The four-week training program offers veterans a chance to learn new skills in 3D printing, computer-aided design drawing, 3D scanning, and traditional manufacturing, helping them return to work in an increasingly digital workforce within the high demand advanced manufacturing industry. Veterans who attend will receive a $500 stipend at the completion of the program.
The mission of 3D Veterans is to train and mentor veterans in 3D printing technologies to lead innovation and growth in this revolutionary industry. According to Michael Moncada, co-founder of 3D Veterans, “This bootcamp will allow our nations heroes the opportunity to learn additive manufacturing skillsets and tools from the leaders in this exciting industry, and will surely give our veterans an advantage at great career opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing. We are excited to work with America Makes, GE CATA, Robert Morris, and all the partners that assisted us in developing this program.”
A highlight of the bootcamp is spending one-week at GE’s CATA facility, where veterans are trained via hands-on exercises and projects led by Kirk Rogers, Technology Leader at GE CATA. As Mr. Rodgers praised the bootcamp, “We are excited to work with all our partners to give U.S. military veterans valuable training in this growing area of advanced manufacturing.”
“The power in this program lies in the collaboration between industry, academia and training partners,” said Leanne Gluck, the Deputy Director for Workforce and Education at America Makes. “Because of these strong relationships, the 3D Veterans program delivers a hands-on experience with relevant technology, teaching skills linked directly to industry needs and demands. America Makes is excited for the second regional 3D Veterans Bootcamp, and looks forward to opportunities to expand and roll it out nationally.”
For more information on the 3D Veterans Bootcamp, please visit 3D Veterans or America Makes.