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NC State METAL Hub

Powder-to-Forging Workforce Development for Aerospace, Defense, and Advanced Manufacturing.

Overview

The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning (METAL) program aims to reverse the decline of the U.S. casting and forging workforce while inspiring a new generation of metallurgical professionals. Guided by industry and faculty experts, participants gain hands-on experience and clear pathways into careers in metal casting, forging, and advanced metals manufacturing.

Led by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and supported by the Department of War, METAL aims to empower individuals and engage them in the field of metallurgy.

METAL Online Logo

Curriculum

You must complete the METAL Level One online course before attending bootcamp

What You’ll Learn

  • Introduction to Metalcasting and Metalcasting Processes​
  • Metallurgy and Heat Treatment​
  • Nonferrous Metals and Alloys (Aluminum and Copper Based Alloys)​
  • ​Cast Irons and Steels​
  • ​Introduction to Casting Design and Modeling​
  • ​Additive Manufacturing (3-D Printing) Techniques for Casting​
  • ​Introduction to Forging and Rolling Processes​
  • ​Melting Processes​
  • ​Introduction to Post Processing​
  • ​Introduction to Mechanical Properties & Testing ​
  • ​Careers in METAL​​

About METAL Bootcamp

METAL Bootcamps offer an unparalleled opportunity to dive deep into the world of metallurgy. These one-week intensive programs, hosted on NC State’s Centennial Campus, are free to the public and are designed to ignite a passion for forging and casting in the next generation of innovators and builders.

By immersing yourself in hands-on experiences and learning directly from industry experts, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the field of metallurgy.

The program is free of charge. Participants under the age of 18 require a parent or guardian present at all times.

What You’ll Learn

  • Casting Design: Solidification Modeling / Flow Modeling
  • Mold Making / Preparation Processes and Mold Materials
  • Metallurgy & Heat Treatment: Casting, Forging, Rolling
  • Aluminum Casting
  • Post Processing
  • Casting Silicon Brass and Bronze Alloys
  • Points of Pride

Upcoming Bootcamps

October 10-11 and 17-18, 2026
All registrants must complete the online METAL Level One course before the in-person boot camp.

Frequent Questions

What Should I Wear?

  • Short sleeve shirt
  • Leather work boots (steel toe not required)
  • Work pants or jeans
  • No sneakers, jewelry, open-toe shoes, exercise/stretch pants

Where Do You Meet?

  • Engineering Building 3
  • 1840 Entrepreneur Dr.
  • Campus Box 7910
  • Raleigh NC 27695

Where Should I Park?

Parking is located behind Engineering Building 3.

What are the Lodging Options?

The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection
2451 Alumni Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 743-0055
1.0 Miles

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Raleigh-University Area
3771 Thistledown Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
(984) 300-1410

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Raleigh SW NC State by IHG
3741 Thistledown Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 854-0001

Questions?

If you have questions about METAL at NC State, contact one of us below.