- AMERICA'S CUTTING EDGE- | | MAMC offers no-cost CNC machining camps | | |
---Individuals can test-drive careers in manufacturing during free Introduction to CNC Machining camps presented in Huntington and South Charleston by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC).
---Participants will learn computer-aided manufacturing using Fusion 360, CNC (computer-numerical-control) programming and operation, blueprint reading, precision measuring and more as they create three-dimensional models then manufacture components to assemble into working air-piston engines. No experience is necessary.
---Upcoming camps are:
• March 5-6, March 12-13 – Huntington
• March 26-27, April 2-3 – South Charleston
• April 9-10, 16-17 – Huntington
• April 23-24, 30, May 1 – South Charleston
• June 1-5 – South Charleston
• June 5, 12, 19, 26 – Huntington (Fridays)
• June 15-19 – South Charleston
---To register for any of the ACE camps, visit www.mfg.marshall.edu/cnc-bootcamps and
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choose the online machinist option then select the date of an in-person camp.
---Camps are open to individuals 16 and older who want to explore a machinist career, sharpen their machinist skills or learn about modern manufacturing processes.
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HUNTINGTON CAMPS
- March 5-6 and March 12-13
- April 9-10 and April 16-17
- June 5, 12, 19 and 26
| |  | SOUTH CHARLESTON CAMPS
- March 26-27 and April 2-3
- April 23-24, April 30 and May 1
- June 1-5
- June 15-19 | | Global company adopts MAMC apprenticeship model at 10 U.S. locations | | |
---IKO Industries, a global manufacturer of roofing, insulating and waterproofing products, is in the midst of significant growth.
---Headquartered in Canada, the company operates nearly 40 production facilities that manufacture products for customers in close to 100 countries. IKO employs between 4,000 and 4,500 workers worldwide at any given time.
---“We’ve had a lot of expansion in the U.S. South and Southwest in the last decade plus,” said Derek Fee, IKO’s Director of Consumer and Corporate Affairs. “It’s close to a billion dollars in expansion that we have underway at the present time, most of it in the U.S.”
---This rapid expansion has intensified an already pressing challenge: finding skilled trades professionals to support growing operations.
---“The big problem we face is finding people in the skilled trades,” Fee explained. “There’s a lot of competition. It’s not always a buyer’s market, if you will, for finding people.”
---To address this challenge, company leaders began developing a framework for a national apprenticeship program to recruit and retain highly skilled workers. When IKO officials learned that Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s (MAMC) Apprenticeship Works already offers a
| | MAMC onboards apprentices Feb. 19 at IKO South in Jacksonville, Fla. | |
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-approved framework — including for occupations in high demand at IKO — the company moved to implement the program across its 10 U.S. manufacturing facilities.
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| MAMC leverages resources, talent to bring branded mementos to life | | |
---It’s been awards season of late at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) — but not in the way you might expect.
---Instead of accepting – or handing out – trophies, the MAMC team has been hard at work designing and fabricating custom awards and branded keepsakes for organizations across the region, including numerous departments and groups at Marshall University.
---“Over the years, we’ve been asked to create trophies and awards, but recently the pace has really picked up,” said Tyler Brandstetter, MAMC’s STEM Education and Makerspace Coordinator. “A lot of the buzz is attributed to word of mouth. Someone sees cool things that we’ve made and wants something similar. Or they tour our facility, see the range of tools and materials we work with, and their creativity kicks in.”
---For the past two years, MAMC has produced the Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC) Grantsmanship Awards. Using a 3,000-watt laser cutter, the team crafted each trophy from stainless steel, precisely cutting the shape and etching the lettering before forming it on an 80-ton press brake. This year’s design added a Marshall-green acrylic backing, introducing a vibrant pop of color to the sleek metal finish.
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---When the spotlight turned to “Dancing With the Herd,” a fundraiser during which Marshall President Brad Smith and First Lady Alys Smith waltzed away with the mirror-ball trophy, MAMC once again delivered. The team created 3D-printed, multi-colored keepsakes for participants and volunteers, featuring Marco the Buffalo in a Marshall sweater and hat, set against a mirror ball backdrop with green-and-white lettering accents.
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| | Don't miss these student-, industry-focused MAMC events | | MARCH 5 - South Charleston | |
Machine Tool Technology Open House for prospective students
---Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is hosting an open house at its South Charleston facility for individuals interested in enrolling in its career skills program in Machinist Tool Technology/CNC.
---The March 5 event is scheduled 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 100 Angus E. Peyton Drive. Prospective students, their family and friends will tour the CNC Machining Technology Lab, talk with instructors and learn about financial aid options, including West Virginia Invests. MAMC offers its machinist program in the greater Kanawha Valley in partnership with BridgeValley Community and Technical College.
Learn more
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Reverse Job Fair to connect local
employers to student job seekers
---MAMC invites industry representatives to a March 11 reverse job fair with students looking for jobs or internships.
---The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MAMC Huntington, 1050 Fourth Ave. Participants are asked to register at www.mfg.marshall.edu/March11.
---MAMC Machinist Technology/CNC, Welding Technology and Systems Maintenance, Automation & Robotics Technology (SMART) students will be positioned at individual stations to talk with companies about internships, prospective job opportunities and to share their resumes. Industry representatives can visit with students from the three disciplines in a round-robin style format.
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SMART event to showcase
technology, in-demand training
---Industry representatives are invited to a March 11 SMART Open House for a behind-the-scenes look at MAMC’s Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology (SMART) career skills program.
---Participants can tour the newly expanded learning lab, talk with SMART instructors and students, and see demonstrations of the training technology.
---The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MAMC Huntington (1050 Fourth Ave.).
---MAMC partnered with Mountwest Community and Technical College to launch SMART in 2024 in response to industry demand for skilled industrial maintenance technicians.
Learn more
| | | MARCH 12 & 24 - Huntington | |
Explore all MAMC career skills programs during open houses
---MAMC is hosting a series of open houses for individuals interested in learning more about its career skills programs in Machinist Technology/CNC, Welding Technology and SMART (Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology).
---During the informal events, attendees will meet instructors, tour the hands-on learning labs and receive information about how they can earn a one-year certificate, two-year degree and individual industry credentials in these in-demand industrial sectors.
---New classes for all three career skills programs begin in August. Learn more at www.mfg.marshall.edu/careers.
Learn more
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Shorten supply chains, identify new suppliers, expand your markets
Our Metal Tech Expos have led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in new contracts for metal working operations across the region. Don't miss this opportunity to grow your business. Register for Tri-State Metal Tech Expo 2026 today at www.mfg.marshall.edu/26metaltech.
| | | | | UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS & TRAINING | | |
Mar. 3: SBA Overview
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., online
This fast-paced, 30-minute session gives entrepreneurs and small-business owners a concise overview of how the SBA supports small business growth in West Virginia. Participants will learn about the SBA’s core programs, including access to capital, counseling and training resources, federal contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance. This training is ideal for startups, existing businesses looking to expand, and anyone who wants a clear understanding of what the SBA can do for them. More information
Mar. 10: Feeling More Confident as a Female Business Owner
10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., online
Strong, confident communication is essential for success in businesses – especially for women leaders and entrepreneurs. Join U.S. Small Business Administration staff during Women’s Month for a presentation designed to help strengthen your voice, elevate your communication skills, and boost confidence. More information
Mar. 10: West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Monthly Meeting
2 p.m. to 3 p.m., online
Join the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem for our monthly virtual meeting during which partners from across the state come together to share updates, highlight resources and collaborate on ways to support entrepreneurs. More information
Mar. 12: Local’s Launch Pad
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., UC Downtown Innovation Hub, 240 Capitol St., Charleston
Local’s Launchpad is a high-energy, community-driven startup showcase designed to spotlight early-stage companies and connect them with
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the people and resources that help ideas grow. The evening event will feature startup pitches,
ecosystem updates and meaningful networking with founders, investors, operators and community partners. More information
Mar. 31: Manufacturing Minute
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., online
One of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s top priorities is a deeper engagement with manufacturing communities in which access to capital and federal contracting opportunities have been limited. SBA is leading a task force that is laser focused on growing American-based manufacturers. Join the SBA team for a 30-minute session that features SBA’s Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. More information
April 27-May 1: Bridging Innovation Week
TBA, Morgantown locations
Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. The annual symposium advances entrepreneurship-led economic development by providing connection and education to business owners, current and prospective entrepreneurs and entrepreneur-serving organizations throughout West Virginia. More information
May 19: Metal Tech Supply Chain Expo
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Marshall Rec Center, Huntington
Connect with new suppliers. Expand your customer base. Network with others in the metalworking industry during this third-annual supply chain event sponsored by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center and Advantage Valley. More information
Submit details about your events and training to MAMC's Mike Friel at mike.friel@mfg.marshall.edu.
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