Pilot program aims to address manufacturing “skills gap” with hands on training and real-world experience working with top tier suppliers in the aerospace, power generation and automotive industries.

The 3D printer was presented by Greg Jones, vice president, smartforce development, The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Made available through Siemens Cooperates with Education, the effort is designed to give high school and technical school graduates a basic-to-advanced machine tool knowledge that will benefit them in their future careers as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists.

Miles for Manufacturing (M4M), a series of 5K races aimed at raising funds and awareness for STEM education and manufacturing careers, donated four MakerGear 3D printers and $8,000 to Chicago-area STEM schools and programs with the proceeds from its 5K held during IMTS 2016. IMTS is owned and managed by The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

The demand for manufacturing talent is still on the rise despite the slow growth rate.

The program allows students to gain industry credentials, employability skills and transferable post-secondary college credits.