[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ inner_width=”auto” inner_max_width=”1080px”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ custom_padding__hover=”|||” custom_padding=”|||”][et_pb_image _builder_version=”4.27.4″ src=”https:\/\/affiliate.wcu.edu\/cet-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/405\/2025\/05\/ACE-CNC-Machining-Program-at-WCU-3.jpg” background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ border_radii=”on|3px|3px|3px|3px” \/][et_pb_button _builder_version=”4.27.4″ button_text=”ACE INTEREST FORM” button_url=”https:\/\/cet.wcu.edu\/ace-interest-form” url_new_window=”on” button_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”button_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ button_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” 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Western Carolina University\u2019s College of Engineering and Technology<\/a><\/strong> will offer two free America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) Machining Bootcamps this summer. Bootcamps for adults and students in high school or college will be held at WCU from July 28-Aug. 1 and Aug. 4-8. Participants will meet from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. in classrooms and work hands-on in a machine shop.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a hands-on, high-impact opportunity for anyone curious about machining or looking to explore a new career path,\u201d said Scott Pierce, WCU associate professor of engineering and principal investigator for the ACE programs at WCU. \u201cWe\u2019re especially excited to welcome high school students, community college students, and adults from the community who may be looking for a different job or exploring new opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n ACE is a national Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine training program created to help meet the workforce demand for machinists. Managed by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) through an agreement with the Department of Defense Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, ACE bootcamps are designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of machining and advanced manufacturing, regardless of prior experience.<\/p>\n Participants will learn:<\/p>\n The highlight of the bootcamp is creating a working air engine<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 a small, piston-powered device that spins when air is applied. \u201cIt\u2019s got a little piston inside and a valve, and it spins really fast,\u201d said Pierce. \u201cIt\u2019s a fun and tangible way to see what you\u2019ve built come to life.\u201d<\/p>\n Upon completion, participants receive a certificate, which participants can add to r\u00e9sum\u00e9s and use to pursue further training or employment in the field. \u201cThis program is a gateway,\u201d Pierce said. \u201cA participant could finish this and decide to pursue a two-year machining degree or even a bachelor\u2019s degree. There\u2019s a huge demand for these skills, and companies are actively hiring.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is about opening doors,\u201d Pierce said. \u201cWhether you\u2019re a high school student, a community college student, or someone working in food service looking for a better opportunity, this could be your start.”<\/p>\n WANT TO PARTICIPATE?<\/strong> Complete a WCU ACE program interest form<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_pattern_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.2)” background_mask_color=”#ffffff” text_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength=”text_text_shadow_style,%91object Object%93″ text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”link_text_shadow_style,%91object 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AIR ENGINE<\/h5>\n
\u00a0<\/h5>\n
LEARN MORE & REGISTER<\/h5>\n
\n