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The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program, led by IACMI – The Composites Institute with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, recently announced a new partnership with the Pittsburgh-based Patterns of Meaning Initiative, an innovative program that introduces steel, specialty materials and metal manufacturing to K-12 students through the arts.

ESAB recently announced the 12 recipients of the 2025 $5,000 scholarships, awarded through a collaboration with the American Welding Society (AWS) Foundation. The scholarships, made possible by ESAB’s Future Fabricators program, support students across North America pursuing welding certifications and degrees.

Visual Components, a global provider of 3D manufacturing simulation and offline robotic programming software, will feature a live demonstration of its software for enhanced efficiency and flexibility in production processes at the Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME) 2026 in booth #407. The event takes place from July 29-30, 2026, in Grand Rapids, MI, at Devos Place.

The Fastener Training Institute (FTI), a nonprofit organization that provides beginning and advanced training on fastener products, standards and specifications, has announced its upcoming training program. The organization's core purpose is to enhance fastener use, reliability and safety with a mission to make industry professionals more knowledgeable about the fastening products they buy, sell, specify or use.

AlcoTec, an ESAB brand and the world’s leading producer of aluminum filler metals, announced that registration is open for 2026 training classes at its School of Aluminum Welding Technology – Theory and Practice in Traverse City, MI. The classes are scheduled for May 12–14 and September 22–24. Standard pricing is $1,500, and group discounts are available for companies registering multiple people.

The American Welding Society (AWS) and SkillsUSA recently announced that Mikala Sposito, a 21-year-old student from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, has been selected as the official United States competitor in Welding for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled for September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

6K Additive Inc., manufacturer in the domestic production of high-performance metal powders, welcomed Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) to its Burgettstown facility recently. The visit underscored the critical importance of establishing a robust, domestic supply chain for refractory metal powders essential to U.S. national security and clean energy independence, the company reported.

SencCutSend, a U.S.-based on-demand manufacturing company specializing in custom sheet metal and CNC machining, is celebrating a year of progress toward its $1 million commitment to support STEM education nationwide. Since announcing this venture in January 2025, the company has issued nearly $250,000 in parts, engineering assistance and funding to student engineering, robotics and STEM programs.

The ESAB Demo Tour — the company’s first interactive, nationwide mobile welding and cutting experience — has embarked on its 2026 tour of U.S. welding distributor partner locations, metal fabrication facilities, schools and special events.

The American Welding Society (AWS) recently announced its full schedule of 2026 conferences and events that include educational sessions, networking, and opportunities to connect with industry-leading experts. In addition to annual FABTECH conferences, AWS will feature four comprehensive technical events in 2026: Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC 2026), Shipbuilding and Aluminum Conference, Welding Automation Expo & Conference (WAEC), and Welding Summit.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), announced new action to remove nearly two dozen foreign product offerings from GSA Advantage!—the list of approved vendors for federal agency procurement. This action comes as a result of June meetings at the White House Small Business Summit, and in response to President Donald J. Trump’s recent directive and executive order requiring federal agencies to prioritize purchasing American-made goods, in support of American workers and businesses.

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is accelerating its commitment to the next generation of skilled trades by expanding the reach of the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative to 76 schools across 26 states in 2026.

Flow International Corporation and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) recently announced a renewed five-year partnership, strengthening their shared commitment to performance, precision, and innovation. This agreement enables JGR to integrate Flow’s NX Pro waterjet, LZR fiber laser, and HyperBend press brake into its operations, thereby enhancing each organizations' dedication to high performance.

Working together with 36 partner companies to bring technologies to life, foster dialogue, and showcase concrete application possibilities, The CHIRON Group hosted its annual OPEN HOUSE event at its headquarters in Tuttlingen, Germany.  The CHIRON Group supports the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, medical and precision technology, aerospace and tool manufacturing with its CNC-controlled, vertical milling and milling-turning machining centers as well as turnkey and automation solutions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the SBA Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge, inviting American small business owners across the country to join the nationwide celebration honoring 250 years of American independence, entrepreneurship, and free enterprise. As part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative, small businesses that sign the pledge will receive an official Freedom 250 certificate recognizing their commitment to America’s economic strength, to their local communities, and to carrying forward the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the nation since 1776.

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