Machining and machine tools are at the foundation of America’s manufacturing capability and its global competitiveness. America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) is a national initiative to restore the prominence of the U.S. machine tools sector.

At no cost to the participant, ACE provides online courses followed by hands-on, in-person training that develops the skills needed for a career in the machine tool industry. No prior training or experience is required to enroll in the ACE computer numerical control (CNC) machining training program.

To participate, applicants need to register for both an ACE online training and an in-person training. Online training should be completed before the in-person training, which will take place on the following dates:

Scheduled Camps
Bootcamp 1: To be announced soon
Bootcamp 2: Fridays from Oct 16, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026
Bootcamp 3: Saturdays From Oct 17, 2026 to Nov 14, 2026
Bootcamp 4: Fridays from March 19, 2027 to April 26, 2027
Bootcamp 5: Saturdays from March 20, 2027 to April 27, 2027
Bootcamp 6: May, 10-14 2027
Bootcamp 7: August 9-13, 2027

Participants under 18 are not eligible for this bootcamp. However, they can participate in future in-person training sessions on a date to be announced.

Registration

Participants

  • ON THE RISE: Machining jobs in the U.S. are in high demand with more needed in the future.
  • EMPLOYABILITY: In 2022, manufacturing workers in the United States earned $98,846 on average, including pay and benefits.

Employers

  • NEW EMPLOYEES: Hire the right person and train the needed skills. Reduce on-the-job training time.
  • EXISTING EMPLOYEES: Up-skill or re-skill employees into higher value-add positions. Machinists can learn how tap tests can increase material removal rates, save time and money and get the most out of CNC machines.

All students who complete the online training will receive a certificate of completion, and a digital copy of the book “Machining Dynamics: Frequency Response to Improved Productivity".

ACE is supported by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program. DOD is combining the strength of Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a national CNC machining training program developed by University of Tennessee professor Tony Schmitz, the workforce development leadership of the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) and the capabilities and resources of the TEES Manufacturing Workforce Initiatives.

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