Free online composites course helps build the next generation of manufacturing talent

America’s Cutting Edge updates its Introduction to Composites course with interactive features, refreshed visuals, and practical manufacturing examples to make training more accessible.

Knoxville, TN and Arlington, VA (Aug. 10, 2026) – As manufacturers look for more ways to develop skilled composites talent, America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) has refreshed its free online Introduction to Composites course to give learners a more engaging first step into one of manufacturing’s growing career fields.

Managed by IACMI-The Composites Institute, America’s Cutting Edge originally created the course with the expertise of Dr. Uday Vaidya, IACMI chief technical officer, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to help learners build foundational composites knowledge online before progressing toward hands-on training opportunities.

ACE collaborated with the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) to refresh the course, modernizing the content and learning experience to better reflect today’s composites manufacturing environment. The updated course is designed to help newcomers build foundational knowledge through engaging, self-paced instruction that connects core concepts to real-world applications.

“Our primary goal was to create a learning experience that feels approachable and engaging for someone who may have little or no previous exposure to composites,” said Kyle Jordan, ACMA certifications director.

“Rather than simply presenting information, we wanted learners to actively explore concepts through interactive activities, realistic visuals, and practical manufacturing examples,” he added. “The result is a course that introduces composites in a way that is both accessible and relevant to today’s manufacturing workforce.”

As learners progress through the course, key concepts will be retained through:

• Interactive features
• Real-world visuals
• And enriching audio narration

“Registrants can engage at a pace that meets their needs while confirming their understanding and knowledge throughout the course,” said Andy Pokelwaldt, IACMI director of workforce and education. “By the end of the course, they’ll understand the fundamentals of composites and have the skillset to apply that knowledge to their career.”

Completers of the Introduction to Composites course are qualified to register for the rest of ACE’s free online composites courses, which focus on composites in various industries such as automotive and aerospace.

These courses serve as a prerequisite to free in-person ACE composites training offered at locations such as Winona State University and Northland Community & Technical College. Find composites training opportunities near you on the ACE bootcamps calendar. Additionally, information about ACMA’s Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program and workforce training solutions is available at acmanet.org/cct.

Those interested in learning the fundaments of composite materials are encouraged to register for the free Introduction to Composites course.

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About America’s Cutting Edge

America’s Cutting Edge, supported by the U.S. Department of War (DoW) Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program, is a national training program designed to reestablish American leadership in the machine tools and composites manufacturing industries through transformative thinking, technological innovation, and workforce development. The curriculum combines advanced training and techniques from the University of Tennessee, the scientific expertise of the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the proven workforce development capabilities of IACMI-The Composites Institute.

About American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) represents the complete North American supply chain for the fiber reinforced polymer (“FRP”) composites industry. We are manufacturers, material and equipment suppliers, distributors, academia and end users, dedicated to growing the composites market. We serve our members and the industry by promoting the competitive advantage and versatility of composite materials. ACMA offers composites industry educational resources through our Education Hub, CAMX, conferences, webinars, and Certified Composites Technician (CCT®) program. We develop standards and specifications that drive preference for the use of composites in place of traditional materials. We lead advocacy efforts via legislative and regulatory channels to achieve a more viable composites industry. Together, we make composites the sustainable material of preference. Visit acmanet.org for information on membership and initiatives.