May 4, 2026
Whether you’re exploring a career in advanced manufacturing or looking to strengthen your current skill set, Northland Community & Technical College (Northland) is offering a new opportunity to get hands-on experience in composites manufacturing at no cost.
Northland is now hosting free, weeklong composites bootcamps through America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), a national workforce training initiative managed by IACMI–The Composites Institute. The bootcamps combine classroom learning with hands-on training using the same equipment and technology found in modern manufacturing facilities.
Led by industry experts, ACE bootcamps immerse participants in real-world applications of composites manufacturing. Attendees will operate equipment, learn shop safety practices, and gain exposure to advanced materials and processes in high demand across the aerospace, defense, transportation, and other manufacturing sectors.
“If you’re in industry, you’ll get access to cutting-edge information to help you achieve better productivity, efficiency, or cost-savings,” said Andrew Pokelwaldt, IACMI Director of Workforce and Education. “And if you’ve never heard of composites, this is a great opportunity to see why you should get involved.”
During the weeklong bootcamp, participants will:
- Receive an introduction to composite materials and manufacturing
- Practice shop safety and work with composite manufacturing equipment
- Build their own composite glider project
- Participate in industry tours and networking opportunities
- Earn a digital badge and certificate of completion
“Northland is pleased to partner with IACMI–The Composites Institute to bring these hands-on composites bootcamps to our region,” said Kirsten Michalke, Dean of Workforce Development and Aerospace Campus at Northland. “Designed for participants ages 16 and older, these free bootcamps are open to high school students, college students, and individuals currently working in industry. They offer a unique opportunity to explore emerging career pathways in composites or expand existing skills in a growing field.”
Northland’s Inaugural Composites Bootcamp
July 13–17, 2026
Location: Northland Community & Technical College, Thief River Falls (Aerospace Campus)
Enrollment is limited to 15 participants, with spots filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Register today:
www.northlandcollege.edu/wds/bootcamps
Required pre‑course:
Completion of the free online ACE Introduction to Composites course is required prior to bootcamp admission. https://go.iacmi.org/Introduction_to_Composites
About America’s Cutting Edge (ACE)
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 tool industry 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 Northland Community & Technical College
Northland Community & Technical College is a comprehensive public college with campuses in East Grand Forks and Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Northland also operates an aerospace campus in Thief River Falls and extension sites in Roseau and Warroad. The college offers certificates, diplomas, transfer programs, and associate degrees in more than 80 areas of study, along with customized workforce training and continuing education.
Northland is a member of Minnesota State, one of the largest systems of higher education in the United States, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more at www.northlandcollege.edu.