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Train on the Tools That Define Modern Manufacturing

Hands-on, industry-grade training programs for companies and career-seekers — delivered on the advanced manufacturing equipment used in aerospace, defense, and medical production.
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Explore What You'll Learn

Training Audiences

Manufacturing Companies

Career Changers

Engineering Professionals

K-12 & CTE

Researchers

250+

Businesses Engaged

100+

Industry Projects

30+

Advanced Systems

$13.5M+

Federal Funding

Where Real-World Experience Meets Leading-Edge Technology

Most manufacturing training falls short in one of two ways: either it’s classroom-heavy with limited hands-on time, or it uses equipment that’s already behind the industry. At The Manufacturing Collaborative, every training program is built around the same world-class tools and real industry projects we use for commercial production.
Located at Vermont State University’s Advanced Manufacturing Center in Randolph, VT, our facility houses over 30 advanced manufacturing systems — including EOS metal 3D printers, DMG Mori 5-axis CNC mills, Nikon CT scanners, Wire EDM, and a full metrology suite — all available for hands-on training.

Whether you’re a manufacturer looking to upskill your team on Industry 4.0 technologies, or an individual looking to launch a career in advanced manufacturing, we offer tailored programs that deliver demonstrable, job-ready skills.

Who This Is For:

  • Manufacturers needing to upskill teams on advanced processes and Industry 4.0 tools
  • Engineers expanding expertise into additive manufacturing, CT scanning, or digitization
  • Career-seekers looking to enter advanced manufacturing with hands-on, practical training
  • Defense & aerospace suppliers building workforce capacity for advanced manufacturing processes
  • K-12, CTE, and higher ed students building foundational skills through experiential learning
  • New career entrants including career changers, veterans, and underrepresented groups

Program Tracks

For Companies

Workforce Training for Manufacturing Companies

Keep your team at the forefront of modern manufacturing. We design custom, hands-on training programs built around your specific equipment, processes, and production challenges — then deliver them on world-class technology your team may not otherwise have access to.

Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) Training

Our structured DfAM course teaches engineers and designers how to leverage additive manufacturing for high-value applications — lightweighting, part consolidation, complex geometry, and performance optimization. Led by industry expert Dr. Andreas Vlahinos, this course combines foundational principles with hands-on application.

ANSYS Design and Analysis Software Training

Gain proficiency in ANSYS simulation software for structural analysis, thermal modeling, and design validation. A practical course for engineers looking to integrate simulation-driven design into their manufacturing workflow.

Equipment-Specific Proficiency Training

Send your team for targeted hands-on training with specific systems: 5-axis CNC, metal AM, CT scanning, Wire EDM, metrology, and more. Structured programs result in measurable proficiency gains.

Custom Corporate Training Programs

We work directly with your engineering, operations, and HR teams to develop a curriculum matched to your needs. Programs can be delivered at our Advanced Manufacturing Center or on-site at your facility.

What Your Team Will Gain:

  • Mastery of in-demand manufacturing skills, not just theoretical exposure
  • Proficiency with industry-standard software: SolidWorks, CREO, Fusion 360, Ansys
  • Hands-on time with equipment identical to what’s used in aerospace and defense production
  • A measurable ROI on training investment, assessed before and after each program
  • Direct access to TMC’s growing network of New England manufacturers and supply chain partners
  • Unbiased technology recommendations — we are not affiliated with any equipment vendor
Request a Custom Training Proposal

For Learners & Career-Seekers

Launch or Advance Your Manufacturing Career

For those ready to build a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing, The Manufacturing Collaborative offers skills-focused training and access to our Student Technician Program — a paid internship experience where you work on real industry projects using leading-edge equipment.

Skills-Focused Technical Training

Short-form, intensive programs focused on specific in-demand skills: additive manufacturing, CNC operation, metrology, digitization, design for manufacturing. Build proficiency quickly and earn recognition of your capabilities. Training focuses on hands-on, standardized classes — distinctly different from credit-based university coursework.

Student Technician Program

A paid internship opportunity for Vermont State University students and, in some cases, adult learners and students from other institutions. Student Technicians work alongside Manufacturing Collaborative staff to deliver real manufacturing services for industry clients — gaining hands-on experience across TMC’s full range of advanced equipment and processes.

Career Launch Network

Training doesn’t end when the program does. Gain access to TMC’s growing network of 250+ manufacturing companies across Vermont and New England — including aerospace, defense, medical, and consumer products manufacturers actively hiring.

Skills We Develop

Our training programs span the full advanced manufacturing workflow — from digital design through production validation and quality inspection. Depending on your goals, you may develop broad familiarity across several of these areas or pursue a deep dive into one specific discipline.

Additive Manufacturing

  • Polymer and metal 3D printing across major technologies.
  • Understand DfAM principles, material selection, process parameters, and post-processing workflows.
  • Tools: EOS M290 / M100 · SLS (3D Systems ProX)
  • FDM / SLA
  • Markforged Composite FDM

CNC Machining

  • Subtractive machining from 3-axis to simultaneous 5-axis.
  • Learn setup, programming, toolpathing, and quality control in a production environment.
  • Tools: DMG Mori DMU75 · Haas UMC 500.
  • Haas 3-axis .
  • Bridgeport Manual Mill.

CT Scanning & Metrology

  • Non-destructive inspection and precision measurement training.
  • Develop the skills few manufacturers have access to — seeing inside components without destructive testing.
  • Tools: Nikon XT H 225 ST.
  • Vision System MVP 200.
  • Unitron Microscopes.

Digitization & Reverse Engineering

  • 3D scanning, digital reconstruction, and CAD modeling.
  • Deploy advanced scanners to build virtual prototypes and accelerate product iteration cycles.
  • Tools: Artec 3D Scanner.
  • SolidWorks.
  • CREO / Fusion 360.
  • Ansys FEA.

Design for Manufacturing

  • Learn DfAM principles, generative design, and lattice structure integration.
  • Understand how design decisions can unlock additive manufacturing's full potential — from lightweighting to part consolidation.
  • Tools: Generative Design.
  • DfAM Principles.
  • Lattice Structures.
  • FEA Integration.

Materials & Post-Processing

  • Develop knowledge of material characterization, heat treatment, sintering, and stress relief.
  • Understand how process choices affect material properties and part performance.
  • Tools: Tensile Testing (100K lb).
  • Sintering Furnace.
  • Stress Relief.
  • Hardness Testing.

From First Contact to Career-Ready Skills

1: Needs Assessment

We work with you to understand your goals, current skill levels, and the specific technologies or processes most relevant to your work.

2: Program Design

Our team develops a tailored curriculum — drawing from our full technology suite to match your precise training objectives.

3: Hands-On Training

Training is delivered in our Advanced Manufacturing Center, on real equipment, often on real industry parts — not simulations or outdated lab setups.

4: Skills Validation

Participants leave with demonstrable skills and, where applicable, recognized credentials — plus access to TMC’s growing network of New England manufacturers.

“The Manufacturing Collaborative’s team was able to help us filter through a range of concepts so that we could bring the best one to life. With their services we were able to quickly iterate, simulate, and repeat – allowing us to bring to market the most successful product in our history with zero wasted tooling investment.”

— Justin Frappier, Low Pressure Studio

Training That's Built Around Real Production — Not the Classroom

The Advanced Manufacturing Center at Vermont State University is the first facility of its kind in Vermont and one of the only in the Northeast. With $13.5M+ in federal investment and equipment from EOS, DMG Mori, and Nikon, our facility reflects the actual technology in use across modern manufacturing supply chains. Our non-profit mission means we’re focused on outcomes — not enrollment numbers. When your team leaves trained, we’ve succeeded.
Industrial Equipment

Industry-Grade Equipment

30+ advanced manufacturing systems including EOS metal AM, DMG Mori 5-axis CNC, Nikon CT scanning, Wire EDM, and a full metrology suite — all available for training.

Real Projects, Not Simulations

Trainees work on actual customer parts and industry challenges — the same work our production team handles every day.
Consumer Products

Unbiased Technology Guidance

We’re not affiliated with any equipment vendor. Our advice and training recommendations are always aligned with your goals, not a sales quota.

Vermont State University Affiliation

Backed by the academic resources and credentialing framework of Vermont State University — supporting pathways toward recognized credentials and continuing education.

Supply Chain Focused

TMC is directly invested in building regional manufacturing resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our core professional development offerings include Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) training — a structured course led by Dr. Andreas Vlahinos covering how to leverage additive manufacturing for lightweighting, part consolidation, and performance optimization — and ANSYS design and analysis software training for engineers working in simulation-driven design. Beyond these structured courses, we offer equipment-specific proficiency training, custom corporate programs, and the Student Technician Program for eligible learners.
Our programs primarily serve the manufacturing industry — companies looking to upskill engineers and production teams on advanced processes and Industry 4.0 technologies. We also offer programs for individuals entering or advancing in manufacturing careers, including students, career changers, veterans, and others seeking hands-on technical skills.
Yes. We work directly with your engineering, HR, and operations teams to design a curriculum tailored to your specific equipment, processes, and skill gaps. Programs can be delivered at our Advanced Manufacturing Center in Randolph, VT or at your facility depending on scope and equipment requirements.
TMC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center houses 30+ systems including: EOS M290 and M100 metal laser powder bed fusion printers, 3D Systems ProX SLS for industrial nylon, Markforged composite FDM, DMG Mori DMU75 and Haas UMC 500 5-axis CNC machining centers, Haas 3-axis CNC mills, Makino Wire EDM, Nikon XT H 225 ST CT scanner, Artec 3D scanners, full metrology suite (vision measurement, microscopy), tensile tester to 100,000 lbs, and CAD/CAE software including SolidWorks, CREO, Fusion 360, and Ansys.
The Student Technician Program is a paid internship opportunity primarily for Vermont State University students, with some participation available for adult learners and students from other institutions. Student Technicians work directly with Manufacturing Collaborative staff to deliver manufacturing services for real industry clients — gaining hands-on experience across TMC’s full technology suite in a professional production environment.
Primary hands-on training is delivered at our Advanced Manufacturing Center at Vermont State University in Randolph Center, VT. Some corporate training components can be delivered on-site at your facility. Contact us to discuss what configuration works best for your team.
Vermont’s Training Program (VTP) provides grants that may cover up to 50% of training costs for qualifying manufacturers. Advanced manufacturing skills are among the top VTP-supported categories. Contact us to learn more.
Yes. While our primary focus is Vermont and New England, we have engaged with companies across the US.

Ready to Build the Workforce Your Manufacturing Needs?

Whether you’re training a team of engineers or looking to launch your own manufacturing career, we’re here to help you get started.

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