Free AMJobs Digital Tool Supports Additive Manufacturing Education, Workforce Development

America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, now offers the AMJobs digital platform, its newest education and workforce development (EWD) digital tool. It was created in collaboration with CAST, a nonprofit education research and development organization focused on designing equitable and inclusive learning experiences. The app was funded by the Ohio Department of Development.

The organization says AMJobs is a free tool to facilitate access to a wide range of additive manufacturing (AM) careers, support the industry's growth and foster talent development. As AM continues to evolve, industry leaders say the need for a skilled workforce is crucial. This career exploration tool includes profiles of people working in AM, and offers information to help job searchers learn their own pathways into the industry.

America Makes says it offers comprehensive EWD training programs, and is dedicated to guiding individuals in exploring careers, developing industry-aligned skills, and reaching educational and career milestones.

“AMJobs opens the door for everyone to experience the world of AM, demystifying the industry and bringing its reality closer to those who may perceive it as unconventional,” says Emily Young, EWD Project Engineer at America Makes. “Considered as our 'front door,' it invites individuals to glimpse inside and gain insight into the dynamic AM industry.”

The platform initiative incorporated input from essential stakeholders, educators and K-12 students to address the diverse needs of learners. The organization says these insights guided the platform’s design to ensure that exploring careers in AM resonates with their priorities and requirements. Participants included:

• Samantha Snabes, re:3D Inc.
• Katie Schultz, VISN 12 Great Lakes VA Healthcare System
• Ayna Ramseur-Moore, CoCreate Stamford – GE Appliances
• Jill Marconi, Ohio Aerospace Institute
• Mireya Flores, W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
• Nick Duncan, MatterHackers
• Josh Dewitt, VA Medical Center Ralph H. Johnson Charleston

The organization says it designed the platform to be accessible for all learners through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approaches. UDL, developed by CAST Inc., is a research-driven framework for designing inclusive learning experiences. It empowers learners by creating thoughtful and active learning environments that support meaningful choices, self-awareness and genuine understanding. This approach is said to aid learners in setting intentional goals and taking self-directed actions to achieve their learning objectives.