Education
Mentorship Matters More Than Ever
Veteran moldmaker urges shops to preserve expertise, formalize training and invest in people to close the skills gap.
Christina Fuges
Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology
Molding Expert LLC to Debut Industry’s First VR Mold Assembly Training at PTXPO 2026
Immersive VR program allows participants to safely practice mold assembly and disassembly procedures in a highly realistic, interactive environment.
Read MoreMMT Chat: True Industry/Education Partnership Demands “Consistent Persistence”
High school teachers often ask, "How can I find a company willing to partner with me?" This question may seem straightforward, but establishing a genuine partnership with a local high school to address the skills gap requires ongoing commitment and consistent communication. Electroform, based in Rockford, IL, and Hononegah High School have made that commitment.
Read MoreBuilding Strong Industry-Education Bonds Through Dedicated Collaboration
High school educators often struggle to connect with businesses willing to partner, but creating a meaningful collaboration to address the skills gap demands ongoing effort and open dialogue. Electroform and Hononegah High School in Rockford, IL, demonstrate this through their steadfast commitment to a true partnership.
Read MoreWhy Attention to Detail and Continuous Learning Matter in Moldmaking
In an industry where precision is everything, attention to detail coupled with continuous learning isn't just an advantage—it's essential for staying competitive.
Read MoreMMT Chat: CAMM TechBridge Reinvents Path to Moldmaking Careers
CAMM’s TechBridge initiative leverages virtual reality training and education to inspire students, connect parents and strengthen moldmaking’s future workforce.
Read MoreBridging the Manufacturing Skills Gap: A Wake-Up Call
Manufacturing urgently needs mentorship programs and structured training before retiring experts create an irreversible skilled worker shortage.
Read MoreSPE's Mold Technologies Division Names 2026 Scholarships and Grants
Application process runs through April 30th, 2026, with funds distribution during the fall term of the 2026 school year.
Jann Bond
Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
Too Old for the Form, Too Good to Ignore
Our “30 and Under” Honors Program celebrates young professionals who are shaping the future of manufacturing. Occasionally, we encounter a candidate whose drive, innovation and leadership deserve recognition — regardless of their age. One such individual is Andrea Gruber.
Read MoreCAMM Launches TechBridge Initiative to Bridge Skills Gaps in Ontario's Manufacturing Sector
CAMM TechBridge empowers Ontario's manufacturing sector with free VR training, $5,000 financial support, school outreach and myth-busting campaigns to remove barriers.
Read MoreAIM Institute Launches Spanish-Language Courses, Bringing World-Class Education, Training to Latin America
Expansion directly supports the growing injection molding industry in Latin America.
Read MoreCelebrating Jim Fattori: SPE MTD’s 2025 Mold Designer of the Year
Jim Fattori, a third-generation moldmaker, earns SPE MTD’s 2025 Mold Designer of the Year for his innovation, mentorship and passion, donating his award stipend to TMA.
Read MoreGrowth Continues: AIM Institute's Mold Maintenance Center of Excellence
AIM Institute honors Nick O’Toole for completing all Mold Maintenance courses, advancing his career and enhancing Beaumont Advanced Processing’s mold performance.
Read MoreThe Hasenclever Family, HASCO 2026 SPE Mold Technologies Division Scholarship
HASCO has been a pioneer in the moldmaking industry for over 100 years.
Read MoreTurnkey Educational Molding Cell Teaches Mold Design
The APSX Edu-Cell USA program brings industrial-quality injection molding directly into U.S. community colleges, technical universities, research labs, STEM labs, maker spaces and workforce development centers.
Jann Bond
Managing Editor, Gardner Business Media
CAD Tool Leverages AI to Improve Critical Tasks in Moldmaking
Cimatron highlights its CAD-AI, a tool designed to transform CAD analysis and toolmaking by leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning for feature detection.
Read MoreUsing a Simulator to Support Upskilling and Empowering Workers
A virtual machine tool trainer powered by digital twin technology helps bridge the labor gap, starting with school programs.
Read MoreSPS Atlanta 2025 Addresses Manufacturing Challenges With Automation-Focused Solutions, Dynamic Education Programs
Taking place September 16-18, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center, the U.S. debut of Smart Production Solutions (SPS Atlanta) offers a focused platform to drive automation forward and reinforce American industrial strength.
Read MoreMMT Chats: Championing Moldmaking Recruitment
Production manager is doing his part to help transform skilled trades recruitment through strategic advocacy and digital engagement.
Read MoreMMT Chats: Mold Design Apprentices Speak Out
Mold Design Apprentices Alex McClinton and Nolan Benedict share their individual journeys to moldmaking, impressions of a unique mold design apprenticeship and their future plans.
Read MoreStudent Executives Manage Business, Academia in High School Vocational Program
Bend Manufacturing, a business led by high school seniors that operates out of The Portage School of Leaders in South Bend, Indiana, is witnessing its real-time return on investment: its students.
Read MoreFrom Flow Science to Skilled Hands: A Moldmaking Ecosystem Thrives in Erie
In Erie, PA, a single hub combines advanced technology and services, education and hands-on training to drive innovation and secure the future of moldmaking and plastics.
Christina Fuges
Editorial Director, MoldMaking Technology
MMT Chats: Virtual Reality Transforms Plastics Training
Innovative technology bridges skills gap through immersive learning experiences.
Read MoreProblem-Solving Powers MPP's Growth
Long-time Michigan mold builder expands its capabilities, incorporating molding and embracing automation, while maintaining its collaborative problem-solving approach and apprenticeship program.
Read MoreApplications Open for the 2025 SPE Mold Technologies Div. Grant and the Joseph Prischak Student Scholarship
The Society of Plastics Engineers’ Mold Technologies division is accepting applications for a $3,000 student scholarship honoring Joseph Prischak and a $5,000 educational grant program.
Read MoreMastering Mold Design: A 4-Part Series for the Next Generation
This new series explores four critical areas of mold design to help educate moldmaking professionals and ensure production success.
Read MoreThere’s No Downside to Upskilling
Machine shop CEO and former U.S. Navy SEAL applies his military knowledge to form an in-house upskilling program that trains all levels of employees for advanced positions. This talent development approach gives employees the gift of lifelong learning that benefits the industry as well.
Read MoreEducating Students on Digitalization, Decision-Making and Design
MMT's Editorial Advisory Board member Nick Vitelli, Engineering Lecturer for Plastics Engineering Technology at The Behrend College of Penn State Erie, shares his top MoldMaking Technology articles over the past year and how this content has been valuable to the business.
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