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Advancing the CNC Workforce for a Smarter Manufacturing Future

Machining Modeling and CNC Optimization Training

Free Machining Modeling & CNC Optimization Bootcamp at St. Thomas

As manufacturing technology rapidly evolves, the demand for skilled machining technologists is at an all-time high. Through an exclusive partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), St. Thomas and Third Wave Systems now offer free machining modeling training opportunities. The Machining AdvantEdge program delivers a powerful combination of on-demand advanced machining modeling eLearning and hands-on CNC optimization bootcamp training.

Contact

St. Thomas Machining

Email
cnc@stthomas.edu
CNC instructor stands next to student and points to a machined part.

Elevate your career

Free Training to Transform Your Manufacturing Career

The Machining AdvantEdge program equips machinists and engineers with the essential tools to streamline workflows and accelerate the transition from design to production.

Benefits of this free training program include:

  • Mastering advanced digital modeling and hands-on optimization techniques.
  • Earning micro-credentials to boost your workplace value.
  • Learning to program smarter and work faster with advanced simulation software that eliminates costly trial-and-error.

Register for Training

This free Machining Modeling and CNC Optimization Training program is designed for professionals already familiar with CNC machining who seek to advance their skills. Enroll today to gain valuable skills, a competitive edge in the workforce, and digital micro-credentials.

Choose one or both training opportunities:

In-Person 2-Day Bootcamp at St. Thomas

Hands-On CNC Optimization Training

Gain experience using machining modeling and optimization software; operate CNC equipment to see the benefits first-hand.

Future Offerings:

  • January 2026 - Two bootcamps are available: January 12-13 and January 14-15 (from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM). 
  • Summer 2026 - Four bootcamps are available: June 15-16, June 17-18, August 3-4 and August 31-September 1 (from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM).

Cost: None. This on-site program is free and includes lunch. 

Credentials Awarded: A digital badge will be awarded to all participants who complete the in-person bootcamp training.

Machining Modeling Bootcamp badge

Complete the Registration Request Form for In Person Training

On-Demand E-Learning

Machining AdvantEdge: Material-Specific Machining Modeling - the Next Generation of  Machining

Learn how physics-based, materials-specific machining modeling can help you understand machining processes without being at the machine.

Availability:
On-Demand. Enroll at any time.

Cost: None.

Credentials Awarded: A digital badge will be awarded to all participants who complete the eight hours of online eLearning.

Machining Modeling E-Learning badge

Register for the Machining AdvantEdge e-Learning
Two women look at a part simulation on screen

Build your employees' skillsets

Opportunities for Businesses

There are several ways your company can become involved with CNC training at St. Thomas:

  • Send a cohort of engineers or CNC machinists to a bootcamp for skill enhancement.
  • Demo modeling software to learn how to get more out of your CNC machines.
  • Find your next employee by advertising job openings with our bootcamp participants.

Contact us today to learn about the program, cohort training, and sponsorship opportunities at cnc@stthomas.edu 

Machining Modeling & CNC Optimization Bootcamp Team

Richard Wold headshot

Richard Wold

Richard Wold is a full-time instructor for the University of St. Thomas with over 35 years of providing manufacturing education in the areas of CNC programming and machining, tool design, plastic injection mold making, and diemaking. He is a journeyman toolmaker with extensive experience in metal stamping, diemaking, and prototype machining processes.
Richard Wold
Dr. John Wentz headshot

Dr. John Wentz

Dr. John Wentz is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of St. Thomas, where he serves as the Director of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing. An educator with 18 years of experience in manufacturing education and expertise in machining optimization and additive manufacturing, he enjoys sharing his passion through hands-on workforce development efforts that span K-12 to undergraduate and graduate engineering.

Dr. John Wentz
Dr. Tiffany Ling headshot

Dr. Tiffany Ling

Dr. Tiffany Ling is a Clinical Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of St. Thomas, where she serves as operations director for the workforce development efforts within the Center for Advanced Manufacturing. She is an experienced engineering educator and project leader with a demonstrated history of working in the manufacturing industry. Tiffany is also the Engineering Capstone Director at St. Thomas and has been leading the engineering design clinic capstone course since 2016.

Dr. Tiffany Ling

Program Sponsors

Air Force Research Laboratory Third Wave Systems logo

This program is based upon work supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) under Contract No. FA2394-23-C-B061.