WP6 – Training Academy

A successful transition to Additive Manufacturing (AM) will require new STEAM skills to fully leverage its potential. Currently, it is challenging to find human resources with the necessary skills and qualifications to apply AM in the industry. While recent engineering graduates may have some familiarity with AM, it is rare to find potential collaborators who possess a holistic understanding of AM technology, which combines mechanical engineering, materials science (e.g., polymers, metals), and design.

There is a distinct lack of educational initiatives aimed at training a qualified, adaptable workforce that can keep pace with the growth of AM. Existing training courses in engineering, management, and design do not equip individuals with the skills needed to effectively implement AM technologies. A successful transition to AM requires a workforce capable of working in multidisciplinary teams and proficient in 3D modeling software and scanning systems. Professionals in this field must understand the specifics of various processes, including post-processing techniques, machines, applications, and materials, to assess the implications and benefits of AM across the entire value chain.

Given this gap, it is urgent to implement a national Academy that spans the entire country and facilitates the rapid training of human resources, enabling companies to adopt AM. As part of the INOV.AM project, this Academy will provide targeted training for various profiles: operational workers, managers, product development engineers, and other key roles within the value chain. The Academy will facilitate the acquisition of both theoretical and practical skills, creating a supportive environment for digital transition and AM growth within the industry.

This Academy, consisting of multiple educational centers, will also validate technologies, materials, and processes to align with industry production needs by developing specific testing capabilities for unique challenges. The project has two interdependent objectives:

a) Qualify human resources to maximize the application of AM technologies across management, technical, and operational roles.

b) Develop educational centers equipped with AM technologies for workforce training. The project will establish four complementary centers in Guimarães (Centro1), Leiria (Centro2), Marinha Grande (Centro3), and Oeiras (Centro4).