Metallica’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) Foundation, along with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), are uplifting local communities with grass-roots access to advanced manufacturing education. This collective philanthropic effort, made possible thanks to Metallica’s band members, management, reach, and resources, allows students to learn in-demand manufacturing technology skills at their local community or technical colleges and institutions through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. On the IMTS+ Main Stage this year at IMTS 2024, audiences learned more about AWMH from the people who made it and are making it happen in the panel discussion, “The Music of Manufacturing.” The speakers included Renee Richardson, director of philanthropy at AWMH, Jen Worth, senior vice president of academics and workforce development at the AACC, Craig McAtee, executive director and CEO at the NCATC, and Andrew Carrasco, a student at the College of Lake County, Illinois, and Metallica Scholar. The diverse lineup highlighted the multidisciplinary role of community colleges in fueling the manufacturing workforce. “Metallica has always given back to the communities where they have played,” Richardson explained. Looking for new ways to help, the band found that critical local services and workforce development were both vital and meaningful. In 2019 they formed AWMH to enhance education programs dedicated to technical trades. The foundation has partnered with the AACC to create the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which reaches over 8000 students in community and technical colleges across 60 locations in all 50 states and Guam. The powerhouse partnership provides hands-on training in manufacturing, specifically in high-demand skills like automation, mechatronics, and CNC machining. “We've found with this program that the students coming out of it are getting jobs right away. It's working,” said Richardson when explaining the tangible value of the initiative. “Companies are looking for technicians who are eager, willing to learn, and just people who are willing to build new skills,” explained Carrasco. “[AWMH] is helping me pursue my dream of becoming an engineer.” Thanks to the Metallica Scholars Initiative, he has gained invaluable experience working with PLCs, robotic arms, and other in-demand technologies. McAtee discussed the importance of engaging specifically with community and technical colleges, “For every one Ph.D. in any field in this country, at least two engineers are doing the actual theory … but for those two engineers, there are seven technicians needed to actually deploy that solution.” He explained, “Community colleges are the sweet spot for training that technical workforce.” Metallica has invested around $10 million into their initiative, where key partners like Carhartt and Wolverine are supporting the foundation’s work. McAtee urged interested businesses to get involved with local community colleges by joining advisory committees, offering internships, and providing tours of modern manufacturing floors. “If you’re not part of the solution for the workforce gap tha we have, you are unfortunately part of the problem – so get out there and help.” The band is just getting started. AWMH plans to continue growing the program through grass-roots partnerships, which will create better careers and a stronger manufacturing industry. “Community colleges were intentionally selected because of our rapid upskilling, affordability, and industry relevance,” Worth shared. “Please reach out to find your local community college involved in the initiative.” Watch or listen to the full discussion IMTS.com/Music-of-Manufacturing, and visit AWMH’s website to learn more about their efforts to uplift their communities and get involved.
Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation provides advanced manufacturing education through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Hear from industry leaders and students about its transformative impact.
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