The American Injection Molding Institute is partnering with Pennsylvania Western University to develop a concentration in plastics injection molding under a PennWest degree program.
The concentration will be part of PennWest's Associate of Applied Science in Applied Technology, officials said in a news release. The collaboration offers students a unique opportunity to fast-track their education and careers in the injection molding industry, they added.
The concentration also addresses growing demand for workplace-ready employees. Graduates of AIM's ANSI/ASTM-accredited programs can receive up to 25 prior learning assessment (PLA) credits toward the degree. The program will launch in the fall of 2025, but students can begin working on AIM Institute coursework immediately.
AIM Institute is based in Erie, Pa. It was founded in 2014 and by 2022 had worked with more than 3,000 students who completed more than 6,000 courses. The institute was created by Plastics Hall of Fame member John Beaumont, who taught plastics courses for 25 years at Penn State Erie. Beaumont also founded his own Erie-based injection molding technology business, which continues to operate as Beaumont Family of Companies.
Through AIM Institute coursework, students learn about plastics materials, mold design, injection molding processing, part design and Autodesk Moldflow simulation with a focus on real-world applications and industry-based outcomes. The PennWest coursework is selected to further students' learning with courses that prepare students for a variety of jobs in the industry including process engineer, Autodesk Moldflow analyst, product designer, project engineer, tooling engineer and others.
Officials said the program uses a unique model, providing students hands-on training at AIM Institute's injection molding lab while attending one of several PennWest campuses and completing courses either in person or online.
AIM Institute's programs are accredited to the ANSI/ASTM E2659 education standard. The courses are taught by recognized plastics engineers who have worked in a variety of design and manufacturing positions in the industry.
"The unique structure of this degree improves workforce readiness and the ability to drive innovation by designing the curriculum with rigorous academic instruction combined with practical hands-on experience," AIM Institute director David Hoffman said.
PennWest Provost and Vice President James Fisher added that the university "is thrilled to partner with AIM to provide students with an accelerated path to academic success." The collaboration "underscores our dedication to recognizing real-world skills and enhancing career opportunities for learners," he added.
PennWest was created in 2022 from the merger of Clarion University, Edinboro University and California University of Pennsylvania.
Shortages in manufacturing workforces have led several schools to form consortiums to figure out ways to reverse the trend.