Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV
Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV

PMEXCEL – Development of Vocational Education and Training Excellence in Powder Metallurgy

Future-Proof Skills for Powder Metallurgy – Innovation, Sustainability, and Digitalization in Vocational Education and Training

Challenges and Goals of Powder Metallurgy Training

Powder metallurgy (PM) is a key technology for the production of lightweight, high-performance components in industries such as automotive, aerospace, renewable energy, and medical technology. Technological change, increasing sustainability requirements, and global competition are leading to a growing shortage of skilled workers—particularly in digital and sustainable manufacturing methods. Traditional training programs often do not adequately cover new technologies such as additive manufacturing, hot isostatic pressing (HIP), press & sinter, and metal injection molding (MIM). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, are rarely able to offer their own continuing education programs.


»PMEXCEL« addresses this gap by developing innovative, flexible, and sustainable training and continuing education programs for all skill levels. Its target audiences include high school students, college students, and those just starting their careers, as well as professionals and educators in the PM industry.

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Project Aims and Goals

Development of modern, modular learning programs for the PM industry

»PMEXCEL« analyzes the skills needs of the PM industry across Europe and, based on this analysis, develops eight practical, modular curricula. These cover the entire spectrum of PM technologies—from fundamentals to hard materials, functional materials, sustainability, pressing and sintering, additive manufacturing, HIP, and MIM. The content is certified as micro-credentials and made available via an EU-wide e-learning platform.

 

Supporting teachers and establishing centers of excellence

Teachers receive targeted professional development through teacher forums, seminars, and Train-the-Trainer programs. »PMEXCEL« establishes regional and transnational Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs), which serve as centers of innovation and expertise for PM training. Collaboration between industry, research, and education is strengthened through joint projects, internships, and competitions.

 

Promoting Sustainability and Digitalization

There is a particular focus on integrating sustainability, the circular economy, and digitalization into training programs. The curricula teach skills related to energy-efficient processes, resource conservation, AI-supported manufacturing, and digital production methods. In this way, »PMEXCEL« supports the goals of the European Green Deal and the EU Skills Agenda.


Visibility, Networking, and Transfer

»PMEXCEL« focuses on broad dissemination: It reaches various target groups through webinars, hackathons, competitions, videos, and social media. The results are published as Open Educational Resources (OER) and will remain available even after the project ends. A funding and grant portal supports the sustainable further development of these offerings.

Current Status, Outlook, and Synergies in the »PMEXCEL« project

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© Fraunhofer

Current Status – The “PMEXCEL” project was launched in April 2026 and is currently in the start-up phase. Initial analyses and needs assessments are underway, and the development of the curricula and the e-learning platform is in preparation. In the coming years, the programs will be piloted, evaluated, and gradually implemented.

Outlook–  »PMEXCEL« will strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the European PM industry, ensure the employability of skilled workers, and contribute to the green and digital transformation. The structures and learning opportunities developed will be continued by the partners after the project ends and will be continuously updated.

Synergies – »PMEXCEL« builds on experience gained from previous EU projects (e.g., CLLAIM, SAM, Voltage) and is closely linked to other initiatives in the fields of additive manufacturing, sustainable production, and continuing education.

For more information and links to related projects, please visit the Fraunhofer IGCV project overview.