Academy of Advanced Manufacturing

Bridge the manufacturing skills gap with veteran training

closeup shot of medals on a military veteran's uniform

Manufacturing companies are facing a growing skills shortage and struggling to find qualified candidates for many critical manufacturing roles. At the same time, the cost to source, recruit, assess, select, and develop a highly skilled workforce continues to rise. The Academy of Advanced

Manufacturing (AAM) is a Rockwell Automation‑delivered program designed to equip U.S. military veterans with the skills required for success in advanced manufacturing careers. AAM helps close the manufacturing skills gap while providing veterans with access to meaningful, high‑demand roles across the manufacturing sector.

What is the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing?

From Military to Manufacturing

From Military to Manufacturing

Launched in 2017, the Academy of Advanced Manufacturing program is rapidly upskilling U.S. veterans across high-demand, technology-based roles in as little as 11 weeks. From this veteran training program, more than 90% of graduates have been placed in career-advancing roles.

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How does this program work?

one student explaining hardware to another

How does this program work?

The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) recruits U.S. military veterans with technical aptitude and transferable skills. Participants complete a comprehensive screening and assessment process to evaluate their potential for success in the AAM program and in future advanced manufacturing roles.

The program combines instructor‑led classroom learning with hands‑on laboratory experience. AAM leverages Rockwell Automation’s deep expertise in industrial automation and advanced manufacturing to align training with real‑world skills needs and evolving industry demands.

AAM consists of an 11‑week training curriculum covering both technical and professional competencies. Key technical courses include industrial automation principles, controllers, networks, visualization, AC drives and motors, instrumentation, and machine safety. Core professional competencies include communication, navigating change, managing conflict, and presentation skills. Graduates of the AAM program earn Rockwell Automation certifications validating these technical and professional capabilities.

View the Certification Skills List

Hear From Our Customers

Endress+Hauser Employs Veteran Graduates

Jerry Spindler, Training Manager at Endress+Hauser, discusses their collaboration efforts to assist customers and veterans.

Endress+Hauser Employs Veteran Graduates

Read how Endress+Hauser is involved in the AAM program and how they now employ some of the veteran graduates from the 10 cohorts. Jerry Spindler, Training Manager at Endress+Hauser, discusses their collaboration efforts to assist customers and veterans.

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Hear From Our CEO

Blake speaking about AAM on Business Roundtable

Opportunity Unlocked: Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation

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2025 Sustainability Report

AAM’s Expansion Through Technical College Partnerships

The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing is growing its national footprint through new partnerships with technical colleges—bringing AAM’s hands‑on, industry‑aligned curriculum directly to local communities. These partnerships expand access to high‑quality technician training, strengthen regional workforce pipelines, and help employers upskill or hire talent closer to home.

Each partner college delivers AAM’s training using Rockwell Automation technologies and instructional support, ensuring consistency in quality and alignment to Industry 4.0 skill demands.

Organizations interested in regional training availability or partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact our team for more details.

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AAM in the News

veteran rockwell employee looking at monitor on shop floor

Rockwell Automation Academy of Advanced Manufacturing Gives Veterans Training, Preparation for Jobs

The physical labor that once existed as a critical piece of manufacturing is becoming less important as machines do more work. But do you have people in your organization that know how to operate those machines?

The Academy of Advanced Manufacturing is a bridge for veterans of all branches to learn and understand other technologies and expand that knowledge in new roles.

Read how Jackson Henderson, from the U.S. Air Force, and Dustin Rodgers, from the U.S. Marine Corps, found new fulfillment in the 11-week AAM program.

Milwaukee companies team up to train veterans in high-tech manufacturing. “We're helping them take the technical skills they developed in the military and redeploy them for manufacturing.” Learn more about our program in this 4 minute video.

More Press

Rockwell Automation, ManpowerGroup turn to veterans for skilled talent – BizTimes

Three Elements Lead to Skills Success – Efficient Plant Magazine

Academy of Advanced Manufacturing trains veterans for career opportunities – BizTimes

Veterans training program helping to fill manufacturing skills gap – TechRepublic

How Returning Veterans Are Bridging The Manufacturing Skills Gap - Bema

Women in Engineering - Mary Burgoon - EECO Asks Why Podcast