PMA Educational Foundation

PMAEF Mission

“To enhance the supply of skilled workers by supporting and developing training and education programs and by improving the public image and awareness of careers in metalforming.”

Educational Foundation

Our History

The PMA Educational Foundation was established in 1996 to help develop a trained, motivated workforce by initiating and supporting training, education and image-building programs with PMA member companies, educators, corporations, foundations and civic leaders across the country. We seek to meet the industry’s training and education needs.

Accomplishments

Together, PMA Educational Foundation and the metalforming industry have made significant progress in delivering solutions to its workforce development needs by:

  • Developing curriculum skill assessments and training materials.
  • Creating relationships between PMA Districts and local schools and workforce development providers.
  • Funding programs companies can replicate to elevate the skilled workforce able to meet changing industry demands.
  • Developing national skill standards through the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), a national credentialing system for critical skilled metalforming jobs that helps a prospective employee seek a long-term industry career.
  • Providing funding and support to the launch of METALFORM EDU —PMA’s online training platform. 
  • Partner with PMA Districts to award more than $50,000 a year in scholarships to help create the next generation of metalformers. 

These initiatives have improved the perception of the industry to grow and improve the skills of today’s talent pool.

Become a PMAEF Board Member

The PMA Educational Foundation (PMAEF) is seeking individuals to serve as members of the Board of Trustees. The incoming board members selected through this nomination cycle will serve a term of three years.

Governance

Governed by a 15-member Board of Trustees comprised of metalforming industry leaders and educators, the Foundation is dedicated to helping the $137-billion metalforming industry through its most critical challenge – the education, development and retention of a skilled workforce

FAQS

PMA Questions?

If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help!

To join PMA, visit the membership page and complete the interest form. You’ll need to provide information about your company and your areas of interest. After submission, a member of PMA’s membership team will follow up with you and schedule a call to learn more. Membership is open to companies in the metalforming industry.

The yearly membership fee for PMA varies depending on your company’s size and type. Fees are structured to ensure accessibility for businesses of all sizes, from small manufacturers to large corporations. Contact PMA directly for a customized quote.

You will be sent your renewal notice via email. The email will contain your invoice and instructions to renew. Renewals typically go out to members in November. Complete the renewal process to ensure continuous access to all the resources and benefits that PMA offers. Renewal reminders are sent before your membership expires.

Nonmembers can attend most PMA events, but they will need to pay at the nonmember registration price, which is typically higher than the discounted rate available to members. PMA members enjoy reduced rates and priority access to these events, making membership a cost-effective option for regular attendees.