Tooling U-SME

What Tooling U-SME does

Tooling U-SME is the workforce development division of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), providing online and instructor-led training solutions for the manufacturing industry. The company operates a proprietary cloud-based Learning Management System (LMS) delivering more than 600 online classes spanning foundational skills, machining, welding, maintenance, smart manufacturing, and electrification, supplemented by Virtual Labs delivered through Meta Quest VR headsets and WebGL platforms. It also sells physical Manufacturing Training Workstations featuring mechatronics systems, PLC-to-robot integration carts (integrated with FANUC robots and cobots), and modular Industrial Learning Systems (iLS), plus the U/LINC welding curriculum co-developed with Lincoln Electric.

The business operates four revenue streams: individual monthly subscriptions at $79/month with a 3-month minimum commitment, enterprise/organizational subscriptions with administrator dashboards and custom reporting, hardware sales of training workstations, and professional services including client success management and consulting. Distribution is hybrid — direct enterprise sales through training specialists, self-serve website and mobile apps for individuals, SCORM/AICC-compliant content delivery into third-party LMS environments, and channel partnerships with associations and educational institutions. The company serves manufacturers, educational institutions, government workforce agencies, associations, and individual learners across the United States from its Cleveland, Ohio headquarters, and is privately held as a division of SME (founded 1932, Michigan-domiciled).

Name

Tooling U-SME

Legal name

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

Website

https://toolingu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1932

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Training Software

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Computer Training (611420), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Production & Manufacturing Operations (TPM, OEE, SMED) (EDABAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Emerging Tech & Specialized Computing (IoT, Edge, AR/VR, Blockchain, HPC) (EDABAFAO), Industrial Electrical & Motor Controls (EDAOAHAE), Electronics Technician Training (Analog/Digital) (EDAOABAG), 3D Printing, CAD & Digital Fabrication Programs (EDAMADAH)

Keywords

• Online manufacturing training
• Workforce development
• Industrial training
• Manufacturing education
• LMS platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Cleveland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Subscriptions: Monthly subscription model for individual learners providing unlimited access to all online classes. Requires minimum 3-month commitment with monthly billing at $79.00 plus applicable taxes. Cancelable after minimum period via email.
2. Corporate/Organizational Subscriptions: Organizational accounts with administrator dashboards, student management, progress tracking, and custom reporting. Pricing likely quote-based with volume discounts for larger workforces.
3. Manufacturing Training Workstations: Sale of physical training equipment including Mechatronics CERT Cart, PLC to Robot Integration systems, Industrial Learning System (iLS) workstations, and Desktop Workstations with various configuration options.
4. Professional Services: Customized training solutions, consulting, client success management, and implementation support designed by specialists to meet organizational workforce development goals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Tooling U-SME provides online manufacturing training and workforce development solutions through a proprietary LMS, delivering 600+ online classes, VR-enabled Virtual Labs, certifications, apprenticeships, instructor-led training, and physical Manufacturing Training Workstations. Core offerings include the U/LINC welding curriculum (co-developed with Lincoln Electric), Smart Manufacturing training, Electrification training, and pre-configured Training Packages for rapid workforce onboarding across manufacturers, educational institutions, government agencies, and individual learners.

Product overview

Tooling U-SME is a workforce development organization offering a comprehensive platform for manufacturing training, combining online classes, virtual labs, instructor-led training, certifications, apprenticeships, and physical training workstations. The core platform includes over 600 online classes delivered through a proprietary Learning Management System (LMS), supplemented by Virtual Labs available on WebGL/SCORM and Meta Quest platforms. Key product lines include Smart Manufacturing Training (50+ Industry 4.0 classes), Electrification Training for EV manufacturing, and the U/LINC Welding Curriculum developed with Lincoln Electric. Physical products include Manufacturing Training Workstations featuring mechatronics equipment, PLC-to-robot integration carts, and modular learning systems. The company serves diverse audiences including manufacturers, educational institutions, government agencies, and workforce development organizations through a combination of digital content and hands-on equipment solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• U/LINC: A complete welding curriculum platform developed in partnership with Lincoln Electric, delivered through the LMS with over 200 lesson plans, nearly 100 lab activities, and more than 150 assessments.

Products and services

• Online Classes Over 600 online manufacturing training classes covering foundational skills to advanced specialized topics including machining, welding, maintenance, smart manufacturing, and electrification, delivered through a proprietary LMS for manufacturers, educators, and individuals.
• Virtual Labs Immersive VR-based training labs delivered through WebGL/SCORM and Meta Quest platforms covering welding, additive manufacturing, inspection, safety, rigging, and assembly procedures for manufacturing learners.
• Certifications Professional certification programs including CMfgA (Certified Manufacturing Associate) that validate manufacturing knowledge and skills acquired through Tooling U-SME training.
• Apprenticeships Structured apprenticeship programs combining online learning and hands-on training components to develop skilled manufacturing workers through guided career pathways.
• Manufacturing Training Workstations Physical training equipment including Mechatronics Training Workstation (iIM5.0), PLC to Robot Integration cart, Industrial Learning System (iLS), and Desktop Workstation with interchangeable learning modules and FANUC robot/cobot integration for hands-on manufacturing training.
• U/LINC Welding Curriculum Complete welding curriculum platform developed in partnership with Lincoln Electric, offering 200+ lesson plans, nearly 100 lab activities, and 150+ assessments, integrated with Lincoln Electric VRTEX virtual reality welding simulators and real welding equipment.
• Smart Manufacturing Training Over 50 specialized online classes focused on Industry 4.0 technologies including additive manufacturing, IIoT, AI in manufacturing, robotics, and digital networks for manufacturers adopting smart factory technologies.
• Electrification Training Specialized training for electric vehicle manufacturing, battery technology, and charging infrastructure to support the manufacturing industry's transition to electrification.
• Training Packages Pre-configured learning pathways organized by job role that combine online classes and assessments for quick-start workforce training programs targeting specific manufacturing positions.
• Learning Management System (LMS) Proprietary LMS platform delivering online classes, tracking student progress, managing assignments, generating reports, and supporting SCORM/AICC integration with third-party learning systems for organizations and individual learners.
• Mobile App Native iOS and Android mobile applications enabling learners to access training content on-the-go, featuring class title search and persistent login capabilities for individual and organizational subscribers.
• Instructor-Led Training Live, instructor-led training sessions delivered as part of the comprehensive manufacturing workforce development solution for organizations seeking guided learning experiences.
• Assessments Comprehensive assessment tools evaluating manufacturing knowledge and skills, with many classes paired with corresponding assessment modules for measuring competency and training outcomes.
• Client Success Management Dedicated support services helping organizations implement and optimize manufacturing training programs for maximum workforce development impact through ongoing consultation and guidance.
• Talent & Workforce Services Consulting and workforce development services helping manufacturers assess training needs, implement tailored training solutions, and measure workforce development results to address skills gaps.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of customers report improved skills and knowledge from online classes
• +3 more outcomes

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Lincoln ElectriccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTooling U-SME partnered with Lincoln Electric to strengthen the U/LINC welding curriculum platform. The partnership combines Lincoln Electric's welding expertise and VRTEX virtual reality welding simulators with Tooling U-SME's learning management system and content delivery platform. The U/LINC curriculum includes over 18,000 pages of materials including lesson plans, student handouts, lab activities, assessments, and PowerPoint presentations.
• FANUCcoreTechnology or IntegrationManufacturing Training Workstations integrate FANUC industrial robots including the LR Mate ER-4iA robot and CRX-5iA collaborative robot (cobot). These partnerships provide industry-standard automation equipment for hands-on training in robot/cobot programming, 2D vision guidance, machine tending, and maintenance troubleshooting.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Pluralsight: Leading technical skills training platform serving enterprises and individuals, particularly strong in cloud, security, and software development. Overlaps with Tooling U-SME on enterprise seat-based training and integration into corporate LMS environments, and could encroach on manufacturing digital/Industry 4.0 content.
• LinkedIn Learning: Lynda.com–origin professional development library integrated into LinkedIn's platform and sold through enterprise agreements. Massive content library covering business, technology, and creative skills with similar subscription-based B2B distribution to L&D departments.
• Skillsoft: Major enterprise corporate training provider offering thousands of courses across technology, leadership, and business skills via Percipio and Skillsoft platforms. Directly comparable B2B content subscription model, though Skillsoft focuses broadly across all industries rather than specializing in manufacturing workforce.
• Coursera for Business: Enterprise arm of Coursera offering curated professional certificates and degree programs to corporate L&D buyers. Comparable subscription model serving workforce upskilling, with growing catalog from accredited universities increasingly touching industrial and manufacturing topics.

Emerging players

• OpenSesame: Online training marketplace curating third-party courses from hundreds of publishers for enterprise buyers. Strong overlap with Tooling U-SME's SCORM/AICC content distribution model and the same channel to enterprise L&D procurement.
• Anderson Connectivity (WorkforceGPS / Anderson Economic Group): Workforce development consultancy and training provider focused on manufacturing and skilled trades workforce solutions. Comparable customer set in workforce development agencies, community colleges, and manufacturers.

Direct peers

• Amatrol: Manufacturer of eLearning curriculum and hands-on training equipment for industrial, manufacturing, and STEM fields. Closest direct comparable to Tooling U-SME in combining technical training content with physical learning stations, with deep overlap in mechatronics, electrical, and maintenance training.
• Interplay Learning: Provider of VR-based training for skilled trades including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and multifamily maintenance. Comparable in using VR (Meta Quest) and 3D simulation for hands-on technical training, and overlaps in skilled trades workforce development for industrial sectors.

Others

• FANUC Academy (FANUC America): FANUC's own certified training programs for industrial robotics and cobot operations. Already a hardware integration partner to Tooling U-SME; overlaps as competing direct training provider for the same FANUC robotic and cobot systems installed in manufacturers.

Regional players

• Realityworks: Educational training solutions provider serving CTE, career-readiness, and skills training in secondary and post-secondary institutions. Overlaps with Tooling U-SME in the educational institution channel and credential-backed training programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/toolingu
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/e1m1s/videos
• Facebookfacebook.com/toolingu
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/toolingu-sme

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tooling U-SME