regional center for advanced manufacturing

What regional center for advanced manufacturing does

Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM) is a non-profit advanced manufacturing workforce development facility located in Kingsport, Tennessee, operated by Northeast State Community College under the Tennessee Board of Regents system. It delivers training through a 26,000 sq ft facility outfitted with industrial simulators, classrooms, and laboratories, providing more than 650 hours of hands-on lab content across associate degree pathways, DOL-registered apprenticeships, NCCER-accredited craft curricula, MSSC stackable certifications, and K-12 outreach programs delivered via a Mobile Learning Classroom and an e-learning platform.

The center is anchored by a public-private partnership model that aligns regional industrial employers, secondary education, higher education, and economic development stakeholders under the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP). RCAM holds DOL Registered Apprenticeship sponsor status, NCCER ATEF accreditation, and MSSC Authorized Assessment Center authorization, which together position it as a regional clearinghouse for federally recognized, industry-portable manufacturing credentials. Service populations include incumbent industrial workers, dislocated workers, veterans, community-college credit students, apprentices, and K-12 students through programs such as STREAMWORKS and Tech Explorer.

The revenue model combines state and federal workforce funding, employer-sponsored training contracts, tuition and fees for credit and non-credit students, and grant income supporting K-12 and veteran programs. Physical footprint has grown through three connected buildings (RCAM, RCAMA, RCAMCO) inside the Kingsport Academic Village, indicating multi-tenant expansion rather than single-site operation. RCAM does not disclose enrollment counts, training revenue, or headcount, so quantitative scale is not directly observable from public materials.

Name

regional center for advanced manufacturing

Legal name

Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing

Website

https://manufacturingfuture.net

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

RCAM is a non-profit advanced manufacturing workforce development facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, operated by Northeast State Community College. It delivers DOL-registered apprenticeships, NCCER and MSSC certifications, associate degrees, and K-12 outreach to regional manufacturers, students, and veterans.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development & Technical Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial Manufacturing (EDABALAP)

akta.pro secondary industries

CNC Plasma/Laser Cutting & Automated Fabrication Training (EDAOADAH), Industrial Electrical & Motor Controls (EDAOAHAE), Production & Manufacturing Operations (TPM, OEE, SMED) (EDABAKAK), Project, Quality & Operations (PMP PDUs, Six Sigma, Quality CE) (EDAAALAM)

Keywords

• Advanced manufacturing training
• Workforce development programs
• Industrial apprenticeship programs
• Technical certification training
• Manufacturing education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kingsport

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. College Credit Tuition: Tuition revenue from credit-bearing associate degree programs. Students pay maintenance, campus access, student activity, and technology fees per semester, plus out-of-state tuition if applicable.
2. Continuing Education & Industry Training: Fee-based customized workforce training for industrial employers. Variable pricing based on training needs. Contact RCAM directly for quotes.
3. E-Learning Course Sales: Individual e-learning courses sold through the RCAM store. Courses are available for one year after purchase. Pricing ranges from free to $650 depending on the course.
4. Class Registration Fees: Registration fees for in-person classes including materials. Costs range from $10 to $650 per class depending on duration and content.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

RCAM provides customized industrial workforce training, DOL-registered apprenticeship programs, and advanced manufacturing education to industrial employers and students in the Northeast Tennessee region. Core offerings include 650+ hours of hands-on industrial maintenance labs, NCCER and MSSC industry certifications, associate degree programs in electromechanical, electrical, machine tool, and welding technologies, and K-12 STEM outreach programs. The facility also delivers e-learning courses, on-the-job training, and specialized short courses covering topics like flange assembly, AutoCAD, and 3D metal printing.

Product overview

RCAM (Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing) is an educational and workforce development institution offering a multi-faceted portfolio of advanced manufacturing training programs. The core offerings include NCCER and MSSC certification programs (as ATEF and MSSC-Authorized Assessment Center respectively), Hands-On Industrial Maintenance Labs (650+ hours), and a suite of e-Learning courses covering chemical manufacturing operations. Apprenticeship Programs provide DOL-registered group apprenticeships in occupations including Mechatronics Technician, Industrial Manufacturing Technician, CNC Machinist, and Maintenance Technician. K-12 outreach programs include STREAMWORKS, Tech Explorer, Mobile Learning Classroom, and AMP Camp. Specialized training courses cover AutoCAD, flange assembly, 3D metal printing, craft skills, and productivity improvement. The institution also offers Advanced Technology Associate Degree Programs in Electromechanical, Electrical, Machine Tool, and Welding/Fabrication technologies. These programs collectively form a comprehensive workforce development pipeline from K-12 through continuing education and industry certifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NCCER Training & Certification RCAM serves as an Accredited Training and Education Facility (ATEF) partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to provide training and certification for the 21st-century industrial workforce.
• MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) RCAM is an MSSC-Authorized Assessment Center providing training and certification for the Certified Production Technician qualification, equipping the entry-level advanced manufacturing workforce.
• Hands-On Industrial Maintenance Labs Over 650 hours of hands-on industrial-based labs applying and practicing skills of the 21st-century industrial workforce, delivered by industry professionals and equipped with custom-designed industrial training systems.
• e-Learning Courses (Chemical Manufacturing) Self-paced e-learning courses covering chemical manufacturing operations including Applied Chemistry, Applied Math, Applied Physical Science, Chemical Distillation, Equipment 1-4, Instrumentation, Intro to Process Safety, and Introduction to Chemical Manufacturing.
• On-The-Job Training (OJT) Structured on-the-job training combined with Related Training & Instruction (RTI), covering Electrical Maintenance, Instrumentation & Control, and Mechanical Maintenance tasks for comprehensive industrial training plans.
• Group Registered Apprenticeship Programs DOL-registered group apprenticeship programs including Mechatronics Technician, Industrial Manufacturing Technician, CNC Machinist, Carpentry, Lithographic Press Operator, Metal Buildings, Maintenance Technician, and Project Management occupations.
• Advanced Technology Associate Degree Programs College credit programs including General Technology, Electromechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, Machine Tool Technology, and Welding/Metal Fabrication leading to Associate of Applied Science degrees.
• STREAMWORKS Educational program delivering mentor and project-based programs for grades K-12 focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills, inspiring innovation and fostering well-rounded life capabilities.
• AMP Camp Summer camp program for K-12 students introducing advanced manufacturing careers and STEM-related skills.
• Tech Explorer Program developed by Sierra College Center for Applied Competitive Technologies where participants build a working catapult from materials and processes used in advanced manufacturing, delivered via mobile outreach platform.
• Mobile Learning Classroom Mobile outreach program bringing high-tech learning to regional middle and high school campuses with hands-on STEM activities and simulated training with equipment like the Vertex 360 Lincoln virtual welder.
• 3D Printing in Metal - Lunch and Learn Free training session covering Direct Metal Printing technology, benefits, and real-world applications of metal 3D printing in manufacturing.
• Flange Assembly and Qualification Training Course designed for individuals working with flanged bolted joints and assemblies using bolted fasteners, offering qualification certificate from VSP Technologies including computer data acquisition showing bolt loading impact.
• Introduction to AutoCAD Course covering basics of using AutoCAD software with emphasis on drawing, annotating, printing, file management, and CAD data types.
• Improve Your Productivity - SECO Technical Education Two-day training by Seco Tools LLC covering tool selection, cutting conditions, and troubleshooting with focus on increasing productivity and decreasing part cost for milling, turning, and holemaking.
• Introductory Craft Skills NCCER introductory craft skills course combining instructor-led and hands-on lab experience covering Basic Safety, Construction Math, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Construction Drawings, Materials Handling, Communication Skills, Employability Skills, and OSHA 10.

Quantifiable outcome

• Skills gap addressed for retiring Baby Boomer workforce
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic/private partnership composed of an advisory committee focused on addressing workforce development issues related to advanced manufacturing. Industry, education, and government work together as an effective engine for RCAM operations.
• Northeast State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRCAM is an offsite teaching facility for Northeast State Community College located in downtown Kingsport. RCAM is home to Northeast State Office of Economic & Workforce Development.
• National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER)coreTechnology or IntegrationRCAM/Northeast State Community College has partnered with NCCER as an Accredited Training and Education Facility (ATEF). Provides training and certification structure for the 21st-century industrial workforce.
• Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)coreTechnology or IntegrationRCAM has partnered with MSSC as an MSSC-Authorized Assessment Center to provide training and certification for the Certified Production Technician (CPT) qualification for the entry-level Advanced Manufacturing workforce.
• Manufacturing InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization working to address the manufacturing skills crisis. Provides resources and support for workforce development initiatives.
• Drive to 55 AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTennessee's effort to close the skills gap by increasing the number of Tennesseans with a college degree or certificate to 55% of the working-age population.
• Get Skills to WorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative connecting military veterans with manufacturing career opportunities. Addresses job market issues by helping veterans translate military skills to manufacturing roles.
• Airgas and Lincoln ElectricminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured partners for Holston Valley Welding Section Mini-Trade Show celebrating National Welding Month.
• STREAMWORKSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational program based in Kingsport, TN delivering enhanced opportunities for K-12 students to participate in STEM-focused mentor and project-based programs.
• Kingsport Academic VillagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-million dollar investment providing residents access to higher education opportunities. RCAM is part of this academic village along with RCAMA and RCAMCO buildings.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Ranken Technical College: Private technical college in St. Louis focused on industrial technology, manufacturing, and skilled trades with strong employer partnerships. Comparable as a hands-on advanced manufacturing training institution offering apprenticeships and industry certifications.
• Greenville Technical College: South Carolina technical college with an Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades center offering mechatronics, welding, CNC, and industrial maintenance programs. Comparable as a regional community college workforce development hub for advanced manufacturing employers.
• Pellissippi State Community College: Tennessee community college operating mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing-focused associate degree programs in the Knoxville region. Comparable to RCAM as another Tennessee public two-year college delivering credit-bearing advanced manufacturing training and apprenticeship-aligned curricula.
• Cincinnati State Technical and Community College: Ohio technical college offering associate degrees and apprenticeships in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing technologies. Comparable because it combines credit-bearing programs with employer-customized industrial training and apprenticeship sponsorships in similar occupations.
• Central Piedmont Community College: North Carolina community college with an Advanced Manufacturing Center delivering customized industry training, apprenticeships, and certifications. Comparable in mission, structure, and offerings to RCAM, including credit programs, employer-led training, and industry-recognized credentials.
• Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT): Statewide system of Tennessee technical colleges offering industrial, manufacturing, and skilled-trades training under the same Tennessee Board of Regents governance as Northeast State. Directly comparable because both deliver state-funded, hands-on manufacturing workforce training programs to Tennessee residents.
• Davis Technical College: Utah technical college delivering competency-based training in manufacturing, welding, machining, and industrial maintenance. Comparable because of its open-entry/open-exit model, employer-customized training, and similar portfolio of industrial certifications.

Others

• American Welding Society: National standards body and certification provider for welding credentials. Comparable as a credentialing/standards authority in the same industrial training ecosystem, with overlapping certification value for RCAM's welding and fabrication programs.

Emerging players

• Manufacturing Institute: National workforce and education affiliate of the NAM that partners with RCAM on the skills crisis agenda. Comparable as a stakeholder in the same manufacturing workforce ecosystem, though it operates as a policy/research body rather than a training provider.
• Tooling U-SME: Online training provider focused on manufacturing skills and certifications for incumbent workers. Comparable to the e-learning and customized training arms of RCAM and represents a scalable substitute for portions of RCAM's continuing-education portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RegCtrAdvMfg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/ManufacturingFuture
• Facebookfacebook.com/KingsportRCAM
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/regional-center-for-advanced-manufacturing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

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 regional center for advanced manufacturing