Josh Brown and Steven Fedell with METAL for America

***Industrial Talk*** is onsite at Penn State and talking to **Josh Brown and Steven Fedell with Penn State University METAL Program** about "Why they are passionate about the future". ## Overview The discussion highlighted the **METAL** program at **Penn State Behrend** and its role in developing hands-on manufacturing talent. ### Program Development - **Steven**said**METAL**began about two and a half years ago and combines casting, metallurgy, materials science, and forging curriculum. - **Josh**described how the program expanded to offer five-day boot camps for course credit, including hands-on machining, robotics, forging, casting, and materials testing. ### Career Paths - **Josh**moved through mechanical engineering, supply chain, machining, automation, and controls before joining the program. - **Steven**transitioned from architectural ironwork and industrial maintenance into plumbing, industrial robot programming, and engineering technology. ### Workforce Challenge - Both emphasized that employers should consider motivated candidates who may not meet every requirement initially. - **Josh**and**Steven**argued that internships, rotational opportunities, hands-on learning, and willingness to train can help develop capable industrial professionals. - Open question: How can employers communicate manufacturing opportunities in ways that resonate with younger workers? ## Outline ### METAL Program - History and development of the program at Penn State Behrend. - Collaboration among Penn State faculty and instructors. - Expansion of curriculum into forging, casting, metallurgy, materials science, machining, and robotics. - Five-day boot camps can provide one course credit and emphasize hands-on learning. ### Josh’s Background - Studied mechanical engineering, supply chain management, and mechanical engineering technology. - Gained experience as a student machinist and automation and controls intern. - Contributed to robotics programming and curriculum development. ### **Steven**’s Background - Trained in forged architectural ironwork and worked as a professional blacksmith. - Studied industrial maintenance and later programmed industrial robots. - Joined Penn State Behrend to continue developing technical and engineering skills. ### Workforce Development - Employers often overlook candidates who do not match every listed qualification. - Participants stressed the importance of evaluating character, initiative, integrity, and learning ability. - **Josh**described**AI**and search tools as useful starting points for technical research, with source verification still required. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! ## JOSH BROWN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: **METAL Website:** https://www.metalforamerica.org/ **LinkedIn Profile:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua~brown/ **Company Website:** https://behrend.psu.edu/ **Company Website:**  https://dstllc.net/ ## STEVEN FEDELL'S CONTACT INFORMATION: **LinkedIn Profile:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-fedell-896945244/ **Company Website:** https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en/ ## PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/3IDBK-RBDsw ## THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": https://industrialtalk.com/why-you-need-to-podcast/ ## OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: **NEOM**: https://www.neom.com/en-us **Hexagon:** https://hexagon.com/ **Arduino:** https://www.arduino.cc/ **Fictiv:** https://www.fictiv.com/ **Hitachi Vantara:** https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html **Industrial Marketing Solutions:**  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ **Industrial Academy:** https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ **Industrial Dojo:** https://industrialtalk.com/industrial\_dojo/ **We the 15:** https://www.wethe15.org/ ## YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: **LifterLMS:** Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ **Active Campaign:** Active Campaign Link ## Business Beatitude the Book !https://industrialtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BB-Book-Cover.png Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES...The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. **YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!** **TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!** Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount