Professional Development Courses

The UW–Madison METAL Bootcamp is a four-day, hands-on program that introduces participants to the world of metallurgy, forging, and casting through immersive learning experiences led by industry and academic experts. 

This course is the first in the Laser-Based Manufacturing Series and provides the foundational knowledge required for advanced study of laser processing technologies. Participants develop an understanding of laser operation, optics, beam behavior, safety, and the fundamental principles that govern laser-material interactions. Successful completion of this course is required before enrollment in Laser-Based Manufacturing II: Laser-Material Interactions or Laser-Based Manufacturing III: Synthesis & Projects.

Break the response time spiral with MCT mapping, QRM cell design, and POLCA in this 3-day workshop led by the Center for QRM.

Learn how to effectively identify, evaluate, and control hazards in ammonia refrigeration facilities with this comprehensive Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) course. Gain the skills and tools needed to move beyond generic PHA checklists and enhance the safety of ammonia refrigeration systems.

Develop a proactive, data-driven asset strategy using proven methodologies like FMEA, PM Optimization, and RCM. This course equips engineers with the tools to reduce equipment failures, optimize maintenance plans, and drive operational reliability.

This course will teach you techniques to size and properly lay out system components. You will expand your knowledge about ammonia refrigeration and better understand design principles, safety precautions, and best practices.

Unlock the full potential of your equipment and workforce with Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Operator Driven Reliability (ODR). This course equips teams with the tools to drive sustainable performance improvements through planned and autonomous maintenance strategies.

This course serves as Module II of the Laser-Based Manufacturing Series, building upon the foundational concepts introduced in Module A: Fundamentals of Laser-Based Manufacturing. Participants explore the physical principles governing how laser energy interacts with materials and how these interactions influence process performance, product quality, and manufacturing outcomes. Successful completion of Module I is required.

Explore the fundamentals of ammonia refrigeration systems and discover why this natural refrigerant is a top choice for sustainable, high-performance cooling. This course provides a practical foundation in system components, thermodynamics, safety, and best practices for immediate on-the-job application.

Maintenance supervisors occupy one of the most influential roles in any organization. They don't simply supervise work—they transform organizational intent into operational results by leading people, developing capability, and driving execution. The Supervising Maintenance course equips maintenance supervisors and frontline leaders with the leadership knowledge, practical tools, and supervisory practices needed to transform organizational goals into daily execution. Participants learn how to lead people, improve team performance, communicate effectively, and develop practical action plans that strengthen both their leadership capability and the performance of their maintenance organization.