Embracing Change: Dave’s Story

Sept. 4, 2024 – Machinist, small arms repair technician, security guard, CNC instructor — all valuable jobs Dave Roberson has filled. But perhaps the one with the most potential to impact the trajectory of America’s future is the one he holds now.

“My original plan was to spend 20+ years in the Marine Corps,” Dave says. “As I started to get back into machining and started understanding how deficient we were compared to the rest of the world, I thought to myself, ‘this is another fight I can be in now.’”

As lead workforce trainer for America’s Cutting Edge (ACE), a national initiative managed by IACMI—The Composites Institute®, Dave is focused on revitalizing American manufacturing through both workforce development and innovations in technology.

“We have to do better,” Dave insists. “For decades now, shop owners have had the harsh realization that all the business is going overseas. Somebody does this better than we do – and that’s unacceptable.”

ACE offers no-cost online and in-person training in CNC machining, metrology, and composites. Dave leads a team of instructors inspiring and training the next generation to make manufacturing their career path. He’s also working with incumbent workers to take advantage of tap test innovations that can increase material removal rates, reduce cycle times, improve capacity and efficiency, and reduce overall costs.

“Opportunity’s knocking. Come on in.”