In this pilot, we aimed to explore the feasibility of creating a course that would train employees in additive manufacturing (AM), addressing not only technical skills (e.g., 3D modeling and slicing) but also soft skills (spotting opportunities, business development, etc.). Since our primary goal was to check the possibilities of establishing an AM course, we first compiled an overview of all existing training programs and courses related to AM in Flanders.
We then examined the curriculum of our Bachelor’s program in Design & Manufacturing Technology and found that it already included numerous topics relevant to an AM-focused course. To guide our discussions and future plans, we drew inspiration from the Metroline AM framework (a pilot of CFI).
Meanwhile, the KU Leuven association (including KU Leuven University and several college universities, such as Thomas More) launched a lifelong learning program called “Continue.” Within this context, we explored the possibility of developing a comprehensive offering of microdegrees that, when combined, would form a complete AM course. These microdegrees could be offered across different college universities, covering the whole of Flanders. We discussed this concept with members of KULeuven.AM; as a result, they expressed willingness to launch a test AM course program in the 2025–2026 academic year.
