High School

In high school, take classes in mathematics, general computer science, software development, computer-aided design, and shop. If you attend a technical high school, you may be able to take classes in manufacturing, 3-D modeling, prototyping, and engineering. Speech and English classes will help you to build your communication skills, and business and accounting courses will be useful if you decide to start your own company. Other useful classes include chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Some high schools offer programs in 3-D printing as part of science or shop classes, or through after-school clubs.    

Postsecondary Education

Many 3-D printing engineers have bachelor’s degrees in mechanical, chemical, industrial, hardware, mechatronics, software, or materials engineering. Technicians have a minimum of an associate’s degree in engineering technology, computer science, or a related field.  

A small, but growing, number of colleges and universities offer degrees and certificates in 3-D printing technology, additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and digital manufacturing. For example, Century College (White Bear Lake, MN) offers an associate degree in additive and digital manufacturing and a biofabrication technologist certificate. Pennsylvania State University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Maryland offer graduate degrees.

Some people train for careers in 3-D printing by participating in apprenticeships that are offered by unions, trade associations, and employers. For example, EOS, a global manufacturer of industrial 3-D printing of metals and polymers, offer three types of apprenticeships: a mechatronic technician apprenticeship, an industrial clerk apprenticeship, and an information technology specialist for system integration apprenticeship. Program lengths of apprenticeships vary, but range from one to three or four years.

Certification

Educational certificates in 3-D printing technology and additive manufacturing are increasingly being offered by colleges and universities and 3-D printing companies. One example is the certificate in additive manufacturing that’s offered by the Illinois MakerLab (at the University of Illinois) in conjunction with NovaBeans (a 3-D printing service company). To earn the certificate, applicants must pass a multiple-choice test and a hands-on design exercise.

Texas A&M University offers an additive manufacturing certificate program in which students learn about additive manufacturing fundamentals, product and process design, materials for additive manufacturing, and quality and cost considerations. Contact colleges and universities in your area to learn more about available programs.  

Other Education or Training

Professional associations and companies that sell 3-D printing technology provide in-person and online classes and other learning opportunities for aspiring and current specialists. For example, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers offers Design for Additive Manufacturing with Metals. This online course features nine training modules: New Possibilities with Additive Manufacturing; Design for Additive Manufacturing and the Design Engineer; Replicate with Additive Manufacturing; Preparing a Part for Additive Manufacturing; Post Process Planning; Business Considerations; Adapt for Additive Manufacturing; Optimizing for Additive Manufacturing; and Preparing for Build.

Certification or Licensing

MakerBot, a global leader in desktop 3-D printing, offers a 3-D printing certification program for middle school and high school students. Students earn their certification by completing a four-part online course series that includes the following modules: 3D Printer Operator, Design Thinking, Applied Design Thinking, Design for 3-D Printing. Visit https://www.makerbot.com for more information. No licensing is required for 3-D printing specialists.

Experience requirements vary by position. For example, some companies may only require technicians to have an associate’s degree and a small amount of on-the-job experience obtained through an internship or cooperative education opportunity at a 3-D manufacturing company. Engineers, designers, and scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree combined with a 3-D printing–related internship, co-op, or summer job.

Workers in 3-D printing need a variety of skills, including creativity, artistic ability, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. They also must be good at multitasking, have an analytical personality, and be willing to continue to learn throughout their careers.