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Operation Next Advanced Manufacturing Training

Operation Next (LIFT)

Skilled tradesOpen

At a glance

  • Cost: Free training
  • Format: Hybrid
  • Who qualifies: Vets · Service members
  • Applications: Open
Visit official page for Operation Next Advanced Manufacturing Training (opens in a new tab)Checked
Full details
Cost
No out-of-pocket cost for the training and certification program: the Operation Next grant pays tuition and books directly to the program (no reimbursement for costs you already paid). It may also cover uniforms, health or drug screening and background checks when the school requires them. Housing is not included. A regular price is not posted.
Who qualifies
In Indiana: veterans, transitioning active-duty service members within 6 months of separation, National Guard members and Reservists. Residents of Iowa, Michigan and Montana aged 18 or older also qualify, with no military status needed. Your primary home must be in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan or Montana, and you must be 18 or older. There are no other prerequisites; the math you need is taught in the course.
Format
Hybrid and self-paced: online learning available 24/7, plus instructor-supervised lab work at the training site, with day, evening and weekend lab hours. Each student gets a personalized instructional plan.

Check current terms: Individual eligibility, seats and coverage must be confirmed with the provider.

Dates and availability: Status evidence: The official Operation Next site lists CNC and Industrial Technology Maintenance at Vincennes University (Indiana) as "Now Open" and Welding, CNC and Robotics at LIFT in Detroit as "Open", with an online grant application. Application window: Rolling; apply online, by email or by mail. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing. Availability limits: Grant funding is limited, reviewed first come, first served, and approved one term at a time; it is not guaranteed past the first term. Next start: Rolling enrollment, self-paced: enroll any time and start right away.

Credential
Professional certificationAWS (welding), NIMS (CNC, industrial maintenance) or SACA (robotics)
Exam coverage
IncludedThe FAQ says there are no out-of-pocket expenses for the training and certification program.

Before you decide

What is free
The Operation Next grant covers tuition and books, with no out-of-pocket cost for the training and certification program.
Who qualifies
In Indiana: veterans, transitioning active-duty service members within 6 months of separation, National Guard members and Reservists. Residents of Iowa, Michigan and Montana aged 18 or older also qualify, with no military status needed. Your primary home must be in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan or Montana, and you must be 18 or older. There are no other prerequisites; the math you need is taught in the course.
What you get
Free advanced manufacturing training in welding, CNC machine operation, industrial technology maintenance (ITM) or robotics, toward national AWS, NIMS or SACA certifications. About 400 hours of online learning and hands-on labs at Vincennes University in Indiana or LIFT in Detroit. Operation Next is SkillBridge approved and run by LIFT, a Department of Defense manufacturing innovation institute.
Credential and key limits
Depending on the track, students are eligible for national certification from AWS (welding), NIMS (industrial maintenance and CNC) or SACA (robotics). College credit may be possible; ask the program director.
Format
Hybrid and self-paced: online learning available 24/7, plus instructor-supervised lab work at the training site, with day, evening and weekend lab hours. Each student gets a personalized instructional plan.
Duration
About 400 hours; usually under 6 months, and some students finish in 3 months.
Location
Indiana: Vincennes University (ITM in Plainfield, CNC in Lebanon). Michigan: LIFT, Detroit (Welding, CNC, Robotics).
Deadline
Status evidence: The official Operation Next site lists CNC and Industrial Technology Maintenance at Vincennes University (Indiana) as "Now Open" and Welding, CNC and Robotics at LIFT in Detroit as "Open", with an online grant application. Application window: Rolling; apply online, by email or by mail. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing. Availability limits: Grant funding is limited, reviewed first come, first served, and approved one term at a time; it is not guaranteed past the first term.
Next start
Rolling enrollment, self-paced: enroll any time and start right away.
Stipend / housing / travel
Housing is not included.
Notes
Operation Next is powered by LIFT, a Detroit nonprofit public-private partnership with the Department of Defense, and operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII). It is an official DoD SkillBridge MOU; if your command does not approve SkillBridge, you can still train outside duty hours. Partner employers hire graduates, but a job is not guaranteed.
Availability
Open
Details checked
2026-10-23

Application and credential details

How to apply
  1. Pick your track and site: ITM (Vincennes University, Plainfield, IN), CNC (Vincennes University, Lebanon, IN), or Welding, CNC or Robotics (LIFT, Detroit, MI).
  2. Fill out the Operation Next online grant application, or download it and send it by email to operationnext@almmii.org or by mail to Detroit.
  3. Upload the front and back of your state driver's license or state ID and sign the application.
  4. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing; you get a personalized training plan, and transitioning service members can then request SkillBridge.
Documents to prepare
  • Completed and signed application; front and back of your state driver's license or state ID.
Additional requirements and limits
  • Grant funding is limited, reviewed first come, first served, and approved one term at a time; if you need more time, you reapply.
  • Indiana eligibility is for veterans, transitioning active duty within 6 months of separation, Guard and Reserve; Iowa, Michigan and Montana residents 18+ qualify without military status.
  • Incomplete applications are returned and may miss the current funding cycle.
  • Housing is not included, and completion does not guarantee a job.
Application link
Open official application page
Credential or outcome
Depending on the track, students are eligible for national certification from AWS (welding), NIMS (industrial maintenance and CNC) or SACA (robotics). College credit may be possible; ask the program director.
Application details checked
2026-10-23
Application review status
Official-source review completed
Sources for these details
Availability checked
2026-10-23
Current availability
Open
Status evidence
The official Operation Next site lists CNC and Industrial Technology Maintenance at Vincennes University (Indiana) as "Now Open" and Welding, CNC and Robotics at LIFT in Detroit as "Open", with an online grant application.
Application window
Rolling; apply online, by email or by mail. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Program start
Rolling enrollment, self-paced: enroll any time and start right away.
Availability limits
Grant funding is limited, reviewed first come, first served, and approved one term at a time; it is not guaranteed past the first term.
Timing sources
View official programBack to the program finder

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