Get involved
Separating Military Personnel
Guard and Reserve Members & Military Spouses
With some additional technical skills training, you can be ready for some of the most in-demand jobs in the industry. Operation Next will help you take the next steps into civilian life with a career in advanced manufacturing. And, it is designed for you to complete within your 6 months of transition out of the military.
Operation Next training is also available to members of the National Guard and Reserve and Military Spouses.
Sign Up for Operation Next while you are still in the service
Get a jumpstart on critical skills training. A dedicated program manager will support you through each phase of the program from onboarding through the training to employment opportunities.
Choose a major
These tracks lead to the most in-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing today.
- CNC Machining
- Industrial Technology Maintenance
- Welding
Begin your program
As a hybrid training program, Operation Next combines virtual learning, which you’ll do through an online learning platform, and hands-on performance assessments, which you’ll do in a lab at our partner technical schools. The program is competency-based, which means you’ll get credit for what you already know so you can focus on learning what you need.
Self-assess
Self assessments will help determine your individual learning plan based on the skills and competencies you have and your desired career path.
Get hands-on
As you move through the virtual learning, you’ll demonstrate what you’ve learned on actual equipment with an onsite instructor in the lab.
Earn your credentials to begin a new civilian career
When you have completed both the virtual learning and lab work, you’ll take final assessments to earn nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials. Upon your success, you’ll be a National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)-Certified CNC Operator, a NIMS-Certified Mechanical or Electrical Maintenance Technician or an AWS-Certified Welder. With these credentials, you’ll be qualified for jobs across the country, whether you decide to go back home, move to a new community or stay near the post.
Contact Us
1400 Rosa Parks Boulevard
Detroit, Michigan 48216
Phone: (313) 309-9003
Email: communications@lift.technology
Copyright ©2022 All Rights Reserved
Operated by the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (ALMMII)
LIFT is a 501(c)3 public-private partnership

