Metalcraft’s Internship Program Builds Talent Pipeline with Iowa State
At a time when many companies are struggling to find skilled labor, Metalcraft is investing in its future workforce one intern at a time. Through its growing internship program—now bolstered by a physical presence at the ISU Research Park—the company is deepening its relationship with Iowa State University and creating meaningful experiences for emerging engineers.
“Internships aren’t just summer jobs for us—they’re a way to build relationships, develop talent, and bring fresh ideas into our business,” says Kyle Bermel, CEO of Metalcraft.
Expanding Opportunities Through Proximity
The company has long hired summer interns out of Iowa State, primarily in the fields of software and industrial engineering. But now, with a facility located less than a mile from campus, Metalcraft can offer students year-round opportunities.
“It opens up so many more possibilities,” Bermel says. “Students can work part-time during the school year, stay on longer, and get deeper into projects that matter.”
This shift has allowed Metalcraft to move beyond traditional summer internships and give students more hands-on, impactful roles in automation and software development. The program has focused on real-world projects, including internal system development and enhancements to production automation.
Creating Value for Both Sides
The internships benefit students by exposing them to high-demand fields like RFID manufacturing and asset tracking software. At the same time, Metalcraft gains flexible capacity in areas that are rapidly evolving—and difficult to staff full-time.
“In the last five years, our business has changed dramatically,” Bermel says. “We’ve gone from mechanical to digital processes, from punch presses to using lasers. We’ve doubled the size of our software engineering team this year alone. Interns help us navigate those transitions.”
Although not every intern becomes a full-time employee, several ISU graduates have joined the company’s ranks, particularly at the Ames facility.
Engineering Talent for the Long Haul
As Metalcraft looks to the future, its internship program will remain a cornerstone of workforce development. The company is committed to maintaining close ties with Iowa State’s engineering programs while expanding its reach into other technical disciplines.
“We’re seeing increasing interest from students in areas like data science and advanced manufacturing,” says Bermel. “We want to be a place where those students see opportunity—and where they can make an impact.”
More than just a recruiting tool, the internship program reflects Metalcraft’s broader mission: to remain innovative, agile, and rooted in the communities that have supported its growth for 75 years. Through its work with Iowa State, Metalcraft is not only tracking physical assets—it’s helping shape the next generation of engineering talent.