PennWest News

January 10, 2025

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AIM INSTITUTE, PENNWEST FORM GROUNDBREAKING PARTNERSHIP

January 10, 2025
Dr. Jonathan Anderson (left), president of PennWest University, and
John Beaumont, CEO and CTO of Beaumont/AIM Institute, sign an
agreement to develop a concentration in plastics injection molding.

AIM Institute and PennWest University Forge Groundbreaking
Partnership to Accelerate Careers in Plastics Injection Molding

The American Injection Molding Institute (AIM) and Pennsylvania
Western University (PennWest) announce an innovative partnership
to develop a concentration in Plastics Injection Molding under the
PennWest Associate of Applied Science in Applied Technology (AASAT) degree.
This collaboration offers students a unique opportunity to fast-track
their education and careers in the injection molding industry. The
program is scheduled to launch in fall 2025; however, students can
begin completing AIM coursework right away.
Through the AIM Institute coursework, students will learn about
plastics materials, mold design, injection molding processing, part
design, and Autodesk Moldflow simulation with a focus on real-world
applications and industry-based outcomes. The PennWest coursework
is specifically selected to further the students’ learning with courses
that directly prepare students for a variety of jobs within the industry.
The program utilizes a unique model, providing students hands-on
training at The AIM Institute's state-of-the-art Injection Molding Lab
while attending one of the multiple PennWest University campuses
and completing courses either in-person or online.
Through this partnership, AIM graduates can earn up to 25 Prior
Learning Assessment (PLA) credits, which can be applied toward
PennWest’s AAS-AT degree.
“This partnership solves an industry need by providing a focused twoyear degree that allows students to gain the knowledge and skills
essential for success in this industry.” said David Hoffman, director of
AIM Institute. “By merging industry expertise with academic
recognition, we are empowering people to advance in their fields

while meeting the growing demand for highly skilled talent in plastics
manufacturing and design.”
PennWest’s commitment to innovation in education and workforce
development shines through this initiative.
“We are thrilled to partner with AIM to provide students with an
accelerated path to academic success,” said Dr. James D. Fisher,
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at PennWest. “This
collaboration underscores our dedication to recognizing real-world
skills and enhancing career opportunities for learners.”
PennWest and AIM collaborated to develop this curriculum, keeping
the student at the forefront. This partnership merges PennWest's
robust academic foundation with AIM's globally recognized education
and training, equipping people for success in the injection molding
industry.
To learn more about this partnership, visit aim.institute or email Dr.
Peter Kuvshinikov at pkuvshinikov@pennwest.edu. For admissions
information, email admissions@pennwest.edu.