The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning (METAL) program has formed partnerships with Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) to address the critical workforce shortage in the U.S. casting and forging industry. This collaboration, under the leadership of IACMI, aims to equip a highly skilled workforce to support the goals of the Department of Defense.
With the U.S. casting and forging industry facing a pressing need for an additional 122,000 skilled professionals by 2028, the stability of the nation’s defense supply chain is at risk. METAL is designed to meet this challenge by accelerating the development of a highly skilled, adaptive workforce.
METAL is supported by the DoD’s IBAS program, which focuses on strengthening the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial base in response to national security threats and promoting workforce development initiatives. The program seeks to cultivate a resilient domestic workforce capable of sustaining and advancing the nation’s casting and forging capabilities through 2050.
“By partnering with Jobs for the Future and the Foundry Educational Foundation, we are not only addressing the immediate workforce needs but also investing in the long-term resilience and innovation of the U.S. casting and forging industry,” said METAL Workforce Manager Lucinda Curry. “Our goal is to empower a new generation of skilled professionals who will safeguard our nation’s defense capabilities and drive technological advancement.”
Developing Apprenticeships at Forging and Casting Companies
The apprenticeship component of METAL bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
Nearly 3,000 manufacturers across the country now offer apprenticeships, recognizing it as a proven solution for recruiting, training, and retaining world-class manufacturing talent in good, quality jobs. METAL, through JFF, helps companies develop apprenticeship programs for roles such as forging operator, die setter, mold maker, core maker, CNC operator, and maintenance technician.
Wage increases for apprentices are tied to skill gains, allowing them to earn more while advancing their careers. Upon completing the apprenticeship, participants receive a national credential from the U.S. Department of Labor and may earn industry-recognized credentials and credit toward an associate degree. METAL’s apprenticeship program can help companies:
- Train employees for higher-skilled positions
- Develop career paths to attract talent
- Provide pathways for career advancement
- Standardize training across company sites
- Improve productivity, safety practices, and company capacity
- Develop a learning culture that boosts loyalty and retention
METAL offers comprehensive support for companies looking to develop and implement apprenticeship programs, including:
- Consulting services
- Connections to funding resources
- Access to training experts
- Free training modules to supplement internal training plans
Preparing Students for Real World Metal Experience
Additionally, the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) has placed 16 interns from seven universities in Phase 1 of its internship program, acquired industry partners for Phase 2, and intends to engage with over 2,500 students through its high school outreach program. FEF’s mission is to strengthen the metal-manufacturing industry by supporting unique partnerships between university students, FEF key professors, and the metal-manufacturing industry, providing financial support, guidance and career opportunities.
Interns placed in industry from FEF schools work on a variety of technical projects, design activities, assist in outreach and camps for high school students, and work on specific company research. All projects include technical training and hands-on project experience. FEF students meet directly with industry members, which develops their networking opportunities.
Some key accomplishments by the interns include:
- Finishing the custom build of a bucket elevator and shakeout table for a green sand system
- Designing and machining a permanent mold for outreach events for the upcoming fiscal year
- Participating in an ongoing research project that explores the effect of boron in ductile iron and potential mitigation strategies
- Participating in high-pressure die casting experiments
- Developing outreach to expose more students to metal manufacturing
“By joining us as either a company, apprentice, or intern, you become part of a dedicated effort to build a stronger, self-reliant America. Together, we can forge a future where our defense industrial base is second to none,” Curry said.
For more information on providing apprenticeship opportunities, connect with Lucinda Curry at lcurry@iacmi.org.