The American Foundry Society (AFS)

(Shortages/prices of materials and concerns about OSHA/EPA policies now rank second and third.) AFS is helping foundries address the worker shortage in a variety of ways. Metalcasting provides rewarding careers for those with the right skills and dedication – a message that AFS delivers through numerous channels. In the short term, AFS has produced a Metalcasting Careers Video that has been viewed more than 5,300 times on YouTube and the AFS website that highlights young people explaining why they love their career in our industry. We encourage our members to use the video in their recruitment efforts. AFS is also publicizing information about ways that foundries are finding success in worker recruitment and retention, supporting the Future Leaders in Metalcasting and Women in Metalcasting groups, sponsoring a Jobs Board, supporting 41 College Student Chapters of AFS, inviting students to attend CastExpo at no cost, publishing the Melting Point magazine and website for students, providing resources for Manufacturing Day events at our member companies, offering several college scholarships, collaborating with the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF), holding the IJMC-FEF Student Research Competition, and providing free first- year memberships in AFS for graduating student chapter members. These steps, taken together, are all meant to support the foundries as they undertake their short-term and long-term recruitment and retention efforts. the peer-reviewed International Journal of Metalcasting, edited by Thomas Prucha, a leading figure in the metalcasting industry. Metalcasting experts from several dozen nations have published articles in this prestigious journal. AFS also participates in various global casting conferences. AFS is an active member of the World Foundry Organization (WFO). Denny Dotson (Dotson Iron Castings), a past president of AFS, currently serves on the Executive Committee of the WFO. As his term comes to an end, another AFS past president, Christ Norch (Denison Industries) will assume that role. I have had the privilege of representing AFS at events in China, Taiwan, Japan, Germany, Italy and Mexico. AFS also participates in GIFA, a once- every-four-years casting conference and trade show in Dusseldorf, Germany. BVM: What is AFS doing to help foundries attract and retain employees? Doug: I’m glad you raised this timely question. Our Quarterly Metalcasters Outlook Survey consistently finds that a shortage of workers is the number-one concern at foundries.