Hire for Fit. Train for Skill. Retain for Life: A Strategic Approach to Talent Acquisition and Retention

Join Bill Padnos, Director of Workforce Development at NFFS, at the AFS Metalcasting Congress for a timely and solutions-focused session addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing our industry.

Location: Grand Gallery E, DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids
Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 8:00 AM

U.S. manufacturing is projected to see more than 2.1 million jobs go unfilled by 2030, including over 380,000 in metal casting. In this environment, the traditional “post and hope” recruitment strategy is no longer sustainable.

Bill will present a demand-driven workforce development model built around a simple but powerful principle: Hire for Fit. Train for Skill.

This session outlines a strategic solution designed specifically for foundries, one that aligns recruitment with organizational goals, prioritizes employee development, and fosters a culture of accountability and growth. Attendees will gain practical insights into how investing in both people and processes can reduce costly turnover, strengthen engagement, and build resilient talent pipelines.

If you are serious about securing your foundry’s future in a competitive and evolving industry landscape, this presentation will provide actionable strategies you can begin implementing immediately