Connecting Funding Access to Workforce Solutions

NFFS is providing our members with direct access to the experts who can help secure funding for workforce development and modernization projects. Through a partnership with Lakeview Consulting, members can now participate in monthly office hours to get real-time, one-on-one guidance on identifying and applying for grants.

Whether your company is exploring funding for equipment, training programs, apprenticeships, or facility upgrades, this is your opportunity to speak directly with experienced grant writers who understand manufacturing and workforce challenges.

Office hours are held on the fourth Thursday of every month from 10 AM to 12 PM central time, and are hosted by Micki Vandeloo, President of Lakeview Consulting, or a member of her expert team. Participants can ask questions, review project ideas, and receive personalized feedback on potential funding strategies. Due to holidays, November's office hours will be on November 19 and December's office hours will be on December 11.

This initiative is part of NFFS’s commitment to helping foundries access the financial resources needed to strengthen their workforce and secure a competitive future.

Reserve your time slot here: https://meetings.hubspot.com/micki/office-hours-for-nffs

Connecting Funding Access to Workforce Solutions

The ability to secure funding is more important than ever as the metals manufacturing industry faces a growing workforce crisis. Foundries and forges are the backbone of America’s industrial base—producing the mission-critical components used in automobiles, aircraft, medical devices, military systems, and infrastructure.

Yet, these essential operations face an acute shortage of skilled workers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected demand for skilled trades in casting and forging is expected to exceed 230,000 workers by 2033. Without stronger training and workforce development pipelines, this shortage could impact productivity, quality, and even national defense readiness.

The METAL Initiative: Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline

That’s why NFFS is proud to connect members with national partners working to solve this challenge, including Jobs for the Future (JFF) and IACMI – The Composites Institute, through the METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning) initiative. Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Program, METAL helps employers modernize and expand training programs to attract and retain skilled workers.

Through METAL, JFF assists manufacturers in:

• Developing and launching apprenticeships and work-based learning programs for in-demand roles such as mold makers, CNC operators, machinists, and maintenance technicians.
• Securing funding resources to build and sustain these programs.
• Modernizing existing training, and offering free supplemental modules to enhance learning.
• Providing up to $24,000 in financial assistance per company to support materials, supplies, or curriculum development.

Over the past two years, JFF and METAL have supported more than 150 metal manufacturers nationwide, helping establish or expand training programs for over 60 workers across critical occupations. These initiatives are directly building a stronger, more resilient metals workforce for the future.

Contact Bill Padnos at bill@nffs.org for more information.

Empowering Foundries Through Partnership

Through initiatives like NFFS Monthly Office Hours and national programs such as METAL, NFFS is empowering our members with both the knowledge and funding support needed to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of foundry professionals.

Together, we are ensuring that the non-ferrous metal casting industry remains strong, innovative, and essential to America’s economic and national security.