FEF Internship Funds Now Available
FEF Launches 2026 Advanced Internship Summer Program: A Win-Win for Students and Foundries
The Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) has announced an exciting new initiative for 2026, the Advanced Internship Summer Program, designed to strengthen the connection between students and the metal-casting industry.
Program Goals
The program aims to:
- Increase student exposure to the world of metal manufacturing at all levels.
- Encourage small and mid-size foundries to recruit interns and see the value of internship programs.
- Develop long-term interest and sustainability in creating robust internship opportunities throughout the industry.
FEF’s objective is to recruit 25 partner companies for the 2026 summer program. These companies should be interested in either developing a structured internship program for the first time or expanding their existing efforts to attract the next generation of skilled talent.
What FEF Provides
To make participation more accessible, FEF will cover 50% of the intern’s cost, including housing. Interns will spend the summer of 2026 working hands-on at participating companies, gaining real-world experience in metal casting and manufacturing processes.
Company Expectations
Partner companies are expected to offer a well-defined internship program that includes:
- Technical and practical training
- Mentorship from experienced team members
- Opportunities that expand technical skills and provide insight into the industry
To assist in the planning process, FEF will also provide companies with:
- Recruitment support and connections to students
- Planning assistance to ensure the internship is structured for success
- Attendance at the FEF College Industry Conference 2025 (Nov. 20–21 in Chicago, IL), where companies can network with top students and industry leaders
Applications are due by Friday, September 12. Companies selected will be notified by the end of September. A flyer outlining Internship Best Practices, developed by the FEF Employment Resources Committee, is also available to guide participants in creating impactful programs.
Why Should Foundries Invest in Internships?
Bringing an intern into your foundry is more than just filling a temporary role—it’s a strategic workforce development tool with long-term benefits:
- Build Your Talent Pipeline: Internships give you access to future employees before they enter the job market. You can identify, train, and hire top talent who already understand your operations and culture.
- Fresh Ideas and Innovation: Interns often bring new perspectives, updated technical knowledge, and a willingness to embrace modern technologies, helping your company stay competitive.
- Support for Your Team: While learning, interns can also assist with important projects, reducing workload for your staff and accelerating project timelines.
- Enhance Your Brand: Companies that invest in internships position themselves as industry leaders committed to education and workforce development, which strengthens your reputation with customers, partners, and future employees.
- Cost-Effective Workforce Solution: With FEF covering half the cost (including housing), this is a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to strengthen your workforce strategy.
Next Steps
Interested companies should apply by September 12 to be part of this innovative program. For questions or additional details, contact Nick (nick@fefinc.org) or Maureen (maureen@fefinc.org).
This is your opportunity to invest in the next generation of foundry leaders while gaining immediate value for your operations. Don’t miss out!