From Informal to Intentional: Why Foundries Need Smart Training Standards

For generations, much of the training on the foundry floor has happened informally—new employees learning by shadowing experienced workers, asking questions as they go, and picking things up along the way. While this approach can pass down valuable knowledge, it also leaves too much to chance. Critical skills may be missed, safety standards can be inconsistent, and productivity often suffers.

In today’s manufacturing environment, that’s no longer good enough. Customers are demanding higher quality, regulators are requiring proof of competency, and younger workers entering the industry expect a structured, measurable path to mastering their craft. Foundries that continue to rely on outdated, informal training models risk falling behind competitors that embrace more modern, purposeful approaches.

That’s where Smart Training Standards (STS) come in.

Introducing Smart Training Standards

Smart Training Standards provide a structured framework for evaluating and improving your foundry’s training maturity. Instead of leaving skill development to trial-and-error, STS emphasizes competency-based learning, clear expectations, and measurable outcomes. This framework allows foundries to identify gaps in training programs, create consistency across the workforce, and ensure employees are progressing toward mastery in a deliberate, purposeful way.

Montez King, Executive Director of NIMS, will lead a focused webinar introducing the four levels of training maturity and how foundries can use STS to move from informal practices to fully optimized training systems. This interactive session will highlight not only what Smart Training Standards are, but also how they can be applied on the floor to improve safety, quality, and workforce development.

Why Modernizing Training Matters

• Consistency: Informal training often produces uneven results. STS ensures that every worker learns the same processes to the same standard.
• Competency Verification: As certification becomes an industry-wide expectation, foundries must be able to prove their employees’ skill levels.
• Retention: Younger workers are more likely to stay when they see a clear, structured pathway for growth and advancement.
• Competitiveness: Optimized training programs allow foundries to increase productivity, reduce errors, and stay ahead of industry demands.
  
  

Who Should Attend

This webinar is ideal for:

• Foundry owners and executives looking to strengthen workforce development.
• Operations managers and supervisors responsible for on-the-floor training.
• HR and training professionals seeking structured approaches to skill development.
• Anyone interested in improving employee retention, safety, and productivity through smarter training practices.

Webinar Details

NFFS Workforce Development Webinar
Introducing Smart Training Standards: Increasing Your Training Maturity on the Foundry Floor
Presenter: Montez King, Executive Director, NIMS
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025     
Time:  Noon – 1 PM eastern time

This session is a must for foundry leaders and supervisors looking to modernize workforce development and ensure their teams are prepared for the future of manufacturing.

Register today at: https://www.nffs.org/events/nffswd-smart-training-webinar