NFFS MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Nathan Alfieri Finds His Future in Metalcasting

Recognizing emerging talent and the partnerships helping build metalcasting's future workforce.

For Penn State Behrend senior Nathan Alfieri, three years of hands-on experience at Erie Bronze & Aluminum have helped turn an internship into a promising career path in metalcasting. Now, with graduation approaching, Nathan has another reason to celebrate: receiving the 2026 Mary & Louis Iannettoni Memorial Scholarship from NFFS.

NFFS Scholarship Committee Chair Jerry Smith and Director of Workforce Development Bill Padnos recently visited Erie Bronze & Aluminum to present Nathan with the $2,500 scholarship award. They also presented a $500 program support check to Paul Lynch for Penn State Behrend, recognizing the educational program helping prepare Nathan for his future career.

Turning Classroom Learning Into a Career

Nathan is studying Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies, with a minor in Technical Sales, at Penn State Behrend. Since joining Erie Bronze & Aluminum as a sophomore, he has completed three internship and co-op rotations, gaining experience with pattern room organization, casting simulations, gating, risering, and the green sand casting process.

Those experiences have helped Nathan connect his education with real-world manufacturing while discovering what he enjoys about the industry.

He credits the people at Erie Bronze & Aluminum for helping him develop his skills and gain “a real hands-on and full overview of the entire green sand casting process.”

His contributions haven't gone unnoticed. Erie Bronze & Aluminum President Cory Knight recommended Nathan for the NFFS scholarship, recognizing both his accomplishments and his potential for a future with the company.

A Partnership That Builds the Workforce Pipeline

Nathan's journey began when he connected with Erie Bronze & Aluminum at a Penn State Behrend campus manufacturing event. That introduction developed into an ongoing relationship that has benefited the student, the company, and the college.

The partnership extends beyond internships. Erie Bronze & Aluminum has also supported hands-on boot camp training through the METAL workforce development initiative, helping create opportunities for students and other participants to gain practical experience in metalcasting.

For Penn State Behrend, relationships with industry partners are essential to connecting students with meaningful career opportunities.

“They've been a pipeline, giving internships to our students and chances for training,” a college representative explained.

The additional $500 program support award from NFFS recognizes the educational program's role in preparing students like Nathan for careers in the industry.

More Than a Scholarship: An Investment in Future Talent

For Erie Bronze & Aluminum, recommending Nathan was an opportunity to recognize a promising employee while supporting his continued education.

The company described the scholarship recommendation as “a fairly easy process” and “a great way to keep him interested in our industry.”

Scholarship recommendations aren't just about helping students pay for school. They're also a way to recognize potential, strengthen relationships with emerging talent, and encourage the next generation to build careers in metalcasting.

Nathan expressed his gratitude to NFFS and Erie Bronze & Aluminum for their support, recognizing both the financial assistance and the encouragement to continue pursuing his goals.

“We're proud to support you in your future efforts,” Smith told Nathan during the presentation.

With Nathan eager to enter the industry and Erie Bronze & Aluminum hoping to welcome him as a full-time employee, his story demonstrates what can happen when education, industry experience, and member support come together.

2027 NFFS SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Know a Student Who Deserves This Opportunity?

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mary & Louis Iannettoni Memorial Scholarship.

NFFS members play an important role in identifying and encouraging the next generation of metalcasting professionals. Every applicant must have a recommendation from an NFFS member company.

Think about the students already connected to your organization, including interns, co-op participants, and employees pursuing education to strengthen their skills and advance their careers.

The next scholarship recipient may already be working on your foundry floor.

Application deadline: April 30, 2027