Metalcasting Summer Boot Camp

Posted By: Bill Padnos Workforce Development,

Casting Their Future: Students Choose 
Manufacturing Over Traditional Summer Camps


Where Innovation Meets Tradition for Tomorrow’s Makers


From June 9–12, middle and high school students traded in swimsuits and sports gear for safety goggles and casting molds at the SparkForce Manufacturing Camp hosted at Joliet Junior College – Romeoville Campus. While many of their peers spent the week at traditional day camps, these ambitious students dove headfirst into the world of advanced manufacturing through Fabricating the Future: 3D Printing to Metal Casting, a unique, hands-on experience designed for youth ages 12–17.

Instead of doing cannonballs off the diving board or playing soccer, participants learned to design in 3D, operate a printer, and build sand molds for metal casting. Each student began by creating their own original design, then printed it as a physical model using 3D printing technology. The real magic came next: using their printed objects as patterns, students formed sand molds and safely learned how to melt and pour molten metal into them, emerging with real, functional castings they created from start to finish.

Led by Joe Costabile, a seasoned professional in the metals industry, students gained firsthand experience in both digital fabrication and traditional foundry work. “Watching students light up when they see molten metal fill a mold they made from scratch, it never gets old,” said Costabile. “They’re not just learning manufacturing, they’re learning how to bring ideas into reality.”

One student shared their excitement: "I thought we were just going to be using 3D printers, but we actually got to pour real metal! I didn’t think I could do something like this, it was awesome."

Beyond the technical skills, the camp introduced students to real career possibilities in manufacturing, engineering, and industrial design, industries that are actively seeking the next generation of skilled workers. This camp wasn't just fun; it was a glimpse into the future.

Thanks to the generous support of SparkForce and The FMA Foundation, the camp was offered at a reduced cost, helping to make this one-of-a-kind experience accessible to more students.

If you missed the first session, there’s still a chance to get involved: the next camp (which was sold-out 2 days after opening) will take place July 21–24 at the Joliet Junior College Main Campus. Industry partners are invited to contact Joe Costabile to see the camp in action and connect with the next generation of talent, a great opportunity to inspire, engage, and shape the future workforce.

This summer, while others play, these students are casting their future - literally.

At a time when hands-on trades are more essential than ever, it's inspiring to see young minds light up with curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the foundry. These students aren’t just learning how things are made, they’re discovering that they can be the ones to make them.

Their interest in metal casting isn’t just exciting, it’s a sign of hope for the industry’s future. With guidance from mentors and opportunities like this camp, the next generation of metalcasters is already rising.

The spark has been lit—now it’s up to all of us to keep it burning.