NFFS Receives New Industry Workforce Development Grant from ATI Foundation
Building the Future of Metalcasting - Together
The Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS) is proud to announce the launch of CastYourFuture.org, a new industry-driven workforce initiative made possible through a grant from the ATI Foundation. This project represents a major step forward in how the non-ferrous metalcasting industry tells its story, engages future talent, and supports foundries as they work to build sustainable talent pipelines.
CastYourFuture.org was created to address one of the most persistent challenges facing our industry: awareness. Too many students, parents, educators, and job seekers simply do not understand what modern metalcasting looks like or the career opportunities it offers. This platform is designed to change that by showcasing real people, real foundries, and real career pathways in a way that is accessible, engaging, and authentic.
More Than a Website: A Tool for Foundries
CastYourFuture.org is not just a public-facing website. Alongside the platform, NFFS is creating an industry toolkit that gives member foundries practical resources they can use to support local workforce efforts. The toolkit is designed to help foundries move beyond one-off outreach and toward consistent, aligned talent pipeline strategies.
These resources will support foundries as they:
- Engage students, educators, and parents
- Promote careers to job seekers, veterans, and incumbent workers
- Strengthen relationships with schools and workforce partners
- Reinforce consistent, industry-aligned messaging about metalcasting careers
The website, digital storytelling, and industry toolkit are being created in partnership with Marketing Metal, which is serving as the agency lead for platform execution, content development, and toolkit creation. Their experience in manufacturing and metalcasting ensures the message reflects the reality of today’s foundries while resonating with tomorrow’s workforce.
Powered by Industry Collaboration
CastYourFuture.org is being built in collaboration with industry and education partners who share a commitment to strengthening metalcasting talent pipelines. Current partners include IACMI – The Composites Institute, Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA), North American Die Casting Association (NADCA), and the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF). Together, these organizations help connect awareness efforts to real education, training, and career pathways across the broader metalcasting ecosystem.
How Members Can Get Involved
The success of CastYourFuture.org depends on the voices and experiences of NFFS member foundries. The most powerful way to promote careers in metalcasting is through real stories from real workplaces.
NFFS invites members to share:
- Photos and videos from their foundries
- Employee stories and career journeys
- Recruiting or outreach materials
- Any resources that promote careers in metalcasting
These materials will be used to strengthen CastYourFuture.org and the industry toolkit, helping ensure the platform reflects the diversity, pride, and opportunity that exist across our industry.
Members can upload and share content here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aGCEKrQYA9YjCgo_kQgV2dMij8Kjkld-
Moving From Awareness to Action
CastYourFuture.org is a key part of NFFS’s broader workforce strategy, helping foundries move from reactive hiring toward intentional systems that prioritize fit, training, and long-term retention. By working together and sharing our stories, we can strengthen the industry’s talent pipeline and ensure the future of metalcasting remains strong.
For questions or to learn more about how to use CastYourFuture.org and the industry toolkit, please contact: Bill Padnos, Director of Workforce Development at bill@nffs.org.