Shaping the Future of the Foundry Industry: Why Mentorship Matters Now More Than Ever

Sponsored by the NFFS Next-Gen Committee

The foundry industry is at a critical crossroads. As experienced leaders approach retirement and younger professionals enter the workforce in greater numbers, the need to pass down not just technical knowledge—but leadership skills, industry values, and institutional wisdom—is more urgent than ever. The solution? Mentorship.

Mentorship is more than a professional courtesy or a leadership development tool. It’s a powerful strategy to ensure continuity, cultivate innovation, and build a resilient workforce that can carry the foundry industry forward. Whether it’s sharing lessons from years on the shop floor, guiding new engineers through complex decisions, or helping young professionals find their voice, mentorship creates bridges between generations—and secures the future of the profession.

Why Mentorship in Foundries Is Essential
The challenges facing today’s foundries—from workforce shortages to evolving technologies—require thoughtful leadership and strong organizational cultures. Mentors play a critical role in developing both.

“Mentorship is not just about teaching skills—it’s about shaping people,” says Jim Mayer, founder of The Manufacturing Connector and featured speaker in the upcoming NFFS webinar, Shaping the Next Generation: The Mentor’s Playbook for Foundry Leaders. “When we mentor, we transfer more than knowledge. We transfer values, confidence, and a sense of belonging that makes people want to stay and grow in this industry.”

Effective mentorship leads to stronger employee engagement, faster onboarding, increased retention, and a deeper sense of purpose—especially among emerging professionals who are eager to make a meaningful impact.

The Mentor’s Role in Leadership Development
In the foundry world, leadership isn't developed overnight. It’s forged over time through relationships, reflection, and real-world learning. Mentors help guide that process by:

• Sharing institutional knowledge that might otherwise be lost
• Providing feedback and encouragement during critical career moments
• Modeling leadership behaviors that align with organizational culture
• Creating safe spaces for younger professionals to ask questions, take risks, and grow

But mentorship isn't just beneficial for mentees. Mentors themselves often report renewed energy, deeper job satisfaction, and a fresh perspective on the evolving workplace.

Learn How to Become a More Impactful Mentor
To support this vital work, the NFFS Next-Gen Committee is proud to present a special webinar:

Led by Jim Mayer—a respected voice in manufacturing leadership development—the session will offer practical insights, real-world examples, and strategies to help today’s foundry professionals become more effective mentors.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how to:

• Build trust and communication with mentees
• Structure mentorship for long-term success
• Create a mentorship culture in your organization
• Inspire the next generation of leaders with purpose and passion

Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting to think about how you can give back, now is the time to invest in mentoring the next generation. By doing so, you're not just supporting individual growth—you're securing the future of the foundry industry.

Registration is free for NFFS members.

Register Here