Spark Force Recap

Young Students Melt Metal and Ignite 
Careers at Joliet Junior College

Earlier this summer, I wrote about the SparkForce Manufacturing Camp at Joliet Junior College, where students as young as 12 were choosing to trade in their typical summer routines for something truly unique: melting metal and making castings with their own two hands.

This week, I had the opportunity to see it in person, and let me tell you, it’s even more inspiring up close.

The energy, excitement, and pure joy on these students’ faces as they poured molten aluminum into molds they designed and built themselves was unforgettable. These young people weren’t just participating in an activity—they were discovering their superpower.

Through a combination of 3D design, printing, sand mold creation, and hands-on casting, students explored both cutting-edge technology and traditional foundry processes. They weren’t just making parts—, hey were making connections between creativity, engineering, and career possibilities.

Led by metals industry veteran Joe Costabile, the camp brings the casting process to life in a safe, accessible, and incredibly engaging way. Joe’s passion and ability to relate to young learners makes this camp more than a program, it’s an experience that sticks.

A Model for Community Engagement
What makes this even more impressive is the role that Joliet Junior College is playing in this initiative. They’re not just a host, they’re a partner, deeply committed to introducing young adults to manufacturing and also bringing in programs like METAL to inspire them to consider metal casting as a future career.

By opening their doors to middle and high school students, the College is planting seeds that could one day fill the talent pipeline so many foundries are struggling to maintain. It’s a perfect example of how community colleges and industry can come together to shape the next generation of skilled workers.

Why NFFS Members Need to Be Involved
Programs like the SparkForce Manufacturing Camp and METAL Boot Camps are not just feel-good initiatives, they are strategic workforce investments. These are the moments where students discover their interest in manufacturing, where a spark turns into a calling. But they only succeed with industry support and participation.

NFFS members have a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to get involved. By visiting these programs, speaking to students, offering tours, or even donating materials and tools, you directly influence how young people perceive our industry.

Your involvement helps students:

• See the real-world value of what they’re learning
• Make connections to possible future careers
• Gain the confidence to explore paths they might never have considered

We often talk about the workforce crisis—but these camps are the solution in action. When industry shows up, students feel seen, valued, and inspired. Let’s be the mentors and motivators we wish we had when we were their age.

Help Us Keep the Momentum Going
With the metal casting industry facing critical workforce shortages, programs like SparkForce and METAL Boot Camps are essential. They bring the foundry floor to life for a generation that’s looking for meaningful, hands-on careers, and give them the tools and encouragement to pursue them.

Whether you’re an industry leader, educator, or passionate advocate, you have a role to play. Visit a camp. Sponsor a student. Host a tour. Share your story. Let’s show the next generation just how exciting and vital our work truly is.

Because the future of metal casting isn’t just coming, it’s here!
It's already showing up, goggles on and crucible in hand.

To find out how you can get involved in your community or to request additional information, please reach out to Bill Padnos, Director of Workforce Development.