Workforce Development 2026: A Call to Action for Foundries
Addressing the Skills Gap and
Protecting the Future of Your Business
As NFFS enters 2026, the metalcasting industry is facing a defining challenge: the growing skills gap. Experienced workers are retiring faster than new talent is entering the workforce, and many foundries are already feeling the effects. Open positions remain unfilled longer, production schedules are strained, and supervisors are stretched thin. These are not short-term disruptions. They are clear indicators of a skills gap that, if left unaddressed, will continue to impact daily operations and long-term business performance.
The Cost of Inaction Is Real and Growing
Inaction in the face of the skills gap carries serious consequences. When positions stay open, overtime increases and fatigue follows. Quality and safety risks rise, and lead times extend. Over time, these pressures erode margins and challenge customer confidence. The skills gap is not only a workforce issue. It is a business risk that affects productivity, profitability, and competitiveness.
Training and Leadership Gaps Compound the Problem
Without intentional training and leadership development, workforce challenges accelerate. Informal onboarding and inconsistent skill development slow productivity and increase early turnover. When frontline leaders are not equipped to coach and communicate effectively, engagement declines and retention suffers. Each departure restarts the costly cycle of recruiting, onboarding, and retraining. Inaction allows these patterns to repeat and weakens the foundation of the organization.
Opportunity Exists for Foundries Willing to Act
Despite these challenges, the skills gap also presents an opportunity. Foundries that choose to engage now can transform workforce development into a competitive advantage. Investing in skill development, leadership capability, and structured training strengthens operations and stabilizes teams. These actions lead to faster time to productivity, reduced turnover, and improved morale. The skills gap is real, but it is manageable with the right strategy.
NFFS Has Resources to Support Your Next Step
When you are ready to engage, invest, and lead, NFFS is ready to support you. The Society offers practical workforce development resources tailored to the realities of metalcasting operations. These include leadership development opportunities, training frameworks, access to grants and online training partnerships, and guidance on building effective workforce strategies. Members do not have to navigate these challenges alone.
Community Engagement Is Key to Closing the Skills Gap
Local engagement plays a critical role in building sustainable talent pipelines. NFFS supports members in forming partnerships with career and technical education programs, community colleges, workforce boards, chambers of commerce, veterans’ organizations, and second-chance employment partners. When foundries are visible and engaged in their communities, awareness of metalcasting careers increases and access to talent expands. These relationships reduce long-term recruiting costs and help stabilize the workforce.
The Return on Acting Is Measurable
The return on workforce investment is clear. Strong skill development improves productivity. Effective leadership increases retention. Structured training reduces risk and accelerates learning. Community partnerships expand talent pipelines and strengthen reputation. Each action taken to address the skills gap protects the business and positions it for sustainable growth.
Joining the Talent Pipeline Program in 2026
For foundries ready to take a more structured approach, the U.S. Navy supported Talent Pipeline Program offers a guided path to strengthening workforce systems. Through expert support and peer collaboration, participants focus on building skills, improving onboarding, and increasing retention. In 2026, joining the next TPP cohort is an opportunity to move from reaction to strategy.
A Clear Call to Action for 2026
The skills gap will not solve itself, and inaction will continue to have a negative effect on your business. But solutions exist, and support is available.
If you agree that 2026 is the year to engage, invest, and lead, NFFS is ready to stand with you.