Discover Talent for Your Foundry

The following resources can help you connect with your RIGHT FIT, either those candidates that already have metal casting skills or ones that have the attributes that to be a productive member of your team or both. By tapping into your local community and national initiatives, you can build a steady workforce pipeline, enhance diversity, and ensure your team is equipped to meet industry demands and future challenges.

EDUCATION PIPELINES

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing
The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing Program is designed to build your workforce in multiple ways — you can up skill existing employees, send new hires for training, send conditional per-hires for training, and hire directly from our program. The ATDM can do this in months, not years — reducing the time to talent and, in most cases, making scholarships available to cover the costs of training and housing at their campus in Danville, VA.

All ATDM program areas are 16 weeks, with 600+ hours of instruction. Each individual program area is designed to equip individuals with the foundational skills needed to make an immediate impact in the BIS workforce. The ATOM teaches core, fundamental skills for your industry at their brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities, which are equipped with the latest technology.

The program areas are:

Additive Manufacturing | CNC Machining | Quality Control Inspection (Metrology) |
Non-Destructive Testing | Welding

If you would like to learn more about how ATDM can help your organization, contact one of their representatives today at (434) 766-6680 or partners@atdm.org.

BUILDSUBMARINES.COM
NFFS members have a unique opportunity to address workforce challenges by partnering with BuildSubmarines.com. This platform provides access to a robust talent pipeline specifically tailored for the submarine manufacturing industry and related sectors.

BuildSubmarines.com offers a diverse roster of candidates, covering roles across engineering, welding, and other specialized fields. Many of these candidates have been trained through programs like Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM), which ensures they possess the technical expertise and readiness needed to excel in critical manufacturing positions.

NFFS members can list job openings and access the BuildSubmarines.com talent pool by creating an Employer account. Visit https://jobs.buildsubmarines.com/employers/sign_up to get started and explore the wealth of skilled candidates available to meet your hiring needs.

BuildSubmarines.com isn’t just a hiring platform—it’s a strategic partner in building a workforce for the future of submarine manufacturing.

Career & Technical Education Providers
Career and technical education (CTE) programs offer students the opportunity to develop critical skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning experiences, which allow them to apply academics to real-world problems.

Why to Engage with your Local CTE Programs

They are one of the few true sources for new talent.
CTE completers are usually eager to learn their trade and start their career. As an employer, you can know exactly what the student has learned, when they learned it and from whom they learned it (their instructor).

How to Engage a CTE Pipeline

Talk with your Coach to help you develop the connection with the program you want to work with.
Reach out to the CTE program director and/or instructor.
Visit the school to meet the CTE program director and/or instructor. Tour the facility, seek to understand how they teach not only the technical skills, but how they develop the human skills for their students.
Begin to actively recruit from the student population. Host a Career Discovery Day or similar activity and invite the school to participate.

Adult Education Programs
Partnering with adult education programs offers metal casting foundries a strategic way to address workforce challenges and build a sustainable talent pipeline. These programs connect foundries with motivated individuals seeking to upskill or reskill, including career changers, veterans, and underemployed workers, enriching the workforce with diverse experiences.

Foundries can collaborate with education providers to create tailored training programs focused on industry needs like metallurgy, machining, and quality control. These partnerships offer cost-effective workforce development, often supported by grants, and provide a steady stream of job-ready candidates. Adult learners, being highly motivated, contribute to improved retention rates and stronger workforce commitment.

Engaging with local education programs also strengthens community ties, enhances the foundry’s reputation, and showcases its dedication to regional growth.

Key Benefits:

Access to diverse, motivated talent.
Tailored training aligned with industry needs.
Cost-effective development through subsidized programs.
Improved retention and workforce stability.
Strengthened community relationships.

By integrating adult education into their strategy, foundries can bridge the skills gap and ensure long-term success.

OUTSIDE ORGANIZATIONS

Temp Agencies
Partnering with temp agencies offers metal casting foundries a practical and flexible solution to address workforce challenges and maintain a steady talent pipeline. These agencies connect foundries with skilled workers ready to meet the industry’s demands, reducing the time and effort spent on recruitment. Temp agencies provide access to a diverse pool of candidates, including those with prior manufacturing experience or those seeking to develop new skills in the trade.

Foundries benefit from the ability to quickly scale their workforce to meet production demands, whether for short-term projects or peak seasons. Temp agencies handle pre-screening and administrative tasks, streamlining the hiring process and ensuring candidates are ready to contribute immediately. These partnerships also offer a cost-effective way to evaluate potential hires, enabling foundries to identify high-performing workers for permanent roles.

Engaging with temp agencies enhances workforce flexibility while minimizing the risk of turnover. Foundries can focus on core operations without the administrative burden of recruitment and onboarding. Additionally, these partnerships strengthen a foundry’s ability to adapt to changing labor needs, ensuring consistent productivity and meeting deadlines efficiently.

Key Benefits:

Access to pre-screened, job-ready talent.
Flexibility to scale the workforce for seasonal or project-specific needs.
Reduced administrative workload with agency-managed recruitment.
Cost-effective evaluation of potential permanent hires.
Minimized risk of turnover and enhanced workforce stability.

By leveraging temp agencies, metal casting foundries can address immediate labor needs, optimize operations, and ensure long-term success in a competitive industry.

Recruiting Agencies
Partnering with recruiting agencies provides metal casting foundries with an efficient and reliable solution to address workforce challenges and secure a steady talent pipeline. These agencies specialize in connecting foundries with skilled candidates who meet the unique demands of the industry, streamlining the hiring process and reducing recruitment time. Recruiting agencies often have access to a broad network of candidates, including experienced professionals and individuals eager to enter the trade.

Foundries benefit from customized recruitment services that identify candidates with the technical skills and cultural fit required for success. Recruiting agencies handle the time-consuming tasks of sourcing, screening, and vetting applicants, allowing foundries to focus on their operations. These partnerships also offer a cost-effective way to access a higher caliber of talent, with the potential for both permanent and temporary placements based on specific needs.

Engaging with recruiting agencies ensures foundries can maintain workforce stability while minimizing turnover risks. The agencies’ expertise in the labor market helps foundries stay competitive and adapt to changing demands. Additionally, by outsourcing recruitment, foundries reduce administrative burdens and ensure a seamless hiring experience.

Key Benefits:
Access to a broad network of qualified candidates.
Customized recruitment solutions tailored to industry needs.
Time and cost savings through streamlined hiring processes.
Reduced administrative workload with agency-managed sourcing and vetting.
Flexibility for both permanent and temporary placements.

By leveraging recruiting agencies, metal casting foundries can attract top talent, optimize operations, and ensure long-term workforce success.

Military & Veteran Placement Organizations
Partnering with military and veteran placement organizations offers metal casting foundries a strategic and effective solution to address workforce challenges while supporting those who have served in the military. These organizations specialize in connecting foundries with highly trained, disciplined individuals who possess a wide range of transferable skills, including leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise. Veterans often bring valuable experience in manufacturing, logistics, and hands-on technical roles, making them an ideal fit for the demands of the metal casting industry.

Foundries benefit from a streamlined hiring process as these organizations provide access to a pool of pre-screened, qualified candidates. Many veteran placement organizations offer customized services to match candidates' skills with the specific needs of the foundry, ensuring a good cultural and technical fit. These partnerships also help foundries tap into a motivated, dependable workforce, known for their strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Engaging with military and veteran placement organizations not only supports workforce development but also strengthens a foundry’s reputation as a community-minded employer. By providing veterans with meaningful career opportunities, foundries can contribute to their successful transition to civilian life while building a highly skilled, loyal workforce.

Key Benefits:
Access to highly skilled, disciplined veterans with transferable skills.
Streamlined recruitment with pre-screened, qualified candidates.
Customized matching of candidates’ skills with the foundry’s needs.
Increased workforce reliability and strong work ethic.
Support for veterans' transition to civilian careers.

By partnering with military and veteran placement organizations, metal casting foundries can build a talented, committed workforce while contributing to the successful reintegration of veterans into the civilian workforce.

Social Services Agencies
Partnering with social service agencies offers metal casting foundries a meaningful and effective way to address workforce challenges while supporting community development. These agencies connect foundries with individuals seeking stable employment, including those transitioning from difficult circumstances, underrepresented groups, or those reentering the workforce. By working with social service agencies, foundries gain access to a motivated talent pool eager to learn, contribute, and grow in the industry.

Social service agencies provide pre-screened candidates and often offer support services such as skills training, counseling, and job readiness programs. This ensures that prospective employees are better prepared for the workplace, reducing onboarding time and costs for the foundry. Additionally, foundries can collaborate with agencies to design tailored programs that align with specific industry needs, fostering a workforce equipped with the skills required for success.

Engaging with social service agencies not only addresses labor shortages but also reinforces a foundry’s commitment to social responsibility. Providing meaningful employment opportunities to individuals in need helps build stronger communities while enhancing the foundry’s reputation as an inclusive and community-focused employer.

Key Benefits:
Access to a Motivated Workforce: Connect with individuals eager to start or restart their careers.
Pre-Screened Candidates: Receive applicants who are prepared through training and job readiness programs.
Tailored Workforce Solutions: Collaborate with agencies to align recruitment with industry needs.
Reduced Onboarding Costs: Hire candidates who are better prepared for the workplace.
Enhanced Community Impact: Strengthen local communities and build a positive employer brand.

By partnering with social service agencies, metal casting foundries can address workforce needs, support community development, and build a stable, skilled workforce for long-term success.

IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

Employee Referral Program
Employee referral programs are a valuable tool for metal casting foundries, helping to address industry-specific workforce challenges while fostering a stronger, more cohesive workplace. These programs enable foundries to tap into the networks of their employees, bringing in high-quality candidates who understand the unique demands of the trade. Referred employees often integrate more quickly, exhibit greater job satisfaction, and stay longer, making referrals an effective strategy for building reliable, skilled teams.

Benefits for Foundries:

Streamlined Hiring Process: Employees recommend trusted candidates, reducing the time spent on recruitment and vetting.
Cost Efficiency: Referral programs lower recruitment costs compared to job boards or external agencies.
Improved Retention: Referred employees often feel more connected to the workplace, leading to longer tenure.
Enhanced Workforce Quality: Referrals bring in candidates aligned with the foundry’s culture and technical needs.

For foundry employees, referral programs offer meaningful incentives and opportunities to strengthen their workplace. Many foundries reward successful referrals with financial bonuses or other perks, encouraging active participation. Beyond rewards, employees take pride in contributing to their company’s growth by recommending trusted colleagues or friends, fostering a stronger sense of teamwork.

Benefits for Employees:

Incentives and Rewards: Financial bonuses, recognition, or other perks for successful referrals.
Team Camaraderie: Strengthened relationships by working alongside trusted colleagues or friends.
Job Satisfaction: Pride in helping grow and improve the foundry’s workforce.

By adopting and promoting referral programs, metal casting foundries can effectively address workforce needs, improve retention rates, and build teams that are skilled and invested in the company’s success. These programs demonstrate a commitment to collaboration, trust, and the long-term growth of the foundry industry.

Social Media
Using social media for talent acquisition offers metal casting foundries an innovative and effective way to attract skilled workers, enhance their recruitment strategies, and promote the industry. Social media platforms provide a broad and diverse reach, enabling foundries to connect with potential candidates across various demographics and skill levels. By leveraging these channels, foundries can showcase their company culture, highlight career opportunities, and engage with prospective employees in real-time.

One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to reach passive job seekers—individuals who may not actively search for new opportunities but are open to exploring them. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram allow foundries to target specific audiences through tailored ads, hashtags, and engaging content. This targeted approach increases visibility among individuals with the right skills, including those already experienced in manufacturing or looking to enter the trade.

Social media also enables foundries to humanize their brand by sharing behind-the-scenes content, employee testimonials, and success stories. This transparency can help attract candidates who align with the company’s values and culture. Additionally, using social media for talent acquisition is cost-effective, allowing foundries to optimize recruitment budgets while achieving significant reach and engagement.

Key Benefits:
Broader Reach: Connect with a wide range of candidates, including passive job seekers.
Targeted Recruitment: Use tailored ads and content to reach specific skill sets and demographics.
Enhanced Employer Branding: Showcase company culture, values, and career opportunities.
Cost-Effective Advertising: Maximize recruitment budgets while increasing visibility.
Real-Time Engagement: Interact directly with prospective candidates to build interest and trust.

By integrating social media into their recruitment strategy, metal casting foundries can attract top talent, build a strong employer brand, and ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for the future.