Tomorrow's foundrymen.

Students at the FEF College-Industry Conference reveal their thoughts on metalcasting and the future they hope it holds for them.

Regardless of the playing field, the success of every great team begins with the character and determination of its players. And like every other industry, the foundry needs the right "players" to be a champion.

The foundry industry, since the birth of the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) in 1947, has had the vision to go out and "draft" the best prospects to lead it into the future.

At the FEF Annual College-Industry Conference (CIC) held November 11-13 in Chicago, 109 student delegates gathered from each of FEF's 26 universities. With an additional 210 industry and academic attendees, the contingent networked, heard presentations and discussed opportunities in metalcasting.

Besides the 20 scholarships awarded and keynote presentations, the meeting also featured an industry information exhibition of 36 companies. This created a forum for students to talk off-the-cuff with both foundries and suppliers while getting a close look at the industry.

With trends to downsize and cross-train, foundries recognize the critical need to secure the best prospects. Through efforts such as the CIC, foundries are targeting the top students as they make their career choices.

"Our customers are eagerly awaiting the exciting changes you will bring to the product," said Paul Mikkola, GM Powertrain, in his address to the delegates. "Change it must. If the product doesn't change, it will become extinct."

Why Metalcasting?

With various career choices available that may be more "glamorous," it's interesting to see what attracts people to metalcasting.

David Smith, University of Alabama, says the foundry's versatility interests him. "You'll never get stuck doing the same thing your whole life," he said. "With an industry with this much of a stronghold, it's hard to go wrong with a metalcasting career."

"The process of taking scrap metal and turning it into a usable product is fascinating," said Tom Dempsey, Kent State University. "Also, organizations focus on young people in this industry and make us welcome."

Wade Schott, University of Missouri-Rolla, was impressed with the cohesion he witnessed during his co-op experience. "During my foundry co-op, there was a consortium of companies working together on the same problem," he said. "They pooled research, went on plant trips and shared information."

On her decision to work in metalcasting, Lonna Kilgore, Tennessee Tech, said: "There's an opportunity for growth in the foundry. You can help an industry that's advancing."

Outlook

Although there aren't as many jobs available as a few years ago, students came away optimistic after the CIC. Many firms, they said, informed them they are looking to hire in the near future.

"The CIC was an excellent opportunity for students to get in tune with what's going on in the industry," said Jeff Ford, Pittsburg State University. "Some haven't worked in a foundry, so it broadens their horizons and opens doors. You can learn about possibilities and the companies get to know what kind of person you are."

Chris Hett, Georgia Tech, viewed the conference as a chance to learn what the textbooks don't tell. "It's great to learn from other students who are very focused in other fields--metallurgy, material science, etc.," he said.

Roger Hauser, an FEF key professor at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and recipient of the AFS Director's Award, said the foundry's camaraderie is among its biggest selling points to students. "At chapter meetings, students see people are friends and know each other's problems. They pick up on that," he said. "They come back and say, 'these people want to help and talk to you.'" In Hauser's opinion, foundries are standing up well with other industries in recruiting students. Although he would like to see companies hire more recent graduates for safety/environmental positions, Hauser said foundries are committed to bringing in outstanding people. For the new graduate, he stresses: "Aggressiveness is needed in this day and age where there aren't as many jobs." As technology develops further and markets become truly international, these students will lead this industry through the challenging times ahead.

"These graduates will be the catalyst for change and progression in the foundry for the next 20-30 years," said Tim Hitchcock, Hitchcock Industries, Inc., and FEF 1st vice president. "Getting the best prospects is essential to metalcasting success."