METAL works with the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) to prepare students for real-world careers in the metal industry through internships and outreach. Learn more about FEF.

The American Foundry Society’s mission is to advance the success of its members and the metalcasting industry through innovation, education, and strong advocacy. Industry stakeholders recognize AFS as the leading voice and resource for technical expertise, management guidance, and advocacy in the metalcasting industry. Visit the AFS website.

The Non-Ferrous Founders’ Society (NFFS) is North America’s leading trade association for the non-ferrous metal casting industry, providing essential information and services for effective foundry management. By joining NFFS, foundries gain valuable resources to stay strong and competitive in a volatile business environment. Learn more.

The Forging Industry Association (FIA) supports the forging industry by providing education, training, networking, benchmarking, and advocacy to help member companies grow and succeed. Through events, technical programs, research, and government relations, FIA serves as a leading resource and voice for forging businesses across North America. Learn more about joining the FIA.

The Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the forging industry by advancing technology and education, building the future workforce through scholarships, research, and university partnerships, and fostering connections between industry and academia. Learn more.

View Scholarship opportunities here

The Investment Casting Institute (ICI) is the nonprofit technical association representing hundreds of member businesses in the Investment Casting sector. The ICI focuses on driving innovation, supporting its members with the latest technical knowledge, and building a strong global community. Visit ICI’s website.

ASM International is the world’s largest association of materials-focused engineers and scientists, dedicated to gathering, processing, and disseminating trusted materials information globally through education, networking, publications, and professional development. Learn more about ASM International. View career opportunities here.

The Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA) is a trade association that advances the steel casting industry through technology and design R&D, member training and education, technical support, specifications development, industry benchmarking, and advocacy for the sector’s role in advanced manufacturing. Learn more.

The Casting Dreams program is a nationwide initiative that offers students hands-on educational experiences in casting design and production, with opportunities to compete at local, regional, and national levels. It introduces school-age students to the casting process by guiding them in creating unique metal-cast objects, while also serving as a recruitment pathway for schools and the industry. Learn more. Register or host a Casting Dreams competition.

The Cast in Steel competition, organized annually by the Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA), challenges university and technical trade school students to design, produce, and cast a functional object—typically one traditionally forged (such as a sword or axe)—using modern steel casting techniques, with entries evaluated based on craftsmanship, design, technical reporting, and presentation. Sign up for Cast In Steel 2026.

Labor Up was born out of a vision to bridge the gap between skilled blue-collar workers and ambitious manufacturing companies.
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‍Building Laborup is deeply personal to founder Simba Jonga. He’s from Tennessee and grew up in and around machine shops, factory floors, and manufacturing lines. Laborup uses AI to transform how manufacturers hire, connecting companies with vetted, skilled workers faster and more efficiently than ever before. By eliminating friction in the hiring process, Labor Up helps manufacturers fill critical roles, keep production on track, and strengthen America’s workforce.

Read more about Simba Jonga’s mission here.

ADD YOUR RESUME HERE.

Get Hired. Get Paid. Get Ahead — with Thurgood.

Ready to turn your training into a paycheck? Thurgood is the new go-to platform helping students in the trades connect with employers who are actually hiring.

Used by students across the country — including right here on campus — Thurgood makes it easy to showcase your skills, build a standout profile, and land a job in your field.

Why students are jumping on Thurgood:

• Skip the resume – post photos and videos of your class projects to show what you can really do.
• Stand out to employers with skills-based assessments and digital badges.
• Get discovered – employers use Thurgood to find talent directly from schools like yours.
• Apply for jobs, message with recruiters, and get interview-ready with a few taps.
• Earn cash and rewards by completing short challenges and assessments.

Thousands of students across the country are using Thurgood to launch their careers. Your program has already set you up — now it’s your turn to take advantage.

Log in today, claim your profile, and get started.

The trades need talent like yours. Let Thurgood help you get hired.

ADD YOUR RESUME HERE.

America’s manufacturing sector is growing – but it’s facing a critical talent shortage, with up to 1.9 million roles projected to go unfilled by 2033. Industrion is here to change that.

They’re building the lowest-barrier platform for anyone looking to break into manufacturing. Whether you’re curious about career paths, ready to learn new skills, or looking for your next job, Industrion connects you to real opportunities in one of the country’s most essential industries.

From CNC operators to automation techs, welders to robotics engineers – we make it easy for talent to discover, explore, and launch careers on the factory floor. And for employers, we deliver motivated, job-ready candidates to power the next wave of American manufacturing.

The future is being built in our factories. Let’s make sure everyone has a way in.

Industrion is a platform built by Zane Hengsperger, a leading voice in the future workforce of the manufacturing industry. It is being launched in partnership with the New American Industrial Alliance, a trade association from the team behind Reindustrialize.

Add your resume here

NextOp assists enlisted veterans in their transition from military service to civilian careers. Through a unique workforce development program and wide-ranging resources, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides enlisted veterans with the necessary tools, training and support to thrive. Headquartered in Houston and with operations in New Orleans, Dallas-Fort Worth, Memphis and Huntsville, AL, NextOp tailors services to meet the specific needs and foster the professional growth of each individual candidate. Learn More.