Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 18

something that can be dealt with later but it is not going away and the problem is only getting worse. Without putting some sort of training program in place, I fear that these skills are in danger of disappearing as the skill pools dries up. As many foundries don’t have the time or the resources to run their own training programmes it is necessary to look to external sources. FOUNDRY TECHNICAL COLLEGES In the UK technical colleges use to fulfil this role and many would run various foundry- based courses, often in conjuction with both local schools and foundries. Unfortunately these courses closed as the industry contracted. However there does seem to be a realization that without suitable training the industry may not have a competitive future. In the UK we now have the National Foundry Training Centre, located in the heart of what is still known as the “black country.” So named because of all the smoke and pollution once created by the many foundries, factories and open cast coal mines etc. that used to be located there. In 1862, American visitor Elihu Burritt came up with the description for the area: “black by day and red by night.” Apprarently JRR Tolkien took inspiration from the area when describing Morder in the Lord of the Rings. (not sure if that is a recommendation or not). FOUNDRY ORGANIZATIONS & TRADESHOWS The American Foundry Society clearly recognizes the importance of training and devotes a lot of time and effort to it including a whole section on their website. The need for better training structures has been a common topic at previous foundry exhibitions. The exhibitions can provide an excellent show case for the industry. Often allowing the more technologically advanced products and solutions to be demonstrated. However, it is not always possible to attend, especially if those production targets have to be met. You also have to work out what you will get from the exhibitions, as opposed to a publication such as this. Possibly the biggest foundry show, GIFA, in Germany, while it may often promote “state-of-the art” foundry techniques, especially if the solution features an expensive robot, its probably not the best plaace to go if you want to source a good supply of quality foundry boots or gloves. I also suspect that GIFA is now as much playing to a wider audience than specifically to foundrymen. Hence the inclusion of things that may make you go “wow” but are not of particular relevance to the average jobbing foudnry. The respective trade organizations typically have a big preseance at these shows with both personnel and information that can inform you on what training is available and how you can access it. They also offer valuable technical books for sale that have a wealth of information. To quote from the AFS website: “A skilled workforce allows your company to optimize production, minimize errors, and differentiate yourselves from the competition.” LOCAL CHAPTER MEETINGS Every country that has a foundry industry has an associated foundry society and holds regular local branch meetings. I’ve never had the opportunity to attend an AFS branch meeting but I suspect that they are similar to their UK counterparts run by the Institute of Cast Metal Engineers (ICME). These meetings can be an excellent way to pass on knowledge and again, I’d strongly recommend that you support your local branch. The ICME frequently holds technical evenings as does the AFS. In past years I once had the privilage of giving a technical presentation, and find the audiences at these meetings to be highly interested in hearing about new ways of doing things, and sharing their results. I also find this to be a great source of training ideas useful for training and retaining workers. There are many sources to assist with foundry training and education. I stress urgency in actively pursue training and skills retention now— for our future. Contact: STEVEN HARKER [email protected] 38