This is an exciting time for the AFS Institute. In November 2017, the Institute translated three popular e-Learning modules to Spanish. The Institute used metalcasting industry experts fluent in Spanish to translate Basic Melt Practices for Cast Iron, Green Sand Compaction, and Big Picture of the Casting Process.
This addition to the comprehensive lineup of e-Learning modules allows foundries to train Spanish-speaking staff in the same metalcasting skills with the same cost-effective, convenient method subscribers have relied on. Seventeen more Spanish e-Learning modules are currently in development and will be released in early 2018.
The 2017 calendar year wrapped up in November with courses Gating & Riser Design 101 and Green Sand Molding 201. These Institute favorites brought in members of the metalcasting industry, some new, and others looking to build on their foundational skills.
The Institute took their metalcasting skills-training on the road in September and October. We facilitated three in-plant courses at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. Design and Optimization for 3D Sand Printing, Gating & Riser Design 101, and Gating & Riser Design 201 were taught to 30 engineers working to maintain castings and servicing a fleet of aircraft. Also in October, Institute staff traveled to a steel foundry in Pennsylvania to deliver Gating & Riser Design 101 for a group of 20 patternmakers, designers and quality engineers.
To kick off 2018, Casting Design returned to the Institute in January. Gating & Riser Design 201 will bring back familiar faces in February to continue building more advanced skills on top of those learning in the November 101 course. The full list of upcoming courses is available at afsinc.org/courses.
Attending a course at AFS headquarters provides an environment to learn new skills and network professionally. However, not everybody can travel to Schaumburg, Illinois. The Institute has two superb solutions for you.
In-Plant training offers courses to a large group of individuals at the same company. Training solutions can be quoted to fit your organization’s skill development needs and budget. Being in-plant provides great opportunities for team building and immediate skills application.
AFS Institute Chapter-sponsored courses also bring the same learning experience to your chapter’s location without cross-country travel. Your chapter can demonstrate their education commitment by selecting the location and choosing from the large catalog of Institute courses. We handle the curriculum, registration, and logistics. Chapters even receive a rebate based on the number of students registered from their region.
Chapter-sponsored courses offer skills training, hands-on activities, and networking opportunities conveniently within your chapter’s area. Local facilitators are welcome, and we are always eager to train new facilities who can combine their expertise with our curriculum to provide excellent skills training.
This April, the New England Chapter is hosting Casting Defect Analysis for its members. Held locally in Warwick, Rhode Island, students will learn to identify the true root cause of a casting defect and how to select the proper corrective action. All students are welcome.
There is a lot happening with the Institute in 2018. New e-Learning modules, the return of popular courses, and Chapter-sponsored course opportunities will make this an exciting year. The goal of the Institute is always to meet the career goals and skills-development needs of its members. With what’s coming in 2018, the Institute team is committed to work with our members to strengthen and grow metalcasting education.