A five-year, $1 million investment is set to pay off for the AFS Institute and its students.
Since 2013, the Institute has redeveloped its course catalog with the backing of a $1 million pledge approved by the Board of Directors. Recently, that work concluded, and the results are sweeping: 37 new instructor-led classes and 108 e-Learning modules covering all areas of metalcasting.
“Today’s catalog of modern metalcasting classroom courses and e-Learning curriculum is the best available to help foundries consistently achieve excellence in metalcasting,” said Doug Kurkul, AFS CEO. “The AFS Board of Directors warrants credit for making the investment in developing this curriculum. Clarence Trowbridge and the Institute team of instructors and staff are now prepared to deliver training that is customized for any foundry’s unique needs.”
Revamping the Institute's courses was an anticipation of the needs of the industry. Metalcasters asked for shorter, more interactive classes that emphasized hands-on tasks. They also wanted courses that covered entry-level concepts for new employees, and advanced material for experienced metalcasters.
Twenty Spanish-language e-Learning modules—interactive, online training programs—were also added to the catalog.
The classes and modules were created by instructional designers who worked with subject-matter experts to develop the curriculum. Courses emphasize discussion, activities, and practice, and they incorporate the latest technology and industry best practices.
The AFS Institute is the educational arm of AFS. It offers instructor-led, in-plant and e-Learning courses to metalcasters across all materials and processes. To learn more, contact Clarence Trowbridge, AFS vice president of education and workforce development, at ctrowbridge@afsinc.org.