A new course from the AFS Institute, the foundry industry's premier training provider, is bringing essential professional development tools to supervisors in the metalcasting supply chain.
Introduction to Supervisor Development addresses the critical need for comprehensive training for newly hired or promoted supervisors, equipping production floor leaders with necessary skills. The course debuted in October 2023 at Waupaca Foundry in Waupaca, Wisconsin.
“As a company, we felt it was important to provide some type of supervisor training for our new and upcoming foremen and supervisors. We decided to utilize the Introduction to Supervisor Development program because it is designed for our type of industry,” said Jane Fischer, Manager of Development and Training for Waupaca Foundry. “… The instructor was very engaging, which led to good participation from the entire group. He was able to incorporate real-life experiences into the training.”
The course is designed to provide a holistic understanding of team leadership, effective communication, and common workforce challenges that arise on the job. Featuring an AFS Institute-developed curriculum, it's specifically designed for supervisors in the metalcasting sector, whether overseeing hourly or salaried workers in a union or non-union shop. Its lessons will benefit recently promoted individuals with little prior supervision experience, as well as seasoned supervisors without formal training.
"As the industry landscape evolves, effective leadership is more important than ever," said AFS Director of Training Solutions Jen Christian. "Introduction to Supervisor Development is our response to metalcasters' growing demand for training that teaches supervisors to navigate the complexities of their roles."
The AFS Institute offers the course online via Zoom and on-site at manufacturing facilities. Live online sessions, led by industry consultant Jim White, are scheduled for Jan. 10-12 and March 6-8. Registration is available here.
To learn more about Introduction to Supervisor Development, or to schedule a class at your facility, contact Jen Christian at jchristian@afsinc.org.
The American Foundry Society is a dynamic technical and advocacy organization that serves and represents the $48 billion metalcasting industry. AFS is the only association serving the entire industry, including all metals and processes, with a three-part focus on advocacy, education, and innovation. AFS also publishes Modern Casting and Casting Source magazines and presents Metalcasting Congress and CastExpo, the largest metalcasting trade events in North America. Founded in 1896, the organization is based in Schaumburg, Illinois, with an advocacy office in Washington, D.C. More information is available at AFSinc.org.