Modern Casting January 2017

FROM AFS

Embracing Change for Growth S

SHELLY DUTLER, AFS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

ince 1957, the AFS Institute has trained 89,320 students in our classroom and labora-

tory courses. There has always been, and will continue to be, a critical need for a skilled workforce in the metalcasting industry, and the Insti- tute strives to fulfill this need with a hands-on approach to skills training. What has changed is the pace of business and the bar for success. Te Institute is continuously adapting to meet current and future needs. As a member of the metalcasting community for many years and a past Cast Metals Institute student, I remember the nicely equipped metalcasting lab in Des Plaines with its staff that provided many students with much needed training. Advances in technology have required and allowed us to adapt not only the skills required for our industry but also the methods for which we deliver training. Te Institute has embraced this change in implement- ing a new e- learning system with continuous development of content, adapt- ing classroom courses to in- clude practical, science based skills training through inter- active labs, and bringing our consistent class- room course curriculum to your location through in-plant, regional and chapter courses. Te new e-learning platform and

content is the latest addition to better serve our students. E-learning is all about you, training the right skills when you need it, where you need it. Currently, 26 e-learning modules are available in the categories of basic metalcasting processes, casting defects, green sand molding, cast iron, copper, steel, aluminum, nobake molding and coldbox coremaking. Te Institute is

46 | MODERN CASTING January 2017

committed to aggressively developing new, high value e-learning content. Over the next year we will more

than triple the number of learning modules available. Te AFS Institute’s e-learning teaches valuable job skills using interactive activities and simula- tions. Tis hands-on approach, regard- less of the training delivery method, is fundamental to our educational philosophy at the Te Institute. Instructor-led classroom courses

Te classroom lab activities support the

development of your new skills in a safe

environment for trial and error and growth.

continue to be the heart and soul of the Institute. Four years ago, we pledged to redevelop all the course offerings to deliver accurate, consistent skills train- ing. Tese unique, all-new 37 classroom courses cover skills in the categories of basic metal casting and casting defect identification, casting design, sources and cost estimating, gating and riser design, process control and improve- ment, molding, melting, and metal- lurgy. Our focus is on providing courses delivering skills that improve your effective- ness and op- portunities. We have leveraged subject matter experts from across the in- dustry to infuse our courses with relevant sup- porting techni- cal content. Te Institute professionally

developed curriculum provides you with consistent, efficient training. We as metalcasters are motivated

by making things: proving out a con- cept or learning a new skill through hands-on application. Te classroom lab activities support the development of your new skills in a safe environ- ment for trial and error and growth. Our metallurgy courses provide students with the opportunity to melt alloys and use hand-held thermo- couple technology to demonstrate the

behavior of eutectic bina- ry alloys and the proper reading of a phase dia- gram. A flow rate model- ing kit and activity was specifically designed to safely learn the physics of gating systems in the always popular Gating & Riser Design 101 & 201 courses. Today, we are developing augmented and virtual reality teaching tools that provide the same level of skills train- ing. Te Institute is looking forward to the future with everchanging technologies for mobile, safe, cost- effective skills training. AFS Institute’s classroom courses

Shelly Dutler

can become part of an in-house training program. We can pro- vide onsite delivery of most of the 37 classroom courses providing high quality, unbiased skills train- ing through no traveling expenses, limited lost work time, familiar environment all the while maximiz- ing training efficiency and value. Education is a skill, and we train our facilitators to provide consis- tency and success in the delivery of our curriculum. We can provide expert facilitators or train experts in a facility to lead your organization through AFS Institute developed curriculum.

This summer, I was entrusted with the position of director of edu- cation for the Institute. As director, I am a leader, as well as a student, who is teaching, learning, adapting, constantly seeking the next oppor- tunity for improvement, and most importantly, seeing things from a metalcaster’s perspective. Our team at AFS Institute is committed to leading the education of the met- alcasting industry to help achieve goals for growth.

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