Nurturing the Next Generation of Foundry Professionals

The foundry industry has long been a cornerstone of British manufacturing. Emerging from early ironworks and shaped by centuries of innovation, it has continually adapted to support the nation’s progress. Today, refined processes, advanced metallurgy, and automation underpin production across key sectors including automotive, aerospace, defence, and renewable energy.

Britain’s foundry sector continues to uphold a global reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, and craftsmanship, qualities that remain fundamental to the work carried out across the Mat Foundry Group, including at Eurac Poole.

Castinspiration

It’s no surprise that this industry remains built on passion, craft, and a determination to preserve and advance the tradition. Organisations such as the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME) play a vital role in fostering collaboration, learning, and innovation within the sector.

One of ICME’s key initiatives is Castinspiration, a unique networking event for individuals who are just starting their journey in the cast metals industry. It is designed to showcase good practice and increase attendees' awareness of the industry's diversity. The visit to Eurac Poole was the third event, bringing together young people from foundries across the UK, allowing them to explore different operations, broaden their technical understanding, and connect with peers and mentors.

This visit was led by Trevor Ayre, who has worked within the industry for almost 50 years and is a past national president and a Trustee of ICME

Trevor explained the importance of Castinspiration and what continues to motivate ICME to drive this initiative in the UK cast metals industry.

Trevor said: ‘It is essential that the key people and companies in the UK cast metals industry make a difference by continuing to invest time and energy in developing the next generation of employees in our industry’

Development of People

Amy Worrallo, ICME’s Training Manager and one of the organisers of the event, alongside ICME’s Trudi Skidmore, said, “At ICME’s core is professional development of people in the industry.  Holding these events is what ICME does best, and we continually listen to our members and those in the wider industry to understand how we can add value and ensure the Institute can continue to play a key role in future proofing the industry. 

“Opportunities like these for young people in our industry to meet up and get to know other young professionals are very limited, with many being one of few apprentices in their own company”, she continued, “so ICME is delighted to be able to arrange events like this.   We all need to work together as an industry to support and encourage these young people to develop, whilst also encouraging new people to come into the industry.”

ICME is grateful to the Foundry Training Trust for helping the fund the event and most importantly, to the companies and their teams for opening their doors and being so generous with their time.” 

This October, Eurac Poole was proud to host one of the visits, welcoming 15 young professionals from foundries across the UK, with industry experience ranging from six months to three years.

During the visit, General Manager Phil Grounds and Operations Manager Luke Batter delivered a presentation introducing Eurac Poole’s history, operations, and commitment to quality. Both Phil and Luke began their careers as apprentices at Eurac and have progressed into senior leadership roles, a powerful example of the opportunities available through dedication and continuous learning. Their stories resonated strongly with the group, demonstrating that traditional career pathways in foundries remain full of potential and progression.

Eurac Poole’s half-century of experience supplying the automotive industry, specialising in the casting and distribution of brake discs with an annual foundry capacity of 50,000 tonnes, provided attendees with valuable insight into modern production and process management within a high-performing foundry environment.

Eurac Poole recognises the importance of initiatives like Castinspiration in sustaining enthusiasm and awareness among the next generation. These young engineers, technicians, and metallurgists will be the driving force behind the next wave of innovation, ensuring that Britain’s foundry heritage continues to evolve and thrive.

MAT Foundry group are a leading manufacturer of grey and ductile iron car components. To learn more about us, view our products or contact us today.

To read how we're improving our environmental impact worldwide click here.

Subscribe to our newsletter for quarterly updates on the automotive industry.