Forging the Future Starts Early

FORGING THE FUTURE STARTS EARLY

FIERF is Helping the Next Generation See Themselves in Manufacturing

 

Ask a young student what they want to be when they grow up, and you will likely hear familiar answers: doctor, teacher, athlete, engineer, firefighter, artist. Far less often will you hear “forge operator,” “metallurgist,” “die designer,” “manufacturing engineer,” or “quality technician.”

That is not because the forging industry lacks exciting career paths. It is because many young people have never been introduced to them.

For the North American forging industry, that presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Workforce development cannot begin when a young person is already choosing a college major or searching for their first job. By then, many students have already formed assumptions about what manufacturing is — or what it is not. If the forging industry wants to build a strong future workforce, we must help students understand earlier that manufacturing is modern, technical, creative, essential and full of opportunity.

That is where the Forging Industry Educational and Research Foundation (FIERF) plays an important role.

Through children’s books, classroom activities, summer camps and other hands-on learning opportunities, FIERF is helping introduce the next generation to the world of forging in ways that are age-appropriate, memorable and fun. These resources give FIA members, educators, parents and community partners practical tools to tell the story of forging — not as an abstract industrial process, but as a career-connected, problem-solving, STEM-rich industry that shapes the world around us.

Helping Kids Understand “What Is Forging?”

Forging is not always visible to the general public. Forged components are often hidden inside the products and systems people rely on every day: vehicles, aircraft, ships, agricultural equipment, defense systems, medical devices, energy infrastructure and more. That invisibility can make it difficult for students to understand how important forging is to modern life.

FIERF’s kid-focused resources help close that awareness gap.

The “Forging with Freddy” children’s book series was created to educate children about manufacturing and the forging process. The first two books, “Forging with Freddy” and “Forging with Freddy: Safety First,” introduce young readers to forging through colorful illustrations, approachable storytelling and characters designed to make the industry engaging for children. The books are available in print, and digital flipping books are available online, including English, French and Spanish resources.

For teachers, librarians and families, these books offer a simple but powerful starting point. They make it easier to begin conversations about manufacturing, safety, STEM and careers at an age when students are still exploring what is possible.

FIERF also provides free downloadable forging activities, including a maze, word find and crossword puzzle. These worksheets can be paired with the “Forging with Freddy” books and hands-on activities to help parents and teachers promote STEM and manufacturing education in the classroom, at home or during community events.

Forge the Future Summer Camps

One of FIERF’s most immersive youth outreach programs is the Forge the Future Summer Camp. These camps introduce students to forging, manufacturing and STEAM pathways through facility tours, team-building activities, hands-on learning and opportunities to learn how to forge. Campers also get to take home their own forging.

The goals of Forge the Future Camp are direct and deeply aligned with the needs of the industry: expose students to manufacturing and forging at a young age; engage them in hands-on STEM activities; create memorable community experiences; educate both kids and families about manufacturing careers; and help build the future of forging.

These camps also provide an excellent model for local partnerships. Schools, colleges and universities, industry partners, and workforce or community organizations can all play a role in introducing students to forging. FIERF has also made grant funding available to help organizations host two-to-five-day Forge the Future Summer Camps focused on middle and high school students. Grant funding is available up to $2,500, depending on the length and scope of the camp.

For member companies, this creates a meaningful opportunity to get involved locally. Companies can participate in a camp, host a tour, sponsor an activity, provide speakers, mentor students or help connect educators with real-world examples from the forging industry. Even a small role can make a big impression on a young person who has never seen manufacturing up close.

Why This Work Matters

The forging industry has a powerful story to tell. Forgers produce high-strength, reliable components for critical applications. The industry supports national defense, transportation, aerospace, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and countless other sectors. It offers family-sustaining careers, technical advancement and opportunities for people who like to solve problems, work with their hands, use technology and make things that matter.

But students cannot pursue careers they do not know exist.

That is why early outreach is so important. It helps shift perceptions. It gives students a more accurate understanding of modern manufacturing. It shows families that technical and manufacturing careers can be rewarding, stable and meaningful. It helps educators connect classroom learning to real careers in their own communities.

For FIA members, engaging with the next generation is not only a service to the industry; it is a strategic workforce investment. Every plant tour, classroom visit, donated book, sponsored camp or hands-on activity helps build awareness. Over time, those moments can help create a stronger talent pipeline for the entire forging supply chain.

FIERF is making that work easier by providing resources members can use, share and adapt. Whether your company is just beginning its workforce development outreach or looking to expand existing partnerships, FIERF can help connect your team with tools, programs and ideas that make an impact.

Get Involved

Companies are encouraged to explore FIERF’s youth education resources and consider how they can be used in their own communities. Share the “Forging with Freddy” books with a local school or library. Use the free activities at a Manufacturing Day (October 2) or Forging Day (October 9) event. Support or sponsor a Forge the Future Summer Camp. Host students for a tour. Bring forging into the conversation earlier — before students make decisions about their future.

To learn more about how FIERF can support your company’s workforce development efforts, contact Amanda Dureiko, FIERF Executive Director at [email protected]g or call 216-781- 6260. FIERF can help members identify resources, connect with education partners and explore opportunities to introduce more students to the forging industry.

2026 Forge the Future Summer Camps

FIERF’s 2026 Forge the Future Summer Camps are designed to introduce middle and high school students to forging, manufacturing and STEAM pathways through hands-on learning, facility tours and career exploration.

2026 Camp Locations:

Organizations interested in hosting a future Forge the Future Summer Camp may be eligible for FIERF grant funding of up to $2,500. Eligible applicants include middle and high schools, colleges and universities, industry partners, and workforce or community organizations. Contact Amanda Dureiko, FIERF Executive Director at [email protected] for more information.