Training

The Cast Metals Federation (CMF) supports members in building the skills, knowledge and leadership capability that underpin a safe, successful and forward-looking casting industry.

Working with partners including the Institute of Cast Metal Engineers (ICME), we offer a range of training opportunities – from short courses and workshops to structured leadership and technical programmes – all designed specifically for foundries and their supply chains.

We can also signpost members to suitable external training and educational providers, colleges and universities offering casting and foundry apprenticeships, short courses and certificated programmes. Grant support from the Foundry Training Trust may be available towards the cost of courses.

For all training and skills enquiries, please contact the CMF office, or complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Please scroll down or click for more information on:

• Health & Safety Training
• Health & Safety for Directors
• Leadership & Management Training
• Specialist Casting Industry Training

Health and safety is fundamental to a strong, sustainable industry. CMF offers a suite of short, practical programmes developed for foundries and their suppliers, aimed at helping companies manage risk, protect employees and improve workplace culture.

Courses are typically delivered on-site at your premises, and CMF Members can access one course per year free of charge (up to 16 trainees per session). A nominal charge applies for additional training days to cover travel and expenses.

Available Courses

• Basic H&S Management in the Workplace – One-day course for supervisors and managers new to their responsibilities or seeking to refresh their knowledge.
• Risk Assessment in the Foundry – One-day, in-depth course on conducting and applying risk assessments tailored to your company’s operations.
• Safety Representatives – Understanding Your Role – Half-day course introducing the role and responsibilities of safety reps, with practical exercises and case studies.
• Behavioural Change on the Shop Floor – Half-day session promoting positive safety behaviours and good housekeeping for productivity, cost and safety benefits.
• Mental Health and Stress Awareness – Half-day programme aimed at understanding mental health and workplace stress, and their impact on well-being and performance.

CMF members should contact the office on admin@cmfed.co.uk to discuss or arrange their health & safety training requirements.

A dedicated programme for senior executives and directors, developed in conjunction with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), addressing leadership responsibility and accountability for workplace safety in foundries.

This course explores how the law applies to company directors and senior leaders, the implications of recent sentencing guidelines, and the vital role of leadership in creating a safe, compliant and high-performing business.

Key learning outcomes:

• Understanding your legal responsibilities and personal liabilities
• The impact of sentencing guidelines and enforcement trends
• What effective safety management looks like in practice
• How to lead by example and embed a positive safety culture
• Practical steps to reduce risk and avoid enforcement action

A summary guide, Top Tips for Directors to Get Right, is available. CMF members should contact the office on admin@cmfed.co.uk for this guide, or with enquiries for this course.

Leadership and management training is essential for anyone responsible for leading people and driving performance in foundry and casting businesses.

Through ICME’s Essential Management programme, managers, supervisors, team leaders and aspiring leaders can build confidence in the core tools of modern management – from leadership theory in practice and strategic thinking through to emotional intelligence, effective communication of change, coaching and performance improvement.

The programme combines six full-day, in-person workshops with three online coaching sessions to help participants translate learning directly into their day-to-day roles.

Topics include problem-solving, continuous improvement and practical techniques to embed better leadership and management habits back in the workplace.

Click to find out more about ICME’s Essential Management programme →

The cast metals industry needs people with the right knowledge, skills and qualifications at every level.

Through ICME, the industry’s specialist training and professional development body, individuals can access a wide range of technical courses and leadership & management programmes – from introductory foundry skills to advanced metallurgy and design for casting – many leading to recognised qualifications and supported by relevant funding routes and training providers.

For employers, ICME can help with everything from sourcing apprenticeship providers and end-point assessment to upskilling existing teams through regional events, short courses, skills gap analysis and fully bespoke, on-site programmes tailored to your operation.

This joint focus on people development is key to future-proofing the UK cast metals industry.

Click to find out more about ICME training and professional development →