Earlier this month, Patterns of Meaning continued its engagement with the manufacturing community with a presentation to the Non-Ferrous Founders' Society (NFFS), an organization dedicated to advancing the metalcasting profession through education, technical exchange, and professional connection.
Cory Bonnet presented on Patterns’ work at the intersection of art, industrial heritage, and early education. He shared how creative interpretation of casting and forging processes can help introduce elementary and middle-school students to manufacturing concepts while honoring the history and skill embedded in industrial work.
Connecting Industrial Heritage to the Future Workforce
By using art, industrial artifacts, and hands-on learning experiences, the Patterns of Meaning Initiative helps students see manufacturing not as an abstract industry, but as work shaped by human ingenuity, design, and skill.
The discussion with NFFS members shared how the Initiative complements workforce development efforts. These conversations are particularly relevant as manufacturing industries continue to address long-term talent pipeline challenges.
A Continuing Dialogue with Industry
Thanks to the NFFS for inviting Patterns to contribute to their discussion. By engaging directly with professional societies and manufacturing leaders, Patterns of Meaning strengthens connections between K–12 education, industrial history, and the future needs of the manufacturing sector.
Learn more about the NFFS here.
Learn more about the NFFS here.
For more information about the Patterns Initiative or to schedule a speaker, please contact us here.