A foundry worker works in a factory or shop that makes metal castings. A foundry worker prepares molds, operates furnaces, and handles finishing work. Their duties are to melt metal in the shop furnace, pour it into a mold, and break the mold and begin the finishing processes once the castings have solidified. Finishing may include manually sanding the parts or using automated equipment. Other duties include the inspection of hardware to ensure everything is up to safety standards and functioning correctly. The types of products they might work on include car parts and components for cell phones. Qualifications to become a foundry worker include a high school diploma or GED certificate and industry experience, though there are entry-level opportunities and apprenticeships available.