HOPFAME Distinguished Grad William Camacho

HOPKINSVILLE, KY. (May 11, 2021) William Camacho has been named the 2021 HOPFAME Distinguished Graduate at Hopkinsville Community College (HCC).  Camacho earned an associate in applied science (AAS) degree in industrial maintenance technology on Saturday, May 8 upon completion of the HOPFAME program, which is a work-and-learn partnership between HCC and nearly 20 regional manufacturers.

Camacho, who is employed by Comefri USA, was selected based on his outstanding performance both in the classroom and on the job.  A resident of Cadiz, he is a Trigg County High School graduate and is one of 12 students who completed the HOPFAME program this year. 

The Distinguished Graduate Award is the highest honor bestowed in the local FAME chapter and recognizes the graduate who most fully embodies all of the key elements of the program.  The award considers performance at work, application of professional behaviors and manufacturing core exercises, leadership and grade point average. HCC Assistant Professor Stuart Zieman said, “Willie showed the leadership skills that are so needed in today’s employment market.  He was always willing to ask the questions that everyone wanted the answer to but were too afraid to ask.  He helped so many others in this COVID time.” 

HOPFAME is the Hopkinsville chapter of the Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KYFAME), a collaborative of manufacturers whose purpose is to implement apprentice-style training to create a pipeline of highly skilled workers.  Kentucky is one of 15 states with FAME USA programs.   

Thirty-eight participants have completed the five-semester program at HCC since its launch in 2016.   HOPFAME students attend classes at HCC two days each week and work at their employer site three days a week.  The curriculum includes not only essential hands-on training but also lean manufacturing principles and critical workplace behaviors. Graduates have 18 months of work experience, extensive knowledge in electricity, fluid power, mechanics, fabrication and robotics, as well as personal skills necessary for success.   

Participants for the new group of HOPFAME will be selected in June with classes beginning on August 16. 

Posted in FAME USA, HOP FAME Chapter, Kentucky