written by BIZ Magazine

As an economic developer, an important part of the job is meeting with existing companies in high impact industries to check their pulse, learn about their opportunities and challenges, and provide resources to help them succeed and grow here. For the last decade, we have consistently heard of the need for industrial maintenance technicians at our regional manufacturing companies as their operations have ramped up the level of advanced machine technology used.  Where there are machines, there must be people who can maintain and repair those machines.

The Northwest Louisiana Chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NWLA FAME) is a solution to this challenge for area manufacturers, and it is a model that appeals to a growing number of people at various stages of life as a great career option.

FAME is a national program developed by Toyota in 2010 to create a pipeline of global-best, multi-skilled maintenance technicians. It is now housed within The Manufacturing Institute and has over 40 chapters across the country.  It is a two-year work-study model that allows students to work for their sponsor company 3 days per week with pay and attend technical classes at Bossier Parish Community College two days per week.  At the end of the program, they will graduate with an associate of applied science in industrial engineering and very likely a full-time job offer from their sponsor company that comes with a great salary and benefits.

Since the Northwest Louisiana FAME chapter was launched in 2022, we have seen consistent growth in the number of applicants and companies participating in the chapter.  Student enrollment grew by 28% from 2023 to 2024, and company sponsors grew by 30% over that same time. In May 2024, the first three NWLA FAME graduates walked across the stage at BPCC’s spring commencement. Chapter sponsor companies Arq, Inc, Benteler Steel/Tube, Frymaster/Merco, Maxim Watermakers, Music Mountain Water, Prolec GE and Ternium USA were joined this summer by Certainteed, Kronospan and Pratt Paper.

FAME appeals to applicants for a variety of reasons.  Some want to go to work immediately after graduating from high school but are also interested in continuing their education to qualify for a good-paying job.  Some enjoy the problem-solving aspects of the training and workplace experiences and enjoy working a lot with their hands.  Several of the students worked for their sponsor company in a different position and wanted to transition into maintenance because they see it as a lucrative and satisfying next step in their careers in manufacturing.

The sponsor companies have seen results in the quality of worker they are getting through FAME.  Part of the FAME curriculum includes a defined set of professional behaviors that are taught and reinforced through the entire two years. These learned behaviors are demonstrated when they show up at their workplace on time, they are comfortable working in a team environment, they know to ask questions of their supervisors and colleagues, and they show initiative in helping the company solve problems.

You can learn more about NWLA FAME, including how to apply, at www.NWLAFAME.org. 

Angie White, CEcD, is Chief Operating Officer of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership, a regional economic development organization providing professional economic development services to 11 parishes of North Louisiana

Posted in Louisiana, Northwest Louisiana Chapter