Making the Regional Workforce “FAME”-ous

The Great River Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter stepped into the spotlight as the first of its kind in Illinois last year, and the program has gained momentum with students seeking a new approach to a college education.

FAME combines classroom instruction and on-the-job training with six area manufacturers. Training takes place two days a week at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center and FAME students work three days a week with their respective employers, which include Dot Foods, Gardner Denver, General Mills, Knapheide, Titan Wheel and ADM. Twelve students in the first cohort began the path to FAME’s nationally recognized manufacturing credential in 2024 and another group of 16 will join this fall.  The application for the Fall 206 Cohort opens September 1, 2025.  That application and a general inquiry form can be accessed at www.jwcc.edu/fame.