SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.VA. – The Kanawha Valley Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter held a signing day celebrating 27 apprentices for the 2024 cohort on Friday, July 26. Apprentices signed a letter of intent to participate in the advanced manufacturing technician apprenticeship program.

The 2024 Kanawha Valley FAME chapter employers collectively selected 27 apprentices, of which 12 are nontraditional students. Students in the Kanawha Valley FAME Chapter will learn advanced manufacturing maintenance skills such as repairing, troubleshooting and maintaining equipment, including automated control systems, process control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, conveyors, robots, and application-specific machinery. Program applications reached a record response of 110 apprenticeship applications. Apprentice selectees for this year represent nine West Virginia counties (Putnam, Kanawha, Mason, Cabell, Wyoming, Greenbrier, Wayne, Jackson and Lincoln) and four apprentices are from Ohio.

Kanawha Valley FAME is a workforce training program in skilled industrial maintenance that follows the apprenticeship model. For program selection, applicants must meet minimum qualifying standardized test scores, interview and commit to maintaining a ‘C’ or better in all classes at BridgeValley Community and Technical College. After selection, apprentices enter paid, part-time employment with Niterra North America, Nucor Steel West Virginia, Service Wire Company or Toyota West Virginia. Upon completion, the program participants will have two years of work experience, an opportunity for debt-free schooling through the WV Invest grant and BridgeValley’s grant-sponsored ASCEND program, while gaining a globally in-demand skillset.

“West Virginia’s best day’s are ahead of it with opportunities in advanced manufacturing. Nucor Steel’s motto is ‘be part of something bigger’ and I hope you know as the second cohort selected for the Kanawha Valley FAME Chapter, you’re a part of something bigger,” said Jim Crenshaw, Cold Mill Maintenance Manager for Nucor Steel West Virginia during the program.

FAME is a national organization run by the Manufacturing Institute. It provides a global-best workforce through strong technical training, integration of manufacturing core competencies, intensive professional practices, and intentional hands-on experience to build the future of the modern manufacturing industry.

Over 400 employers nationwide utilize the FAME model to gain a skilled workforce. Over 1,500 students have graduated from the program in 16 states and 40 locations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median pay for an Industrial Maintenance Technician is $61,170 annually.

The Putnam County Development Authority is the economic development organization for Putnam County, West Virginia. It focuses on creating jobs, increasing the tax base, and facilitating development in the county by driving development for sites, businesses, talent, and housing. At its core, PCDA is driving development in Putnam County.

Click here for more information about Kanawha Valley FAME.

Posted in West Virginia, West Virginia FAME Chapter