FAME USA Is An Empowering Partnership

Team up with local manufacturing leaders to produce global-best talent that meets industry need through a proven model--led by employers with specific education delivered through community college partnerships.

How the FAME Program Works

The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education provides global-best workforce development 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.

As a college partner, you play an integral role in the success of each student and the FAME Chapter as a whole.

The college partner must be willing to work with the Chapter to ensure adherence to the FAME model--that includes delivering the technical knowledge, teaching and supporting the Manufacturing Core Exercises, and instilling the Professional Behaviors to each cohort of FAME students.

Technical Skills

The FAME program in your area will be based upon an existing degree program; FAME employers will guide you on what technical courses should be accentuated, and your instructor(s) must deliver the FAME model with integrity.

Manufacturing Core Exercises

The MCEs are taught by your instructor, with exercises both in the classroom and at work. FAME MCEs are delivered though a Learn It, Do It, Apply It, and Tell It sequence.

Professional Behaviors

A defining aspect of the FAME model, Professional Behaviors are a comprehensive set of professional actions, skills, and behaviors that are instilled through constant introduction, reinforcement, and integration into MCEs and academics.

FAME Is A Little Different (In A Good Way)

  • Students must attend as a cohort--classes are Tuesday and Thursday
  • The program will start each Fall and students then attend each semester (including Summer) until graduation
  • Students attend "class" in an Advanced Manufacturing Center
  • Instructors should have manufacturing experience
  • FAME USA will provide all needed training for MCEs and Professional Behaviors
  • A "Success Coach" should be in place to support students as they balance their work/school responsibilities

Want to learn more about specific partnering roles?

K12 Pathway and Support

  • Chapters are encouraged to work with Elementary and Middle school environments to build awareness of STEM and STEM-careers
  • Chapters are encouraged to work with students in the Secondary environment
    • Support associated groups like Project Lead the Way, FIRST Robotics, Skills USA, etc.
    • Host MFG Day activities to help showcase their respective facilities to high school juniors and seniors
    • Develop relationships with school leaders, particularly CTE and counselor staff, to build awareness of the FAME model, specifically the AMT program
  • FAME chapters want to recruit top-third high school graduates--students that are college-ready, but may prefer to pursue a faster, more structured approach to a career

Community College Partner

  • Provides the educational component that awards an Associate degree
  • Degree programs vary, but all students will earn at least 60 credit hours
  • Five (5) straight semesters to complete the degree and program
  • Students work approx1,800 hours of on-the-job training and work experience to complement the academic experience
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EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT

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ENGAGED EMPLOYERS

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GRADUATES SINCE 2012

FAME USA Locations

FAME is driving the future of the manufacturing industry by building cohesive cooperatives of manufacturers to implement this proven model of skilled training.

Pick your location and apply today!

FAME Program FAQs for Educators

What is “modern manufacturing”?

Manufacturing today is a dramatic shift from its historical perception. Modern manufacturing provides opportunities for creators, makers and collaborators who are designing and building America’s future. On average, a career in manufacturing pays more than $84,000 a year in salary and benefits. It’s the path to a secure career, with many opportunities to progress and grow. Modern manufacturing also provides opportunities to grow into specialties, such as operations, management, technology and engineering. New jobs in modern manufacturing extend beyond shop floors and laboratories into offices, state-of-the-art tech centers and even your living room. Everything that is made needs smart thinkers and doers to invent, market, distribute and maintain revolutionary products. Modern manufacturing is what you make of it, and the opportunities are endless.

What is advanced manufacturing?

Advanced manufacturing is the use of innovative technologies in the production of material goods, relying on the coordination of information, automation, computation, software, and networking. It involves new and cutting edge manufacturing processes for existing products, as well as the production of new products from new technologies.

How does a state or organization start its own chapter of FAME?

FAME currently has programs in 13 states and is always looking for industry partners to help expand manufacturing education opportunities to talent across the country. If you are a business leader, city official or industry association interested in starting your own chapter of FAME, contact our team at FAME@nam.org.

What are the Advanced Manufacturing Technician career pathways?

AMT students will gain experience within a modern, advanced manufacturing floor environment and develop a multifaceted technical skillset. The practice areas include electricity, robotics, fluid power, mechanics, fabrication, industrial troubleshooting and more, as well as lessons that tackle the Manufacturing Core Exercises and Professional Behaviors. AMT graduates will receive an associate degree, 60-79 credit hours and 1,800 hours of on-the-job training and work experience that will launch their career as a manufacturing technician. AMTs are prepared for an accelerated career in maintenance upon graduation, but graduates seeking to continue their education can enroll in an advanced manufacturing business bachelor’s degree program that is fully aligned with FAME and delivered through our national partner Northwood University. AMT graduates can also pursue engineering or engineering technology bachelor’s degrees at the school of their choice.

What is a maintenance technician?

Maintenance technicians play a vital role in modern manufacturing by maintaining and ensuring the machines and robotics operate efficiently. They use complex problem-solving skills combined with technical knowledge to service and repair the machines quickly and effectively. As manufacturing continues to advance and the use of advanced manufacturing technology increases, the need for skilled maintenance technicians increases.

Is FAME a virtual or in-person program?

Manufacturing is a hands-on industry, and because of that our training does require participants to complete in-person lessons. However, because of the unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has posed, we’ve adopted a hybrid virtual and in-person approach across all of our chapters in order to keep our students and instructors safe, and continue to provide best-in-class education and training that prepares our graduates for essential manufacturing jobs.

How do students enroll in FAME?

Once you meet the requirements listed above you can contact your local chapter by visiting the FAME-USA website, choose your designated chapter and apply!

Contact FAME USA

Want to join a local chapter?  Want to start a local chapter?  Just need a few questions answered?

We are here to help; fill out this form and a member of the FAME USA team will be in touch to answer any questions you have.