Saturday, March 21 is the application deadline for prospective student apprentices in the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at Washtenaw Community College.
The program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, blending paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
APPLY TODAY >> wccnet.edu/fame
Student apprentices are hired by participating industry partners and complete more than 1,800 hours of paid work experience — spending three days a week with their employer and two days a week on WCC’s campus in classes and hands-on labs.
An open house to learn more will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 26.
Manufacturing continues to offer strong career opportunities as Baby Boomers retire and new technologies increase demand for skilled workers. According to the Manufacturing Institute, as many as 3.8 million manufacturing jobs could be needed nationwide by 2033.
Students in WCC’s 18-month program earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics – Robotics and Automated Systems. They also receive two embedded certificates and several third-party credentials from Smart Automation Certification Alliance.
After completion of the program, 95% of graduates stay in the field of mechatronics and over 80% continue with their sponsoring employer.
In addition to technical expertise, students develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative and problem-solving — competencies highly valued by industry partners.
Small to medium manufacturing employers looking to increase their pipeline by participating in the FAME program are encouraged to contact WCC’s Office of Apprenticeship at [email protected].
The Mitten Chapter, for which WCC is the academic partner, is Michigan’s only FAME chapter.
Learn more at an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, featuring FAME instructors, industry partners and lab tours. The event begins in Garrett’s Restaurant on the first floor of the WCC Student Center (see campus map). Register through Ann Arbor SPARK, the program's administrative partner, at a2spark.org/FAME22626.
APPLY NOW!
WHAT: Student apprentices through the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)
DEADLINE: Saturday, March 21
APPLY: www.wccnet.edu/fame
MORE INFO: WCC Office of Apprenticeship at [email protected]
OPEN HOUSE: 5:30-7 p.m., Thursday, February 26. Click for details and registration.
Tags: Apprenticeship Programs, Apprenticeships, FAME, MI FAME, Mechatronics