Eight students will be celebrated as the first cohort of students in Oklahoma for the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at a signing ceremony this Wednesday, June 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City’s STEM Technologies Building. FAME, a national, highly successful hybrid academic and training program originally created by Toyota, helps fill the manufacturing pipeline by providing global-best workforce development.
FAME prepares students for highly skilled, globally competitive jobs in the manufacturing world. To provide hands-on experience for students, OKC FAME has partnered with IDEX Energy – Advanced Flow Solutions (fuel measurement and movement devices), Climate Control Group (HVAC), Canoo (automobiles) and OMADA International (aerospace).
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome the first students to the OKC FAME program. We look forward to having these students learn on the job skills while supporting their educational goals,” said John Behrend, senior HR director at Climate Control Group. “This effort has been an exciting partnership between employers and education, and we look forward to seeing it grow.”
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber is excited to assist in launching Oklahoma’s first chapter of the FAME program. The Chamber will act as the convening partner for OKC FAME, while OSU-OKC will act as the educational partner.
Students will be able to work directly with these employers 24 hours a week at a pay rate of at least $16 an hour. With a schedule such as FAME’s, students can pay for the program while they are enrolled, and they also gain experience before accepting a full-time position at a manufacturing company.
“At IDEX, we take pride in our winning culture where people are encouraged to be the best version of themselves every day,” said Cheri Goodman, HR coordinator – IDEX. “We are excited to help these impressive students kick-start their careers in manufacturing.”
Specifically, OMADA International provides its students with aerospace manufacturing experience.
“As a leading aerospace manufacturer, it is crucial for us to grow the industry in Oklahoma City, starting with the workforce,” said Jason Jentsch, director of operations – OMADA. “We are excited to welcome the first students to OKC FAME and help them pursue an exciting career in aerospace manufacturing.”
The Chamber believes with the presence of OKC FAME and its talented students, Oklahoma City will increase its numbers of much needed high-tech workers for the city to grow further economically.
“As we are starting up and rapidly increasing our production, we understand the significance of attracting top talent from our schools and universities to pursue a career in manufacturing,” said Dustin Whidden, recruitment manager – Canoo. “We take pride in being a part of the FAME Oklahoma City Chapter and welcome these students to the program.”
Outside of working for one of the program’s four employers, students will visit the OSU-OKC campus two days a week for course lectures.
Kyle Wray, OSU senior vice president of system affairs, explained how OKC FAME is an ideal fit for OSU Polytech, which encompasses applied technical education programming in Oklahoma across the OSU system.
“OSU has been the undisputed leader on Polytech education for more than 60 years, making OKC FAME and Polytech work seamlessly into the construct of OSU’s commitment as a modern land-grant university,” Wray said. “Programs such as OKC FAME are an excellent way to bring together the best from the classroom and the ‘real world’ to produce students who are ready to work day-one following graduation.”
Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, OSU-OKC interim provost and vice provost of academic affairs of the OSU System, said the combination of OKC FAME and OSU-OKC intersects education and paid training to help students earn an associate degree and the certifications needed to land jobs in a modern manufacturing workforce.
“This partnership with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and a growing number of outstanding Oklahoma industrial companies is helping Oklahoma address its shortage of high-tech workers and spark a revolution of hiring and economic growth,” Vanderslice said.
Please join us for the FAME Resource Presentation and signing ceremony this Wednesday, June 25 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at OSU-OKC STEM Technologies Building at 900 North Portland Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73107.
