Workforce News

California’s manufacturing sector has a new powerhouse for workforce development, and it’s getting federal recognition.

What’s going on: The CA FAME – Central Valley chapter celebrated its second Signing Day last week. It drew guests directly from Congress: Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) were on hand to congratulate the 15 incoming students who joined the program, the first step toward becoming Advanced Manufacturing Technicians.

• The Manufacturing Institute’s FAME, the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, offers earn-and-learn apprenticeship programs that train the next generation of manufacturing talent.

The tour: Sen. Schiff and Rep. Costa toured the manufacturing facilities at Reedley College—where Central Valley FAME students do the “academic” part of their program—and met with the chapter’s current AMT students.

• Sen. Schiff and Rep. Costa observed current FAME students as they delivered a Safety Circle presentation, showcasing the professionalism, technical knowledge and workplace skills central to the FAME model. Sen. Schiff highlighted his visit on social media.
• MI Chief Program Officer Gardner Carrick provided an overview of the FAME model, which combines paid work experience, classroom instruction and the development of professional skills consistently identified by employers as vital for success.

A successful investment: Both Sen. Schiff and Rep. Costa have been vocal supporters of workforce development and were able to see the benefits of investments in FAME, specifically for the Central Valley chapter.

• Earlier this year, Sen. Schiff helped secure $2.3 million in federal funding to strengthen the program at Reedley College and expand its impact across the region, ensuring Central Valley manufacturers have access to the skilled workforce needed to grow and compete.

The signing ceremony: After the tour, Sen. Schiff and Rep. Costa got to see the students sign their names on their contracts, alongside proud families, community leaders and their program’s employer partners. Afterward, they met with and congratulated these newest members of California’s manufacturing industry.

The MI says: “Watching 15 students sign their commitment alongside the support of our employer partners, Reedley College and leaders like Sen. Schiff and Rep. Costa is a powerful validation of Central Valley FAME,” said Carrick.

• “Students are preparing for rewarding careers, manufacturers are developing skilled talent, and the community is investing in its future.”

Get involved: Learn more about FAME and how you can tap into this global-best training resource. And don’t forget to follow FAME USA on LinkedIn.