FAME USA Opens First Chapter West of the Rockies
California’s manufacturing community has several reasons to celebrate.
What’s going on: On July 28, California marked a major milestone: the launch of the first-ever Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education chapter west of the Rockies. Reedley College hosted both the chapter’s debut and FAME Signing Day, celebrating students who are beginning their journeys in advanced manufacturing.
- California Representatives Jim Fong and Jim Costa were on hand at Reedley on signing day, when the new Central Valley FAME Chapter was announced.
- Students in the new chapter will work part-time jobs this year at manufacturing companies while taking manufacturing-focused classes on campus.
The background: FAME is the highly successful workforce development program founded in 2010 by Toyota and now run entirely by the Manufacturing Institute, the NAM’s 501c3 workforce development and education affiliate.
Years in the making: The new chapter’s establishment was the result of four years of collaboration and commitment.
- Four years ago, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation was part of a cohort that received technical assistance from the MI, learning how to apply for the Good Jobs challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
- Three years ago, Fresno County EDC was awarded $23 million, allowing it to expand its work with the San Joaquin Valley Manufacturing Alliance and other regional partners.
- In 2023, Reedley College piloted a short-term manufacturing training program and started a regional listening tour for potential employers.
- Last year, dozens of manufacturers in the valley gathered to determine their training needs and start a local FAME chapter.
The MI says: “This milestone proves what’s possible when education and industry work together: a stronger talent pipeline, better career pathways and a brighter future for manufacturing in California and nationwide,” said Gardner Carrick, chief program officer at the Manufacturing Institute. “It’s proof that when industry and education come together with a shared vision, we can transform communities.”
Get involved: Learn more here about FAME and how you can tap into this global-best training resource. And don’t forget to follow FAME USA on LinkedIn.