DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Prairie Land Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) launched its newest chapter in Decatur Monday.
In partnership with Workforce Investment Solutions, ADM, and Richland Community College, the program is designed to establish a pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry in central Illinois.
Prairie Land FAME is a collaborative initiative to connect community stakeholders and local industry leaders to develop the next generation of advanced manufacturing technicians.
“We are thrilled to introduce the FAME program to the Decatur community,” said Tony Davis, National Director for FAME U.S. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that our graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped to drive innovation within the manufacturing sector.”
The Prairie Land FAME program will offer a pathway for high school students to achieve an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Engineering Technology with a specialty in Advanced Manufacturing Technician through Richland Community College.
Over the course of five semesters, participants will earn 65 college credit hours and get two years of work experience through hands-on training with partnering organizations such as ADM, GSI, Mueller, and voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak.
“ADM is absolutely thrilled to be among several partnering organizations in Macon County to help launch the newest chapter of the Prairie Land FAME program,” said Greg Webb, Vice President, State Government Relations for ADM. “We are offering an educational pathway for students to not only evolve with the manufacturing landscape but align on industry demands. This partnership is a major step forward in supporting regional economic development in central Illinois and contributing to the innovation of central Illinois’ manufacturing sector.”
Prairie Land FAME invites prospective students, educators, and industry partners to learn more about the program.
Copyright 2024 WAND TV. All rights reserved.
