Local college partners with FAME to train future manufacturing leaders
Drake State has partnered with the Huntsville Tech Federation Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter in a move that will address workforce needs while providing high-paying jobs to program graduates.
Representatives from six leading manufacturing companies were present at Drake State on the morning of December 6 to formalize the partnership through a signing ceremony.
The companies present included:
Drake State and their industry partners will work together to offer an Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program to students.
“The AMT program is a two-year, employer-driven initiative designed to provide students with hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing alongside formal classroom education,” said a statement from Drake State. “It will prepare graduates for high-tech, high-paying careers in fields like robotics, fabrication, and industrial troubleshooting.”
Drake State’s FAME chapter will be the eleventh division of the organization in Alabama.
FAME was created by Toyota in 2010 and now leads the nation as a model for workforce development.
Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State, said that this partnership reaffirms the college’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce to serve North Alabama.
“This event highlights the importance and the impact of what is possible when industry and education work together,” said Sims.
Ali Jackson, Deputy Director of FAME USA, said that the organization is not only training skilled workers, but that they are also preparing students to be leaders in the industry as students learn both technical and soft skills through the program.
Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, moved to Huntsville four years ago. He said that the city is becoming a “powerhouse” for manufacturing.
“I see Drake State as a critical link in the recruitment of diverse, high-achieving talent from our “Driving Possibilities” initiatives, right here in Huntsville City Schools,” said Puckett.
Dr. Myron Parks, FAME Coordinator at Drake State, works as the liaison between the students at Drake State and the industry partners.
“Students will go to school two days a week and go to work three days a week,” Parks told the Huntsville Business Journal.
Parks said that it is feasible for program graduates to command six-figure salaries after five years of work in skilled manufacturing.
“You can’t beat that at 25 years old,” said Parks.
The first cohort of AMT students will begin their education in June 2025.
