First OKC FAME cohort graduates, marking milestone for Chamber-led workforce model

The first cohort of students from the OKC Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) has officially graduated, marking a major milestone for a workforce initiative led locally by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.

The inaugural class included five graduates, each completing a rigorous, employer-driven program designed to prepare them for careers in advanced manufacturing and other high-demand industries. While modest in size, the cohort represents a significant step forward in building a more intentional and sustainable talent pipeline for the Oklahoma City region.

“Seeing our first OKC FAME cohort graduate is an exciting proof of concept that industry-driven talent partnerships really can work,” said Lee Copeland, director of talent and business growth at the Greater OKC Chamber. “I’m so proud of our partnering employers that have stepped up to employ and mentor FAME apprentices. They’re redefining the return on investment of partnership to build an essential talent pool for an entire industry cluster.”

OKC FAME was launched to help address one of the most pressing challenges facing employers: finding and retaining skilled workers. Built on a nationally recognized model, the program blends classroom instruction with paid, hands-on experience, allowing students to earn while they learn.

Participants attend classes through Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City two days a week while working at least 24 hours per week with sponsoring employers. Over the course of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology along with an Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification, gaining both technical knowledge and real-world experience before entering the workforce full time.

The program stands apart as one of the only apprenticeship-style models of its kind in Oklahoma, giving employers a direct role in shaping their future workforce while helping students build in-demand skills without taking on significant debt.

“OKC FAME is unique because it really is industry-driven,” Copeland said. “At every step of the way, industry helps determine the skills and outcomes needed from the educational partner. FAME takes a distinctive place in the educational ecosystem because it was designed around employer demand and workforce outcomes.”

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has played a central role in launching and supporting the program locally, coordinating employer partners, recruiting students and aligning the curriculum with industry needs. That work is now paying off as the program’s first graduates transition into full-time roles.

For participating employers, the program creates a long-term talent pipeline built around their specific needs. For students, it provides a direct path to high-quality careers in Oklahoma City’s growing economy.

The program’s momentum is already building, with a second cohort currently underway and planning in progress for a third group of students to begin the program in the near future.

“Ultimately, success for OKC FAME means growth,” Copeland said. “That includes more employer partners, stronger connections with K-12 and post-secondary programs, and continued expansion of FAME cohorts that can help fill critical advanced manufacturing roles across the region.”

The graduation of the first cohort represents more than just a milestone for the students involved. It signals that a new approach to workforce development is taking hold in Oklahoma City, one that is collaborative, employer-driven and focused on long-term outcomes.

As additional cohorts move through OKC FAME, the program is expected to continue expanding, strengthening the region’s workforce and supporting future economic growth.

Employers interested in helping shape the next generation of talent can get involved as sponsoring partners, providing hands-on training opportunities while building a pipeline of skilled workers tailored to their needs.

Learn more about the program and how to get involved at okcfame.com.