FAME signing day celebrates first manufacturing student cohort for Oklahoma’s workforce

Eight students were celebrated as the first cohort of students in Oklahoma for the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at a signing ceremony on Wednesday, June 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City’s STEM Technologies Building. FAME, a highly successful hybrid academic and training program originally created by Toyota and nationally scaled by the National Association of Manufacturers, helps fill the manufacturing pipeline by providing global-best workforce development.

FAME prepared students for highly skilled, globally competitive jobs in the manufacturing world. To provide hands-on experience for students, OKC FAME partnered with manufacturers across various industries: Climate Control Group (HVAC), IDEX Energy – Advanced Flow Solutions (fuel measurement and movement devices), Canoo (electric vehicles), and OMADA International (aerospace).

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome the first students to the OKC FAME program. We look forward to having these students learn on the job skills while supporting their educational goals,” said John Behrend, senior HR director at Climate Control Group. “This effort has been an exciting partnership between employers and education, and we look forward to seeing it grow.”

The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber was excited to assist in launching Oklahoma’s first chapter of the FAME program. The Chamber acted as the convening partner for OKC FAME, while OSU-OKC acted as the educational partner.

Students were able to work directly with these employers 24 hours a week at a pay rate of at least $16 an hour. With a schedule such as FAME’s, students could pay for the program while they were enrolled, and they also gained experience before accepting a full-time position at a manufacturing company.

"At IDEX, we take pride in our winning culture where people are encouraged to be the best version of themselves every day,” said Cheri Goodman, HR coordinator - IDEX. “We are excited to help these impressive students kick-start their careers in manufacturing."

Specifically, OMADA International provided its students with aerospace manufacturing experience.

“As a leading aerospace manufacturer, it is crucial for us to grow the industry in Oklahoma City, starting with the workforce,” said Jason Jentsch, director of operations - OMADA. “We are excited to welcome the first students to OKC FAME and help them pursue an exciting career in aerospace manufacturing.”

The Chamber believed that with the presence of OKC FAME and its talented students, Oklahoma City would increase its numbers of much-needed high-tech workers for the city to grow further economically.

Outside of working for one of the program’s four employers, students visited the OSU-OKC campus two days a week for course lectures.

Kyle Wray, OSU senior vice president of system affairs, explained how OKC FAME was an ideal fit for OSU Polytech, which encompassed applied technical education programming in Oklahoma across the OSU system.

“OSU has been the undisputed leader on Polytech education for more than 60 years, making OKC FAME and Polytech work seamlessly into the construct of OSU’s commitment as a modern land-grant university,” Wray said. “Programs such as OKC FAME are an excellent way to bring together the best from the classroom and the ‘real world’ to produce students who are ready to work day-one following graduation.”

Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, OSU-OKC interim provost and vice provost of academic affairs of the OSU System, said the combination of OKC FAME and OSU-OKC intersected education and paid training to help students earn an associate degree and the certifications needed to land jobs in a modern manufacturing workforce.

“This partnership with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and a growing number of outstanding Oklahoma industrial companies is helping Oklahoma address its shortage of high-tech workers and spark a revolution of hiring and economic growth,” Vanderslice said.