FLORENCE, Ky. (April 16, 2015) — Gateway Community and Technical College and the Northern Kentucky Chapter of the Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (KYFAME) announced a memorandum of agreement establishing an educational partnership, which will produce a workforce of skilled manufacturing technicians in Northern Kentucky.
Mike Hirsch, chapter president of NKY FAME, and Dr. Ed Hughes, president/CEO of Gateway, signed a memorandum of agreement that establishes the new advanced manufacturing work/study program, known as the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) Program. Students will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree while preparing for a career as a skilled manufacturing technician.
“The KY FAME agreement provides yet another opportunity for Gateway students to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing through partnerships with the region’s advanced manufacturing industry,” said Gateway President/CEO Dr. Ed Hughes. “This is a win-win. Students learn in the classroom and on the job, while earning income and graduating debt free. Manufacturers get educated, high-quality employees with local ties.”
“The Northern Kentucky FAME chapter was started with key stakeholders after an exhaustive search for the best apprentice programs for manufacturing, “said NKY FAME Chapter President Mike Hirsch. “We found KY FAME in our own backyard. The Bluegrass region has a proven track record of success by integrating technical skills, manufacturing core exercise and professional behaviors into a dual apprenticeship model. Once we learned of KY FAME, a collaborative team led by industry formed the NKY Chapter and included members from education and economic development. We wanted to create a better prepared, highly skilled workforce to meet the manufacturing needs of companies in the region, while creating rewarding career opportunities. We are pleased to partner with Gateway to make this happen.”
“Students will complete an innovative curriculum that incorporates skill training and general education courses related to the region and industry,” said Michelle Flick, Workforce Transitions Coordinator at Gateway. “For instance, students will take a course on Kentucky history, but also a course on intercultural communication, so they are better equipped to communicate within companies that have foreign ties. We want our students to be well-rounded and prepared.”
Today, Gateway and KYFAME recognized students who were selected for the program and will begin classes in the fall 2015 semester.
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