FAME Program Welcomes New Cohort with Induction Ceremony

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College’s Center for Career and Workforce Development, in collaboration with the North Central Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program, recently recognized the college's newest AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) apprenticeship cohort during a special induction ceremony and safety banner signing event on campus.

Seventeen new AMTs were inducted, each announcing their safety pledge as part of the ceremony. Safety is a key component in the FAME classroom curriculum, underscoring Wallace State’s commitment to preparing students for the demands of the workforce.

Jerry Murcks, Dean of Applied Technologies at Wallace State Community College, welcomed students and their families to the signing, noting the importance of the experience gained in the FAME program at Wallace State.

“Wallace State's NCAL FAME program, now in its sixth cohort, is vital in bridging education with industry by offering students both academic instruction and hands-on, work-based learning. This approach equips students with the technical skills and professional work habits that employers are actively seeking. As a result, our graduates are well-prepared to excel in the workforce and meet the demands of the manufacturing industry,” said Murcks, a Wallace State Mechatronics graduate.

Charles Daniels, NCAL FAME Chair, echoed the importance of safety within the program and the dedication required for success.

“During your time in class and with your employers, always prioritize safety. This is the first day of your career, and as you embark on this journey with technical training and internships, remember what your safety commitment means. Always keep it top of mind as you start each day,” said Daniels. “I understand the classes you’re taking are challenging, and you’ll be pushed by the work you do, but take what you learn back to your employers, and apply those skills on the job. It’s critical to learn the fundamentals in the classroom and then apply them to actual machinery at work. These are essential not just to be a good technician, but to become a leader—someone who can drive projects and excel beyond others. This program will give you those fundamentals."

Joe Hendrix, Electronics Technology Department Chair, and Tarina VanNatta, NCAL FAME Instructor, also addressed attendees.

"We are glad to welcome you all here tonight. We have had the students in class for a week, and I think they're enjoying it. We are all looking forward to a great semester," said Hendrix.

VanNatta shared: “It's great to see so many industry partners and family members here to support the students. That support is crucial in a program like this. Families, I hope you recognize the strong backing you have here, and students, I hope you feel secure knowing you have a great opportunity ahead.”

Wallace State’s new FAME cohort consists of the following students, along with their respective sponsors:

• Trenton Hyche – American Cast Iron Pipe
• Michael Kelly – HFI, Inc.
• Antario Hedgeman – KАМТЕK
• Darrien McFarland – KАМТЕK
• Gage Stephens – KАМТЕK
• Jonathan Jones – KАМТЕK
• Stephen Alexander – KАМТЕK
• Ashton McLeskey – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
• David Terry – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
• Mindy Ditzler – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
• Kole Matthews – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing
• Jacob Massey – Nucor
• Zane Spears – REHAU
• Jonathan Martinez – Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC)
• Randall Lewis – Royal Technologies
• Reagan Smith – Sonoco Reels & Plugs
• Michael Ostberg – Y-Tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama (YKTA)

Some of the safety pledges announced by students were:

• “Always wear safety glasses on the floor”
• “Never bypass a safety feature on a machine”
• “Always be aware of forklift proximity”
• “Always make sure to safely guide myself off of elevated platforms”
• “Always properly lock-out and tag-out”
• “Always wear proper hearing protection”

The FAME program is a five-semester apprenticeship allowing students to earn wages and gain priceless work experience with a global manufacturing leader while completing an associate's degree. Students spend two days per week in the classroom and three days per week at their sponsor company, gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for successful careers in the field.

For more information about Wallace State’s FAME program, visit https://ncalfame.com or contact Christina Holmes at 256.352.8120 or Christina.Holmes@wallacestate.edu.

The Fall 2024 semester at Wallace State Community College is underway. Flex Start terms begin Aug. 26 and Sept. 2. Mini Term II classes will begin Oct. 16. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call 256.352.8000 or come by Lion Central in the lobby of the James C. Bailey Center Monday-Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.