OSU-OKC, Chamber team with local manufacturers to launch first Oklahoma FAME workforce training program

OSU-OKC has joined with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber to launch the first Oklahoma branch of a nationally successful training program in cooperation with local manufacturers.

In the ongoing work to ensure businesses in the Greater Oklahoma City region have access to the talent they need to grow, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber recently helped launch Oklahoma’s first chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program.

FAME is a national, highly successful hybrid academic/training program designed to help students prepare for highly skilled, globally competitive jobs.

FAME was created by Toyota and moved to the Manufacturing Institute for national scaling in 2019. Today the Manufacturing Institute — as the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers — manages FAME USA as it continues to grow across the country with the support of more than 400 manufacturers.

“OKC FAME is a nationally renowned program that we are thrilled to introduce to our community. As a chamber, we are committed to helping our employers, especially in manufacturing, find new ways to access skilled talent," said Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. "OKC FAME is an incredible asset in our arsenal to bolster the economic growth of Greater Oklahoma City and we cannot wait to see how this program grows in the coming years.”

The Chamber will act as the hub organization and convening partner for the OKC FAME chapter with OSU-OKC as the educational partner. OSU-OKC will provide classroom, laboratory space, equipment and instructors for the program.

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

Students enrolled in the OKC FAME program will come to OSU-OKC two days a week for classroom-based learning and then spend at least 24 hours a week working off-campus for a sponsoring employer who has agreed to provide students hands-on training and pay at least $16 an hour. Upon completion of the two-year program, OKC FAME students will have an associate degree from OSU-OKC and certification as an advanced manufacturing technician.

OKC FAME has already partnered with manufacturers IDEX Energy - Advanced Flow Solutions, Climate Control Group, Canoo and OMADA International which will employ OSU-OKC FAME students.

“As an employer in Oklahoma over multiple decades, we understand the importance of the manufacturing talent pipeline,” said John Behrend, senior HR director for Climate Control Group. “We are thrilled to be among the first partners to introduce FAME to Oklahoma City. We are dedicated to developing this exceptional program in our community and giving people a chance to grow their skills."

An HR leader Cheri Goodman said IDEX Energy was interested in becoming involved early on in helping launch a FAME Oklahoma City Chapter.

“IDEX continues to build a culture of winning as a team in a high-performance environment where people are invited to do and be their best every day,” Goodman said. “We strongly believe that providing more opportunities for young people to explore careers in manufacturing is not only beneficial for our company, but also for the future of our region.”

OMADA International will give students a chance to get a head start in an aerospace career.

“As a leading aerospace manufacturer, we have undertaken several initiatives in our schools to familiarize students with career opportunities in our industry,” said Jason Jentsch, director of operations for OMADA International. “FAME is an excellent opportunity for us to expand our efforts and nurture budding talent that can contribute to the growth of the aerospace industry in Oklahoma City."

If your company wants to learn more about getting involved with OKC FAME contact Lee Copeland at (405) 297-8803 or lcopeland@okcchamber.com.