A few slots remain available for program initiative designed to “skill up” incumbent workers for advancement in the manufacturing industry. The program is run by Owensboro Community and Technical College, with students able to continue education with little or no out-of-pocket expenses before getting a new job.
The new GO Females/GO FAME cohort begins Oct. 26. This cohort meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12-4 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in manufacturing who needs to upgrade their skills. Class time is spent on mastering technical skills needed in the workplace,” said Antoine Smith-Rouse, OCTC’s GO FAME Success Coach.
Lecture classes and general education classes are offered online.
“We have supports in place for students to help them navigate their online courses,” Smith-Rouse said.
Applications are open, and interested students can apply here.
GO FAME is a partnership with OCTC, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GO EDC) and local industry members. GO FAME is an 18-month work-and-learn program where students work at a participating company at least three days a week and attend classes two days a week.
However, in this upcoming GO Females/GO FAME cohort, students take classes two half-days per week since all lecture courses and general educational courses are offered online. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT).
“After the fall semester GO FAME selection process, all students were offered a spot with a participating employer, and several companies were still interested in supporting a student,” Smith-Rouse said. “So, we are fortunate to have available slots in this GO Females/GO FAME cohort to try and fill that gap for local employers. We have new employers reaching out to us to be a part of GO FAME and expand their workforce.”
The GO Females/GO FAME cohort is eligible for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, sponsored by the Kentucky Lottery, which covers 100% tuition and mandatory fees for qualified students. Visit workreadykentucky.com to apply for this scholarship or learn more about eligibility.
“If students are interested in manufacturing, they should apply. Our team can help them navigate the process and make sure they maximize all the financial aid options that are available,” Smith-Rouse said.
Companies currently sponsoring GO FAME students include Waupaca Foundry, Toyotetsu MidAmerica (TTMA), Metalsa Owensboro Inc., Kimberly Clark, ADM Industries Inc., Century Aluminum, Castlen Steel, Whitworth Tool Inc., Industrial Mold & Machine Co., Omico Plastics Inc., Big Rivers Electric Corporation, Regional Water Resource Agency (RWRA), Unifirst, and U.S. Bank.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Smith-Rouse at [email protected] or 606-278-0209 for more information.
