GO FAME work-and-learn program accepting more candidates after high demand

July 22, 2021 | 12:07 am

Updated July 21, 2021 | 10:24 pm

File photo contributed by OCTC

Due to employer demand, the 2021 class of GO FAME is accepting additional candidates through July 27, as announced by Owensboro Community and Technical College.

The GO FAME application may be accessed at edc.owensboro.com/go-fame-application/. OCTC classes begin Aug. 16, 2021.

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 three days a week and attend classes two days a week.

Upon successful completion of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) or Computerized Manufacturing and Machining (CMM).

“After the initial selection process, all students were offered a spot with a participating employer, and several companies were still interested in supporting a student,” said Antoine Smith-Rouse, GO FAME success coach. “So, we decided to accept additional applications to try and fill that gap for local employers, and to offer this life-changing opportunity to more students.”

GO FAME uses an employer selection process to best match the needs of the member companies and students. After completing the GO FAME application, students will be contacted to schedule an interview.

In addition to offering on-the-job experience, a student’s sponsoring company agrees to pay the student a minimum of $12 an hour to help offset at least 50% of the student’s out-of-pocket tuition costs.

The GO FAME program 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
  • U.S. Bank

Interested students can contact Smith-Rouse at [email protected] or text/call 606-278-0209 for more information.

July 22, 2021 | 12:07 am

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