Great River FAME extends application for next cohort to April 30; ADM joins chapter

QUINCY — The Great River Chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) has extended the application deadline for its next cohort to April 30.

Originally set for March 31, this extension provides additional time for prospective students to apply for the work-and-learn program designed to develop skilled manufacturing professionals.

Great River FAME is hosted by John Wood Community College (JWCC) in collaboration with regional industry partners. It offers students the opportunity to earn an ssociate in applied science degree in advanced manufacturing while gaining valuable on-the-job experience. The program follows the nationally recognized FAME model, which emphasizes technical training, professional behaviors and hands-on learning in a real-world setting. Students will earn $21 per hour while training. Upon completion of the program, they may earn approximately $63,000 annually with FAME employers.

Participants in the program work with a sponsoring employer three days a week while completing coursework at JWCC two days a week.

Applications are available online. For more information about the program, eligibility requirements and employer partnerships, visit www.jwcc.edu/fame or contact admissions@jwcc.edu.

Great River FAME is expanding the employer base within the area’s chapter. Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is joining founding employer partners DOT Foods, Gardner Denver, General Mills, Knapheide and Titan Wheel in supporting the initiative.

“With ADM joining FAME, our program continues to grow and provide even more opportunities for students,” Gavin Ideus, JWCC instructor of advanced manufacturing, said in a press release. “The commitment of our employer partners is essential in developing a strong pipeline of skilled professionals who will support the future of manufacturing in our region.”

“ADM Quincy is excited and proud to join the Great River FAME chapter.  We look forward to ensuring our community members have access to a long and meaningful career path in Quincy, by connecting the manufacturing excellence concepts learned at John Wood Community College with real world, hands-on application in our sites,” said Elizabeth Clow, human resources manager at ADM.

The Quincy area is home to more than 100 manufacturing businesses and suppliers.