Student apprentices in the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education program at Washtenaw Community College. Photo credit: J.D. Scott

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (February 17, 2026) – March 21 is the application deadline for prospective student apprentices in the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program at Washtenaw Community College (WCC).

The program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, blending paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction.

Student apprentices are hired by participating industry partners and complete more than 1,800 hours of paid work experience — spending three days a week with their employer and two days a week on WCC’s campus in classes and hands-on labs.

An open house to learn more will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26.

Manufacturing continues to offer strong career opportunities as Baby Boomers retire and new technologies increase demand for skilled workers. According to the Manufacturing Institute, as many as 3.8 million manufacturing jobs could be needed nationwide by 2033.

Students in WCC’s 18-month program earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics – Robotics and Automated Systems. They also receive two embedded certificates and several third-party credentials from Smart Automation Certification Alliance.

After completion of the program, 95% of graduates stay in the field of mechatronics and over 80% continue with their sponsoring employer.

In addition to technical expertise, students develop professional skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative and problem-solving — competencies highly valued by industry partners.

Small to medium manufacturing employers looking to increase their pipeline by participating in the FAME program are encouraged to contact WCC’s Office of Apprenticeship at apprenticeship@wccnet.edu.

WCC’s Mitten Chapter is Michigan’s only FAME chapter.

Learn more at an open house from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, featuring FAME instructors, industry partners and lab tours. The event begins in Garrett’s Restaurant, ground floor of the Student Center at WCC, 4800 E. Huron River Drive. Register at a2spark.org/FAME22626 through Ann Arbor SPARK, the program’s administrative partner.

APPLY NOW!

What: Student apprentices through the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME)

Deadline: March 21

Apply: www.wccnet.edu/fame

Email: WCC Office of Apprenticeship at apprenticeship@wccnet.edu

Open house: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. Click to register.

About Washtenaw Community College 

Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce needs.

For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu.