New FAME student-apprentices earn while learning

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (July 15, 2026) — Washtenaw Community College (WCC) continues to strengthen the state’s advanced manufacturing workforce through its partnership with the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME).

The college recently welcomed its fourth cohort of 14 student-apprentices to the MI FAME Mitten Chapter during a special Signing Day event. The chapter is Michigan’s only affiliate of the nationally recognized FAME program, which is administered by the Manufacturing Institute. There are more than 40 FAME chapters operating across 16 states.

The FAME program combines classroom instruction with paid industry experience, allowing students to earn a Mechatronics-Robotics and Automated Systems associate degree while building the technical and professional skills sought by advanced manufacturing employers.

The five-semester program includes three days a week at the workplace — where students complete more than 1,800 hours of paid, hands-on training — and two days of classes at WCC.

Interest in the program continues to grow. More than 40 applicants competed for the available positions in this year’s cohort.

Eleven employer partners are participating in the program, either by welcoming new apprentices or continuing to mentor students from previous cohorts. The eight employers sponsoring new members of the incoming class include:

• EDJY
• Guardian Glass
• Moeller Aerospace
• MTS Systems
• Novi Precision
• Orbitform
• Toyota Research & Development North America
• VRSI

Employer sponsors provide students with paid work experience, mentorship and on-the-job training throughout the program, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and career success while supporting the state’s growing demand for highly skilled manufacturing talent.

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