The future of work isn’t just something we talk about in theory — it’s being built, hands-on, right now. And in Southeast Michigan, that future is taking shape through an innovative program blending classroom learning with real-world experience: the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME).
This spring, Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor SPARK, and other members of the FAME Mitten Chapter celebrated a major milestone: the graduation of Michigan’s very first FAME cohort, a signal that this region is becoming a powerhouse for next-gen manufacturing talent. Let’s take a look at what makes the program unique, how the first cohort helped shape its future, and why it’s gaining momentum as a model for closing the skilled talent gap.
Managed by the Manufacturing Institute, the FAME program is a national work-and-learn model designed to train advanced manufacturing technicians. It combines paid, hands-on experience with a rigorous classroom curriculum — all aligned closely with employer needs.
By design, FAME chapters are highly collaborative models that connect key partners across an ecosystem, and Michigan’s chapter is no different. WCC serves as the region’s education and lead training partner while the participating employers are the industry experts providing mentorship and hands-on experience to the students. Ann Arbor SPARK is the economic development partner and proud champion who helps facilitate local partnerships, build awareness, and ensure coordination among stakeholders. Additionally, the Michigan chapter is supported by community partners like WIN and Michigan Works! Southeast, and local K-12 schools (including the Washtenaw County ISD). Each partner plays a distinct and essential role, and these partnerships are one of the program’s key strengths.
At WCC, students in the program pursue a five-semester associate degree in mechatronics. They work three days a week with a sponsoring employer and attend school the remaining two days. It’s an immersive, high-expectation model that develops both technical and professional skills from day one.
What makes FAME stand out? According to Melissa Sheldon, Director of Research at Ann Arbor SPARK and the SPARK representative for the FAME program, it’s the employer-informed curriculum and close partnership between education and industry. “It’s a unique opportunity for students to apply what they’re learning in real time — they’re in the classroom, and then they’re immediately using those skills on the job,” said Sheldon.
This inaugural cohort was small but mighty — five students, each sponsored by a local manufacturing company. They began their journey in summer 2022, working before classes even started. This year, they graduated not only with degrees but with two years of on-the-job experience, strong professional skills, and job offers in hand.
Beyond the hands-on experience, Drew credits the structure of the program for making it manageable and meaningful. “Being able to earn an associate degree and four certificates in under two years was a huge plus,” he shared. “Because I was so busy between work and school, the time really flew by.”
He also highlighted the financial and personal support that made a real difference. Grants and scholarships helped him support himself throughout the program, and the tight-knit cohort and staff at WCC helped keep his spirits high during the tough times. “Going through school with a core group of peers made a challenging program much more enjoyable,” he said.
That sense of support paid off. Four out of five graduates were hired full-time by their sponsoring companies — a huge win for both the students and employers. One student even spoke at WCC’s honors night — a proud moment that highlighted just how far they had come.
Because this was Michigan’s first FAME cohort, the students played a vital role in shaping the program for future participants. Their feedback led to changes like improved onboarding to better mentor alignment. That sense of ownership gave students a voice and a stake in building something meaningful for the next generation.
“They started together, supported each other, and grew into professionals who now bring great value to their companies,” said Sheldon.
This model only works with committed employers. From the start, local manufacturing companies stepped up — not only by sponsoring students and offering hands-on experience, but also by collaborating with instructors to inform the curriculum.
Each student is paired with a workplace mentor who provides day-to-day guidance and feedback. Employers aren’t just participants — they’re co-creators.
There’s also a strong sense of community among employer partners. They attend national FAME conferences together, promote the program regionally, and share lessons learned.
“The employers in the FAME program are incredibly supportive of one another. They collaborate on solutions, exchange insights, and champion the program collectively,” said Sheldon. “Whether they are from small businesses or large manufacturers, they come to the table with a shared commitment to building a stronger workforce.”
Interest is also growing. More students are applying each cycle, and more employers are joining the program. FAME is refining the screening process to ensure candidates understand the full-time commitment and expectations from the start.
And this model doesn’t stop with manufacturing. Regions across the country — and industries like chemical processing and healthcare tech — are exploring how to adapt the FAME framework to meet their own talent needs.
“We’re seeing how this model could scale across industries and regions,” Sheldon said. “The impact it’s having on Southeast Michigan’s talent pipeline is just the beginning.”
Programs like FAME show that workforce development doesn’t have to live in silos. When education, industry, and economic development organizations come together, the result is a pipeline of skilled, job-ready talent and a strong community impact.
Michigan’s first FAME graduates aren’t just proof that the model works. They’re proof that when students are empowered to lead, learn, and contribute, they help build the future of work. And that future is taking shape right here in Ann Arbor.