HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development and the North Central Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (F.A.M.E.) programs recognized the college’s newest AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) apprenticeship cohorts at a special induction ceremony and safety banner signing event at Wallace State over the weekend.
Fourteen AMTs were inducted, and each individual in attendance announced his safety pledge. Safety is a key component in the F.A.M.E. classroom curriculum and a strict focus for Wallace State’s cohorts.
Wallace State’s current F.A.M.E. cohort consists of the following students:
- Levi Swann – Cerrowire
- Kameron Harrison and Chandler Norton – HFI, LLC
- Mason Adcock – HomTex
- Davis Falkner – Jack Daniel Cooperage
- Juddson Raia, Camden Davis, Ray Rice, Kevin Spencer and Josh Taite – Kamtek
- Alex Munoz – Louisiana Pacific
- John Thrower – YKTA
- Dawson Cole and Gage Mason – Pending Sponsorships
The F.A.M.E. program is a five-semester program, allowing students the opportunity to earn wages while completing an associate degree in Industrial Maintenance. Over a two-year span, students can earn as much as $33,500, spending two days per week in the classroom and three days per week in the industry.
“I started out on the floor as a production worker at Kamtek, but always had a passion and interest to be a maintenance technician. Once I learned what F.A.M.E. was all about, I jumped on the chance to be a part of it,” said Rice of Kamtek. “It’s helped me progress in the company.”
Added Munoz of Louisiana Pacific: “As a F.A.M.E. student, I can earn money and go to school at the same time. That’s a great combination and something that I had to hop on. It’s clicked for me from the beginning.”
Wes Rakestraw, Wallace State’s dean of Applied Technologies, welcomed individuals to the event, which was held at the Peinhardt Conference Center at the School of Nursing and Center for Science.
“We are here to celebrate our F.A.M.E. cohort and congratulate you. This is the beginning of an awesome journey for you. We’re also thankful for our wonderful industry partners,” Rakestraw said.
Charles Daniels, NCAL F.A.M.E. chapter president and of ACYT in Cullman, also addressed the AMTs.
“I also began my college career at Wallace State, pursuing a similar degree to you. I understand the challenges you’ll encounter. The most important thing is to develop your skills into a career path for your future,” Daniels said.
As each F.A.M.E. AMT was introduced, they shared their safety commitments for their respective industries. The pledges ranged from practicing extra caution on the production floor to properly and safely operating machinery.
Bethany Campbell is Wallace State’s new F.A.M.E. coordinator and has been impressed with the current group.
“It’s been exciting to get to know them and see their confidence build in a few short months. They represent the program well,” Campbell said. “It’s great to know we are serving our local industry needs and we love to have their constant input. Our goal is to always provide our industries with high-quality employees they need. They’re as passionate about the program as we are.”
At the end of the event, Hunter Byrams, an apprentice at Reliance Worldwide Corporation, was named the inaugural WSCC CCWD Work-Based Learning Student of the Year and Sonoco Reels and Plugs in Hartselle was named the inaugural Employer of the Year.
Alabama Community College System employees Zach Lee and Jimmy Hodges also attended the induction and signing.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
View pictures of the event at www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157716534211571
View the livestream at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3umSZcfEDhY.
Wallace State’s Dawson Cole and Gage Mason are apprentices within the program, finalizing sponsorships.
