GO Virginia FAME program builds regional workforce
SOURCE
Richmond Times-Dispatch
by Mark Hourigan
Image by
Mark Gormus/Times-Dispatch
Mark Hourigan column: GO Virginia FAME program builds regional workforce
“With GO Virginia funding, the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing, together with Richard Bland College of William & Mary, launched the Central VA FAME chapter in the spring of 2021. Since then, they have received financial support from Prince George County and the Cameron Foundation to grow the initiative. Dozens of other partners — including Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Virginia’s Gateway Region, GENEDGE, Brightpoint Community College, regional planning districts and others — also have been advisers and supporters of this effort.
The work-study program is based on a classic apprenticeship model, and its industry-led curriculum is the first of its kind in Virginia. Trainees are earning an average of $18 per hour, and some have access to other perks from their employers such as tuition reimbursement, health benefits, 401(k) match and stock options.
This unique blend of on-the-job training and one-on-one mentorship, while earning a comprehensive associate degree combining technical skills with soft skills, is a winning combination for manufacturers throughout this region. While Central VA FAME trains for advanced manufacturing technicians today, these students are on the fast track to becoming future leaders in the field.
Nine manufacturing companies currently are participating in Central VA FAME, including Amsted Rail, AMPAC Fine Chemicals, Blueprint Automation, Civica Rx, G.D. USA, EPT Connectors, Niagara Bottling, Phlow Corp. and Sabra Dipping Co. And there’s plenty of room to grow this exciting effort.”