About FAME
The MI FAME Mitten Chapter is Michigan’s only chapter of the nationally recognized
Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program through the Manufacturing
Institute. It's designed to prepare you for a high-demand career in advanced manufacturing.
As a FAME student, you’ll earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics – Robotics and Automated Systems
(APMRAS) while gaining over 1800+ hours of paid, hands-on work experience with a sponsoring
employer.
This unique earn-and-learn model blends technical training with real-world projects,
both on the job and in the classroom. You’ll develop core manufacturing skills alongside
critical professional behaviors such as teamwork, communication, initiative, and problem-solving.
Through structured Core Manufacturing Exercises and guided mentorship, you’ll grow
into a well-rounded, highly employable Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT).
Take the first step toward a career that works. Fill out the interest form below to
learn more and connect with our team!
Submit Interest Form
2026 Application opens September 1, 2025.
80% of WCC FAME graduates hired for full-time, permanent employment at their sponsoring
company.
I am extremely grateful to have been apart of the FAME program. Because of the things
I’ve learned in class I have been confident to take on all types of new projects on
the job. "That’s the power of the FAME model. I could learn something in class on
Monday and apply it on the job by Tuesday. That’s how I actually retained it - and
that’s how I grew.
Andrew Denton, FAME Graduate (2025)
Program Benefits
- Earn a competitive wage while learning valuable technical skills
- Join a tight-knit, supportive cohort of learners
- Receive personalized support from faculty, advisors, and success coaches
- Graduate in 5 semesters with Mechatronics associate degree, certificate, and advanced certificate
- Potential for little to no student debt upon graduation
- Strong pathway to full-time employment post-graduation
- Transfer opportunities to 4-year institutions in engineering technology and business
available at select institutions
Eligibility
MI FAME Mitten Chapter will review applications based on:
- High school and any college transcripts
- Brief interest essay
- Apply and be admitted to WCC and fulfillment of college-readiness requirements (reading, writing, math)
- Participation in STEM-related programs preferred (FIRST Robotics, Project Lead the Way, SkillsUSA, CTE)
- Must pass employer-administered drug test
Top applicants will interview with sponsoring employers.
Four Pillars of FAME
- Students learn technical skills in a high-tech lab environment focused on integrated
automated systems.
- Mechatronic skills taught include:
- Robotics
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
- Industrial Electronics
- Machining
- Fluid Power (Pneumatics and Hydraulics)
- Additional systems as part of curriculum
- Troubleshooting skills are embedded in the coursework.
- Students apply classroom knowledge directly to real-world manufacturing environments.
- Sponsoring employers align job tasks with classroom learning to reinforce skills.
- Safety Culture
- 5S Visual Workplace Organization
- Lean Manufacturing
- Problem Solving
- Machine Maintenance & Reliability
- Time Management
- Attendance
- Initiative
- Persistence
- Interpersonal Relations
- Teamwork
- Verbal and Written Communications
- Analytical Thinking
Weekly Schedule
- 2 days in the classroom: Each semester you will take a pre-determined set of classes
with your other AMT peers (topics include robotics, fluid power; pneumatic/hydraulic,
CAD/CAM, programmable logic controls)
- 3 days of paid work experience at your sponsoring company worksite (minimum 24 hours
per week)
FAME in the News
Contact
WCC Contacts
WCC Office of Apprenticeship | apprenticeship@wccnet.edu
FAME Mitten Chapter Contacts
Melissa Sheldon, Administrator – Ann Arbor SPARK | melissa@annarborusa.org
Partners
