Navigating the Future of Manufacturing with Gateway
The Northern Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, also known as NKY FAME, is a program that has garnered significant attention in recent years. At the heart of this initiative is Gateway Community and Technical College, a higher education institution that has shown an unwavering commitment to ensuring that students in the Northern Kentucky region are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the manufacturing sector.
NKY FAME is a partnership between local manufacturers and Gateway. The program offers an manufacturing engineering technology education that combines classroom learning and paid on-the-job training with a partner employer.
The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the manufacturing sector. Students in the program attend classes two days a week and work for their employer three days a week, earning a paycheck while they learn.
FAME was originally developed in Kentucky (KY FAME) in 2010 and has since expanded to other states. The program has been successful in addressing the skills gap in manufacturing and providing students with a clear career pathway.
One of the main objectives of NKY FAME is to prepare students for the workforce. Towards this end, Gateway has developed a comprehensive curriculum that is designed to help students gain practical experience in the manufacturing industry. Through a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and on-the-job training, students are able to develop a range of valuable skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
Moreover, Gateway has established strong partnerships with local manufacturers, ensuring that students have access to internships and job opportunities upon graduation. By working closely with industry leaders, Gateway is able to identify the skills and qualifications that are in demand, and provide students with the tools necessary to fill these roles.
The Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program (AMT) is a two-year (five semesters) Associate Degree that combines cutting-edge curriculum and paid working experience with learning highly sought-after business principles and best practices of world-class manufacturers. It is more than a job, it is a pathway to a career.
AMT is more than just sitting in the classroom. The college and the company partners work closely together to enhance your learning. In addition to gaining skill mastery in the educational portion of the program, you will learn about the culture of manufacturing through manufacturing workshops such as safety culture, Lean Manufacturing, problem solving, etc. Opportunities to increase communication and presentation skills as well as develop work ethic are also available. You earn money while attending college and gain priceless work experience with global and local manufacturers, and participate in student activities. You attend class at Gateway full time, two days a week, and work at your sponsoring manufacturer three days per week. The course work implements a multidisciplinary, multiskilled model with courses in electricity, fluid power, mechanics, robotics, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, etc.
Gateway, in partnership with local manufacturers, offers several advanced manufacturing engineering technology programs that can lead to various career pathways in the manufacturing sector. Some of the programs offered include:
- Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program: This program is designed to prepare students for careers manufacturing engineering technicians. The program combines classroom instruction and hands-on training, providing students with skills in advanced manufacturing processes, problem-solving, and teamwork.
- Industrial Maintenance and Automated Systems Technology: This program trains students to maintain and repair industrial equipment and automated systems used in manufacturing. Graduates of this program can pursue careers as maintenance technicians, industrial electricians, and control systems technicians.
- Welding Technology: This program provides training in welding techniques and safety practices. Graduates can pursue careers as welders, fabricators, or metalworkers.
- Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD): This program teaches students how to use computer software to design and create technical drawings and models. Graduates can pursue careers as drafters, designers, or engineering technicians.
- Electrical Technology: This program trains students to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems used in manufacturing. Graduates can pursue careers as electricians or electrical maintenance technicians.
Gateway also offers a variety of associate degrees (associate in arts and associate in science), certificate programs and short-term training options to help students prepare for specific careers in advanced manufacturing.
Gateway offers a range of student support services to help students succeed academically and personally. Some of the key student support services offered are academic advising, career services, tutoring, counseling, financial aid, student life, and more.
Overall, NKY FAME is a valuable resource for students interested in pursuing a career in advanced manufacturing. With Gateway at its core, this initiative provides students with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to succeed in this growing sector.
