Did you know that you can become an advanced manufacturing technician (AMT) with little or no cost in two years through Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Automation Engineer Technology (AET) Program? More information about this exciting program is available at an upcoming open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Dr. Thomas R. Burke Technical Education Center, 6565 State Ave. in Kansas City, Kan. The event is free and open to the public.
Through KCKCC’s partnership with FAME (Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education), students not only can be prepared for an in-demand career but finish debt free. KCKCC students will spend two days a week at the college and the other three days as a paid intern at local manufacturers. This is an “earn while you learn” program. The students will be learning the fundamentals of robotics, PLCs/VFDs, motor controls, AutoCAD, machining, welding and fluid power. The open house will give those interested an opportunity to learn about the program, visit the new AET lab and meet the second and third cohorts of AET FAME students.
First developed by Toyota, the FAME program serves to solve a local skills trade shortage while providing a pathway for people to earn a technical associate of science degree debt-free. Currently, there are 40 FAME chapters in 16 states with 425 companies sponsoring FAME students. Of those students, 85 percent find full-time employment after completing the program. Local manufacturing company leaders include Amsted Rail, Baldinger Bakery, C.H. Gunther, Panasonic, Kellanova, National Beef, Panasonic, Rise Baking Company, Catalent, Empire Candle, INX International INK Co., Huhtamaki, Pizza Blends, Garmin and Williams Foods. Supported by the Kansas MEP, Kansas Manufacturing Solutions, Wyandotte Economic Development Council and Workforce Partnership, the Kansas City FAME chapter expects to grow its membership base of manufacturing companies. Upon completion of the program, salaries start at $50,000 or more, not including overtime.
For more information on applying for the FAME internship program, visit the FAME KC website. For more information on the AMT program at KCKCC visit the website or contact Rich Piper.