Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development, in collaboration with the North Central Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education program, recently recognized the college’s newest Advanced Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship cohort during a special induction ceremony and safety banner signing event on campus.

Seventeen new AMTs were inducted, each announcing their safety pledge as part of the ceremony. Safety is a key component in the FAME classroom curriculum.

Jerry Murcks, Dean of Applied Technologies at Wallace State Community College, welcomed students and their families to the signing, noting the importance of the experience gained in the FAME program at Wallace State.

“Wallace State’s NCAL FAME program, now in its sixth cohort, is vital in bridging education with industry by offering students both academic instruction and hands-on, work-based learning. This approach equips students with the technical skills and professional work habits that employers are actively seeking. As a result, our graduates are well-prepared to excel in the workforce and meet the demands of the manufacturing industry,” Murcks, a Wallace State Mechatronics graduate, said.

Charles Daniels, NCAL FAME Chair, echoed the importance of safety within the program and the dedication required for success.

“During your time in class and with your employers, always prioritize safety. This is the first day of your career, and as you embark on this journey with technical training and internships, remember what your safety commitment means. Always keep it top of mind as you start each day,” Daniels said. “I understand the classes you’re taking are challenging, and you’ll be pushed by the work you do, but take what you learn back to your employers, and apply those skills on the job. It’s critical to learn the fundamentals in the classroom and then apply them to actual machinery at work. These are essential not just to be a good technician, but to become a leader—someone who can drive projects and excel beyond others. This program will give you those fundamentals.”

Joe Hendrix, Electronics Technology Department Chair, and Tarina VanNatta, NCAL FAME Instructor, also addressed attendees.

“We are glad to welcome you all here tonight. We have had the students in class for a week, and I think they’re enjoying it. We are all looking forward to a great semester,” Hendrix said.

Wallace State’s new FAME cohort consists of the following students, along with their respective sponsors:

— Trenton Hyche – American Cast Iron Pipe.

— Michael Kelly – HFI, Inc.

— Antario Hedgeman – KAMTEK.

— Darrien McFarland – KAMTEK.

— Gage Stephens – KAMTEK.

— Jonathan Jones – KAMTEK.

— Stephen Alexander – KAMTEK.

— Ashton McLeskey – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.

— David Terry – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.

— Mindy Ditzler – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.

— Kole Matthews – Mazda Toyota Manufacturing.

— Jacob Massey – Nucor.

— Zane Spears – REHAU.

— Jonathan Martinez – Reliance Worldwide Corporation.

— Randall Lewis – Royal Technologies.

— Reagan Smith – Sonoco Reels & Plugs.

— Michael Ostberg – Y-Tec Keylex Toyotetsu Alabama.