Wallace State’s newest FAME cohort recognized at induction ceremony and safety banner signing
View pictures from the event | https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157719910514330
HANCEVILLE, ALA. – Wallace State’s Center for Career and Workforce Development and
the North Central Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program
have introduced the third and newest AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) apprenticeship
cohorts at the college.
The latest group was recognized at an induction and safety banner signing event on
campus this week.
Eighteen AMTs were inducted and each in attendance announced their safety pledge.
Safety is a key component in the FAME classroom curriculum for Wallace State students.
“This is a great group. One of my favorite things is the diversity of the group as
far as where they’re coming from in their lives. We have students right out of high
school and others who are choosing a different career path. They all bring unique
qualities to the classroom and program,” said Bethany Campbell, Wallace State’s FAME
Coordinator and Student Success Coach. “We’ve added five new companies to our chapter
in a six-week stretch, and that’s exciting. More companies are definitely starting
to see the value of this program and the pipeline of skilled technicians it produces.”
Wallace State’s new FAME cohort consists of the following students:
Phillip Lewis – AGCO
Ryan Knutson – Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technologies
James Young – American Cast Iron Pipe Company
Xander Waddell – Cerrowire
Gaven Mattison – HFI
Micheal Moore – Jack Daniel Cooperage
Vincent Cox – KAMTEK
John Michael Landers – LP Building Solutions
Hunter Graham – Orchid Orthopedic Solutions
Katie Brooks and Breanna Ralph – Reliance Worldwide Corporation
John Foles – Sonoco Reels and Plugs
Lawton Farr – YKTA
Wallace State students pending sponsorships are Michael Huckabee, Blake Ray, Roger
Rives, Brian Taylor and Brian Torbert.
Among the safety pledges announced, were:
“Never take shortcuts and always do the job right.”
“Keep my hands clear of moving parts while on the job.”
“Always wear reflective gear when working around heavy machinery or hard-to-see places.”
“Always be aware of forklift proximity.”
“Use the designated crosswalks in the workplace.”
The FAME program is a five-semester program, allowing students the opportunity to
earn wages while completing an associate’s degree in Industrial Maintenance. Students
spend two days per week in the classroom and three days per week at their respective
industries.
Louisiana Pacific Building Solutions, which has a facility in Hanceville, is among
the closest sponsors in proximity to the college and has selected a student since
the program’s inception at Wallace State.
“It was a hard decision for all of us to choose just one student. I see great things
in the future from this cohort. You’ve picked an awesome program. Stick with it, study
and work hard and you will succeed,” said Lora Gilliland of LP Building Solutions.
Wallace State Dean of Applied Technologies Wes Rakestraw welcomed individuals to the
event.
“This is a great opportunity for our students. I want to congratulate you on your
hard work thus far. I know you have good things coming your way,” Rakestraw said.
Charles Daniels, the NCAL FAME Chapter President and of ACYT in Cullman, and Wallace
State FAME instructor Dean Autry also addressed the attendees.
“Not everyone earns this great opportunity you have. I encourage you to push yourself
and constantly strive to be better. Never give up on any problem and you’ll be successful
at your job and in life,” said Daniels, a Wallace State graduate.
Added Autry: “I’ve been blessed to teach this class for now four weeks. This group
is excellent. They come in each day at 6:45 a.m. and arrive with great attitudes and
work hard. They’re going to make great employees.”
Orchid Orthopedic Solutions is among the new sponsors, and student Hunter Graham expressed
his gratitude for the opportunity.
“I can’t wait to see where this takes me the next two years. It’s a new experience
and I’m excited,” Graham said.
For more information about Wallace State’s FAME program, visit https://ncalfame.com/ or contact Campbell at 256.352.8372/Bethany.campbell@wallacestate.edu
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu
###id="attachment_18116" align="alignnone" width="200"
Wallace State student John Michael Landers will work for LP Building Solutions while
in the FAME program. id="attachment_18115" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student Ryan Knutson was selected by Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technologies. id="attachment_18114" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student James Young is an apprentice with American Cast Iron Pipe Company
through the FAME program. id="attachment_18113" align="alignnone" width="200"
Wallace State student Vincent Cox will work with KAMTEK through the program. id="attachment_18112" align="alignnone" width="200"
Wallace State student John Foles was selected by Sonoco Reels and Plugs as part of
the FAME program. id="attachment_18111" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student Hunter Graham was selected by LP Building Solutions. id="attachment_18110" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student Phillip Lewis will work for AGCO during his time in FAME. id="attachment_18117" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student Micheal Moore will work for Jack Daniel Cooperage while in the
FAME program. id="attachment_18118" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student Lawton Farr was selected by YKTA. id="attachment_18119" align="alignnone" width="300"
Wallace State student Xander Waddell was selected by Cerrowire.______________________________
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