Oxford, AL – Gadsden State Community College celebrated a major milestone in workforce development on May 1 as 39 students from across the region officially joined the seventh cohort of the college’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Chapter during a signing ceremony at the Oxford Civic Center.
The FAME program—an apprenticeship-style initiative—blends classroom instruction with hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing. Students attend classes two days a week while working the remaining three days at one of 16 participating industry partners.
“The FAME program exemplifies what workforce development should look like – collaborative, hands-on and focused on long-term success,” said Andy Robertson, dean of Workforce Development at Gadsden State. “By combining education with on-the-job training, these students are taking control of their futures and laying a foundation that will benefit their families and communities for generations.”
Robertson shared that 152 students applied for the program, with only 39 making the final cut after a competitive application, essay, and interview process. Industry partners select their FAME candidates through a unique draft-style selection.
“Signing Day is more than a celebration,” Robertson said. “It’s the beginning of a transformational journey. These students are entering a program that blends classroom instruction with real-world experience, preparing them for high-wage, high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.”
After completing five semesters, FAME graduates will earn an Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Automation, a FAME advanced manufacturing technician credential, and five Lean Manufacturing credentials—equipping them with a competitive edge in the modern workforce.
2024 FAME Cohort and Industry Partner Assignments:
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Automation Robotics Controls: Braxton Smith (Wellington)
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Bridgewater: Evan Mallett (Gadsden)
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Doncasters: Brennan Jarrell (Heflin)
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GH Metal Solutions: Jody Wilson (Boaz)
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Honda of Alabama: Joshua Clough (Lincoln), Dylan East (Gadsden), Israel Gaspar (Gadsden), Thomas Burgess (Oxford)
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Kobay South: Kaydence Bollinger (Anniston), Aubrey Farmer (Piedmont), Austin Keene (Gadsden)
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Koch Foods – Ashland Plant: Nicholas O’Connell (Lineville), Kamerion Wilson (Anniston)
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Koch Foods – Collinsville Plant: Jacob Moon (Gadsden), Elbin Mendoza-Lopez (Crossville)
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Koch Foods – Gadsden Plant: Cameron Boyle (Gadsden), Hunter Madden (Anniston)
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Kronospan: Brayden Bowers (Southside), Joseph Brown (Anniston), Gael Chino (Oxford), Mason Cofield (Jacksonville), Jared Harman (Heflin), Jacob Herring (Glencoe), Stephen Hodges (Gadsden), Brody Johnson (Wedowee), Lucas Smith (Oxford), Ja’Len Smith (Anniston), Alex Zavala (Ohatchee)
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Legacy Cabinets: Timothy Hanson (Heflin)
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M & H Valve: Khamron Mayberry (Oxford), Bryant McCarney (Oxford), Waylon Wagner (Ohatchee)
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New South Express: Hunter Mizell (Attalla), Kaleb Williams (Anniston), Kingston Peeler (Jacksonville), Desmond Efford (Anniston)
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Prince Metal: Carter Godfrey (Hokes Bluff)
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Tyler Union: Hayden Ford (Ohatchee)
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Unipres: Taylor Elrod (Gadsden)
The program continues to grow as a model of how education and industry can come together to meet the evolving demands of Alabama’s workforce.
For more information about the FAME program at Gadsden State, visit gadsdenstate.edu/FAME.
