WCC FAME Technician Training Open House Thursday November 12, 2026

FAME student-apprentices in the Robotics Lab at Washtenaw Community College. Photo credit: J.D. Scott

ANN ARBOR, Michigan (November 9, 2026) – Washtenaw Community College (WCC) will host its annual FAME technician training program Open House from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, in the WCC Student Center (SC), 4800 E. Huron River Drive.

The event is open to all prospective students, parents, employers and educators interested in discovering how the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) training program is shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in the region and opening doors to rewarding careers in the industry.

The event begins in Garrett’s Restaurant on the ground floor of the Student Center and features a tour of the college’s industrial labs. Students will have an opportunity to network with industry professionals to learn from their experiences in this fast-growing industry. Attendees will also hear success stories and have a chance to interact with current students.

WCC’s Mitten Chapter is Michigan’s only chapter of the nationally recognized FAME program through The Manufacturing Institute. It is designed to prepare students/workers for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.

FAME student-apprentices earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics – Robotics and Automated Systems (APMRAS) while gaining over 1,800 hours of paid, hands-on work experience with a sponsoring employer.

This unique earn-and-learn model blends technical training with real-world projects, both on-the-job and in the classroom. Students develop core manufacturing skills alongside critical professional behaviors such as teamwork, communication, initiative and problem-solving.

It is projected that United States manufacturers will need as many as 3.8 million new workers by 2033, according to a study by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute. More than 80% of FAME graduates secure full-time roles with their sponsoring employer upon graduation.

Participating companies in WCC’s FAME Mitten Chapter include C&B Machinery, MTS Systems, Toyota, EDJY, Guardian Glass, Güdel, Novi Precision Products, Kyocera Corporation, Moeller Aerospace, Orbitform and Variation Reduction Solutions, Inc.

EXPLORE FAME

What: Learn more about Washtenaw Community College’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) training program. Tour WCC’s manufacturing and robotics labs and meet with employer partners.

Date: Thursday, November 12

Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

Location: WCC Student Center, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor. Meet in Garrett’s on the ground floor.

Register: Register online for WCC’s FAME Open House.

About Washtenaw Community College

Washtenaw Community College (WCC), Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been opening doors to success for students and the community for 60 years, providing education and training in a wide range of associate and certificate programs in areas such as liberal arts, health care, business, STEM, advanced transportation and mobility. WCC offers accelerated and online programs to meet student needs. The college also works through community, business and union partnerships to develop highly specialized training programs to meet the region’s workforce talent needs.

For more information about Washtenaw Community College, visit www.wccnet.edu 

flefort@wccnet.edu | 734.677.5295

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