May 15, 2017

Florence, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), in partnership with the BE NKY Growth Partnership (BE NKY) and Gateway Community and Technical College is hosting the 2017 AMCP/AMT/FAME conference May 16-17 at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport Hotel.

The annual conference, which draws an average of 200 Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) apprentices and company representatives, is an opportunity where FAME chapters and participating companies can learn and share best practices around in-house training, apprentice recruitment, educational partnerships and more.

This year’s conference attracted 225 attendees from participating FAME chapters from 11 states. Most attendees are from employers such as Toyota, Mubea, Bosch, Safran Landing systems, L’OrĂ©al, and Krauss Maffei, and 80 attendees are AMT apprentices. This is the first time the conference and summit is being held in Kentucky.

“Our region’s ability to generate skilled labor is directly linked to our economic viability,” said Wade Williams, SVP Business Development of BE NKY. “To have Northern Kentucky be the host of this year’s conference is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of Gateway, the advanced manufacturing companies we partner with, and the quality of apprentices in the FAME program.”

FAME is hosting a summit for Kentucky chapters on Monday, May 15, at Gateway Community and Technical College, focusing on recruitment efforts, fostering partnerships, and mentoring within FAME programs. The day concludes with a graduation ceremony and dinner for the inaugural graduating class of AMT apprentices. The dinner will feature Kentucky Speedway General Manager Mark Simendinger as keynote speaker.

“Gateway is honored to host the KY FAME State Summit and the North American Advanced Manufacturing Technician Annual Conference,” said Dr. Fernando Figueroa, Gateway Community & Technical College president. “Our partnership with KYFAME and the manufacturing industry helps us provide relevant education and cultivate talents needed in our community. We are pleased to collaborate in the development of workforce in our region.”

Keep up with the conference activities on social media by following @NKYTriED, @GCTC_News, and @KyFameAMT on Twitter, using #FAMEUSA17.

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About KY FAME
KY FAME (The Kentucky Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) is a company-sponsored partnership of regional employers who share the goal of creating a pipeline of highly skilled workers.

Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) is Northern Kentucky’s only public, two-year comprehensive community and technical college, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission (SACS). GCTC enrolls nearly 5,000 students and offers associate degrees, diplomas and certificates in 30 subject areas. Additionally, GCTC provides customized training to more than 3,000 people locally through partnerships with more than 400 local businesses. GCTC is one of the 16 colleges that comprise the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, the Commonwealth’s largest postsecondary institution with 16 colleges and more than 70 campuses.

The BE NKY Growth Partnership (BE NKY) serves as the primary economic development entity for Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Northern Kentucky.  Since its founding in 1987, more than 620 primary industry projects have located to or expanded within Northern Kentucky, creating more than 54,000 jobs and investing more than $7.3 billion. BE NKY is part of the Kentucky Innovation Network, a group of business leaders and mentors that encourages relationships, grows companies and creates jobs.