First In Flight FAME

The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) provides global-best workforce development through:

• Strong technical training
• Integration of manufacturing core competencies
• Intensive professional practices
• Intentional hands-on experience to build the future of the modern manufacturing industry

FAME applications for Fall 2026 will open Oct. 1, 2025.

Guilford Technical Community College is the host school for The First in Flight Chapter of the North Carolina Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NC FAME) Program.

The program combines college coursework with paid, on-the-job training and experience, as well as personal behaviors and core manufacturing skills sought after by local and national manufacturers. The cutting-edge curriculum and paid work experience integrate highly desired business principles and best practices of world-class manufacturers.

BENEFITS TO YOU, THE STUDENT

• Take 15-17 credit hours per semester.
• Attend classes two full days a week and work three days a week (about 24 hours weekly) at the local sponsoring employer's location. (Yes! You earn while you learn!)
• Earn an associate degree, potentially debt-free.
• Attain an Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification.
• Start your full-time job right after you graduate. Employers don't guarantee a job after graduation but this is your audition!
• Or transfer to a university and continue your education. GTCC is working with four-year schools to provide a pathway into engineering straight from the program.

Apply to GTCC

Acceptance into the First in Flight FAME AMT program is very selective.

• You must complete the GTCC admissions process and meet the required benchmarks of the program.
• Then you must complete the FAME USA application.
• Participating employers will review applications, interview and select qualifying students for sponsorship with their companies.

Selection is based on your academic record, written essay response, and other factors the manufacturers believe to be relevant to your performance in the program. Manufacturers recruit, interview, and select students to sponsor. They only interview those students who submit all the appropriate documentation demonstrating their eligibility.

Admissions Information

• Fall 2025 FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program admission packet [PDF]
• Program Technical Standards [PDF]

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• At least 18 years old at the start of the program
• High school graduate at the start of the program (cohorts begin each fall semester)
• U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the United States
• Demonstrated academic success as measured through grades and class rank
• Submission of a written essay

In addition, to complete the program, you must:

• Commit to remaining absolutely free of illegal drugs
• Comply with FAME AMT program policies and the GTCC Student Code of Conduct
• Adhere to the employer’s policies, procedures, and expectations throughout the sponsorship
• Fulfill all GTCC associate degree requirements
• Maintain a minimum of "C" or higher in all courses throughout the program
• Maintain a minimum of "Satisfactory" on all work evaluations throughout the program
• Meet program expectations as outlined in the commitment form that will be distributed at program orientation
• Must have all transcripts submitted to the FAME application and college before review of your application

Apply to GTCCapply to fame prograM

Students are responsible for tuition and fees associated with the AMT program, but many students use the sponsoring manufacturers' compensation packages to help. Compensation packages differ depending on the sponsoring manufacturer, but with some guidance and planning, students who participate can often graduate debt-free.

Through employer assistance, salaries earned by working, and GTCC financial aid grants, you can potentially graduate with zero student loan debt so that you can begin life after college debt-free.

Start the process by completing an application on the FAFSA.gov website. Students should also apply for scholarships through the GTCC Foundation Scholarship portal. Contact GTCC's Financial Aid office for more information.

contact financial aid

You are not guaranteed a position with your sponsoring manufacturer, but this is your chance to shine in their eyes.

• Graduates have an opportunity to be hired with a great salary and excellent benefits.
• Other manufacturers seek professionals with this level of experience and training.
• You may opt to continue your education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in fields such as engineering, technology, or business.
• Your FAME journey doesn't have to end after graduation from GTCC! FAME provides opportunities to continue while you earn a bachelor's degree or go on to graduate school.