What's Happening?
The Prairie Land FAME program, in collaboration with ADM, Workforce Investment Solutions, and Richland Community College, is hosting its second annual Family Recruitment Night on February 10. The event aims to attract families and high school students
from Macon County and surrounding areas interested in joining the program's second cohort starting in August 2026. Prairie Land FAME offers a unique educational pathway combining industry-driven education with hands-on experience, allowing students to earn an associate degree while gaining over 1,800 hours of on-the-job training. The program boasts a high employment rate for graduates, with nearly 90% securing full-time positions with their sponsoring employers.
Why It's Important?
The Prairie Land FAME program addresses the growing demand for skilled manufacturing professionals by providing a comprehensive training and education pathway. By partnering with industry leaders like ADM, the program ensures that students receive relevant, real-world experience, making them highly employable upon graduation. This initiative not only benefits students by offering career opportunities but also supports local industries by supplying a skilled workforce. As manufacturing continues to evolve with technological advancements, programs like Prairie Land FAME are crucial in preparing the next generation of workers to meet industry needs.
What's Next?
Following the Family Recruitment Night, interested students and families will have the opportunity to apply for the program's next cohort. As the program expands, it may explore additional partnerships with other industries to diversify training opportunities. The success of Prairie Land FAME could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, contributing to a broader effort to strengthen the manufacturing workforce across the country. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of the program will be essential to ensure it remains aligned with industry trends and technological advancements.
