Earn a Degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Earn a real wage with the potential for periodic pay increases
Work 3 Days
Attend Class 2 Days
Earn an Advanced Manufacturing Degree
Manufacturing – It’s Clean, Bright, & Technological!
Every manufacturing facility needs a maintenance technician who can conduct preventative and corrective maintenance on machines and processes. Let Kanawha Valley FAME provide you with hands-on experience by working with a local manufacturing company as an advanced maintenance technician while receiving your (likely free) associate’s degree! As a FAME student, you will master a multi-skilled technical skillset that includes electricity, robotics, fluid power, mechanics, fabrication (welding and machining), industrial troubleshooting, and skillsets like safety culture, leadership skills, and more!
Graduate Debt Free*
Programs like WV Invests and BridgeValley’s ASAP enable students to graduate debt-free, covering tuition, fees, books, and other educational costs. Eligibility requirements apply. Check the program links for details.
*Applicants must qualify to receive WV Invest and ASAP.
Pathways to Full-Time Employment
Following graduation, although not guaranteed, graduates are eligible to continue their employment with their sponsoring manufacturer moving into a full-time position with benefits. Many manufacturers seek professionals with this level of experience and training, plus graduates may pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in fields such as engineering, technology, or business.
Earn a Real Wage
Moreover, there exists an opportunity for periodic pay increases, specifically designed to promote both academic accomplishments and exceptional work performance.
Earn Valuable Work Experience
The weekly commitment entails students being engaged in work responsibilities for three days and devoting two days to attending BridgeValley. This balanced structure ensures a minimum workload of 24 hours in the professional realm, complemented by a minimum of 16 contact hours spent participating in educational pursuits with the College Partner.
Explore Local Companies
Take a look at the local companies participating to learn more.
Enrollment & Admission Timeline
High School Recruiting Visits
Occur September-January.
Applications Open
Applications are open NOW! Apply below at the apply now section. The deadline to apply is March.
Public Open House
Will be in January. Stay tuned for the date!
First Round of Interviews
Will be conducted in January. If you are qualified to interview, you will be receiving a scheduling interview from Putnam County Development Authority.
Second Round of Interviews
Will be conducted in late March. Applicants will be contacted if you qualify or not.
Toyota Manufacturing
Toyota West Virginia is Toyota’s only combined engine and transmission plant in North America. Additionally, Toyota West Virginia is the only manufacturing plant in North America to produce hybrid transaxles. The $1.8 billion facility employs approximately 2,400 team members under a nearly two million square foot facility. The plant has invested more than $10 million dollars in various local philanthropic and educational initiatives over the past two decades. Toyota West Virginia celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2021.
1 Sugar Maple Ln
Buffalo, WV 25033
Nucor West Virginia
Nucor is North America’s most diversified and sustainable steel and steel products company. With the capability to produce 3 million tons of sheet steel annually, Nucor Steel West Virginia will be one of the most technically advanced steel mills with the lowest carbon footprint.
29618 Huntington Rd
Apple Grove, WV 25502
Niterra North America, Inc.
Founded in 1936, Niterra North America, Inc., formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc., has been the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in designing spark plugs and oxygen sensors. In North America, Niterra North America, Inc., is headquartered in Wixom, MI, and maintains manufacturing, inventory, and distribution facilities in Irvine, CA, Sissonville, WV, and Chicago, IL.
1 NGK Dr
Sissonville, WV 25320
Service Wire Co.
Since 1968, we’ve built a reputation backed by our commitment to best-in-class service, industry-leading inventory, and manufacturing the finest quality American-made wire and cable products in the industry. To ensure an exciting future, we will continue investing in the latest technology and hiring and retaining the right people, allowing us to deliver the best service to our customers. Our commitment to reinvesting in our people has been essential to our success. As a progressive employer, we have opportunities for talented and career-oriented individuals in our West Virginia, Texas, and Arizona facilities.
310 Davis Rd
Culloden, WV 25510
Forge a Rewarding Career Today!
Are you ready to shape the future of advanced manufacturing in West Virginia? The West Virginia Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (WV FAME) is calling on individuals like you to be a part of our mission. Our primary focus is clear: cultivating a highly skilled workforce through collaboration with industry and the community.
Qualifications
To be eligible for an AMT Work Sponsorship with one of BridgeValley’s manufacturing business partners, a student must meet all of the following requirements:
Apply Online
Students must apply online to the Kanawha Valley FAME at the link below.
18 Years of Age
Students must be 18 years of age by the first day of work sponsorship (1 week before the start of class).
Drug-Free
Students must be illegal-drug-free and committed to remaining illegal-drug-free.
How to Apply
Follow the steps below to get started!
Step 3:
Submit High School/College Transcripts and Test Scores showing you meet all eligibility requirements to: admissions@bridgevalley.edu
*Please submit your test scores ASAP to ensure you qualify for the program.
Don’t have the test scores on the ACT, SAT or have taken English 101 or Math 125? Register to take the Accuplacer at BridgeValley.
Questions? Want to Learn More?
Reach out today!
FAME by the Numbers
40 Chapters in 16 States
450+
Company Partners
College Partners
for Every Chapter
18%
Growth in Total Students, 2021-2022
2,100 Graduates
Nationwide
1,800 Hours
of On-the-Ground Experience for Each Graduate
90% of Graduates
Proceed to direct employment with their sponsoring company






