Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
FORT WAYNE – Applications are now open for the fall 2027 cohort of the Northeast Indiana Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NEINFAME), offered in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne.
The program connects students with local manufacturing employers who provide financial support, mentoring and paid work experience while students pursue an associate degree and the nationally recognized Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification. Sponsoring companies include Steel Dynamics, Inc., Fort Wayne Metals, Zimmer Biomet, Incipio Devices and Micropulse.
Students, educators and parents interested in learning more are invited to attend a webinar on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Participants can speak live with program representatives about how NEINFAME works and what students can expect. Representatives from sponsoring companies will also attend to discuss employer involvement and answer questions. Register at link.ivytech.edu/neinfame
“NEINFAME gives students the opportunity to build technical skills in the classroom and put them to work with a local employer,” said Josh Monesmith, president of Micropulse and NEINFAME chapter president. “With paid work experience and mentoring along the way, students can gain confidence, make industry connections and prepare for a career in advanced manufacturing.”
NEINFAME students learn in the state-of-the-art Flex Lab at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s Steel Dynamics, Inc. Keith E. Busse Technology Center, developing technical skills sought by manufacturing employers.
Through the program, students can:
• Earn an associate degree from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and the Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification.
• Earn wages while gaining hands-on experience with a local manufacturer.
• Explore opportunities for career growth and interview for full-time employment upon graduation.
• Complete the program in as little as two years.
Anyone who will have a high school diploma by fall 2027 and an interest in hands-on technical training is eligible to apply. Some sponsoring employers require students to be at least 18 years old to work.
To apply or learn more, visit neinfame.com.
