A long-term investment in the Quad Cities’ workforce pipeline for maintenance technicians is
being made thanks to the new Riverbend Federation for Advanced Manufacturing (FAME) partnership. Designed to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage manufacturing
careers while helping local employers meet ongoing needs in industrial maintenance,
Riverbend FAME creates a direct pathway from education to employment.
FAME is the premier American model of manufacturing skills training, developing highly
skilled, professional and sought-after talent to meet the unique needs and challenges
of modern manufacturing. Through an employer-driven, earn-and-learn model, students
will receive paid, hands-on training with participating manufacturers while earning
an associate degree, ensuring graduates are prepared on day one.
The program is made possible through a regional partnership led by the Manufacturing
Institute, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), Grow Quad Cities and a coalition
of regional employers including Amcor Global Rigid Packaging Solutions, LMT Defense,
Novelis, Oertel Metal Works, PCT Ebeam and Integration, Smith Filter and SSAB. It
will be the region’s first FAME Chapter.
The partnership grew out of a need for manufacturing maintenance technicians locally
– identified by talking with regional manufacturers. In addition, the recently released
Top 100 High Priority Jobs Report identifies an average annual opening of 124 jobs
for Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Machinery Maintenance Workers.
“We’ve been thoughtfully listening to what our local manufacturers need when it comes
to future workforce,” said Chris Caves, Vice President, Business Retention & Expansion,
Workforce, for Grow Quad Cities. "We know the need for maintenance talent in the region
is growing due to an aging population of maintenance staff. This is why we need more
local manufacturing companies to join the local Riverbend FAME Chapter," she said.
Students enrolled in the program will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree
in Industrial Maintenance Technology from EICC while working three days a week with
a sponsoring employer and attending classes two days a week. The program will be based
at EICC’s Blong Technology Center (BTC) in Davenport, where students will train using
industry-aligned equipment and labs. The degree program launches in fall 2026. Each
partner plays an active role in shaping curriculum, mentoring students and providing
paid work experiences aligned with real-world manufacturing needs.
"What excites me most about Riverbend FAME is the experience it creates for students
and employers," said EICC Chancellor Bryan Renfro, PhD. "At EICC, we talk a lot about
relevance. Students want to know why what they are learning matters, and employers
want to see skills translate quickly into performance. Riverbend FAME answers both.
Learning is no longer delayed or theoretical. It is immediate, applied, and connected."
Local companies that have made commitments to the FAME program have seen firsthand
the benefits of FAME at other locations in different regions of the country, including
Novelis locations in Kentucky and Alabama – and now Davenport.
“FAME gave us a proactive solution,” said Bethany Lighthall, Workforce Development
Manager at Novelis. “The FAME teams have played critical roles in supporting readiness
and exceeding expectations on how closely they aligned training with real-world needs.”
“We are thrilled to launch a local FAME chapter in the Quad Cities,” said Shannon
Johnson-Kehoe of SSAB and Chair of the Riverbend FAME chapter. “This program represents
a long-term commitment by employers to invest in people, strengthen our talent pipeline
and ensure advanced manufacturing remains competitive in our region for years to come.”
FAME USA currently has 45 chapters nationwide, supported by more than 500 companies
and serving over 1,300 students annually, according to FAME USA National Director
Tony Davis. “This chapter is a great example of perseverance and engagement from local
manufacturers, supported by strong community partners and a commitment from the college
to meet industry needs,” Davis said.
A
virtual FAME Information Session for individuals interested in the program will be held Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. via Zoom,
followed by an in-person session on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the Blong Technical Center,
8500 Hillandale Rd., Davenport.
Individuals interested in joining the program can
begin the application process now at riverbendfame.com. Applications will be reviewed to ensure qualifications are met. Qualified applicants
will be invited to continue in the selection process, including completing an EICC
application and participating in a pre-interview and social event with employers scheduled
for April.
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The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education provides global-best workforce
development through strong technical training, integration of manufacturing core competencies,
intensive professional practices and intentional hands-on experience to build the
future of the modern manufacturing industry.
FAME was created by Toyota in 2010 and moved to the Manufacturing Institute for national
scaling in 2019. Today, the Manufacturing Institute continues to grow FAME USA across
the country with the support of nearly 500 manufacturers.
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The Manufacturing Institute works to build and strengthen the manufacturing workforce
for individual opportunity, community prosperity and a competitive manufacturing industry
for the future. This is done through implementing groundbreaking initiatives, convening industry
leaders, conducting innovative research and promoting public policy that supports
the sector as it meets the opportunity of modern manufacturing. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit
workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers,
the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address
the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit please visit themanufacturinginstitute.org.
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Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) - Clinton, Muscatine, and Scott - has served
communities along the Mississippi River and across Eastern Iowa since 1965, providing
affordable access to higher education and career training close to home. Each year,
more than 12,000 students enroll in college, learn new skills, or advance in their
careers. The college delivers real-world experience and real results, preparing a
skilled workforce, creating clear transfer paths, and opening doors to lifelong learning.
Learn more at eicc.edu/fame.
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- Launched: January 2026
- Program Begins: Fall 2026 at EICC’s Blong Technology Center in Davenport
- Degree Path: Industrial Maintenance AAS with FAME certification
- Model: Students earn a wage and college credit while training three days a week with an
employer and two days in class
- Participating Employers: Amcor Global Rigid Packaging Solutions, LMT Defense, Novelis, Oertel Metal Works,
PCT Ebeam and Integration, Smith Filter and SSAB
- Focus Areas: Automation, robotics, maintenance, lean manufacturing, and workplace leadership
- Goal: To build a sustainable pipeline of high-skill technicians for the Quad Cities manufacturing
industry
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Grow QC is a full-service, regional economic development organization focused on business development, workforce and
quality of place development. It serves the 6-county bi-state region.
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