HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville Community College will host a HOPFAME open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Emerging Technologies Building on HCC’s campus.
The open house offers an opportunity for individuals interested in an advanced manufacturing career to learn more about the benefits of the Hopkinsville Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education program, meet instructors and industry partners, interact with current and former students, and tour classrooms.
According to a news release from HCC, the HOPFAME is a partnership of nearly 20 regional manufacturers, educational institutions, and community organizations whose purpose is to implement apprenticeship-style training to create a pipeline of highly skilled workers in advanced manufacturing.
“HOPFAME students can earn a degree with little or no debt and gain experience that helps them obtain employment, often with their industry sponsor,” said HOPFAME Success Coach Mary-Rachel Leach. “This hands-on, paid experience is ideal for recent high school graduates, military veterans, career-changers, and current employees who want to upskill.”
HOPFAME participants attend classes two days a week and work at a sponsoring manufacturer for a competitive wage a minimum of 24 hours each week. This work-and-learn format gives students the opportunity to immediately apply what they learn on campus in a real-world setting at work. Students who complete the five-semester program receive an associate in applied science degree and often graduate with zero student-loan debt.
The program also incorporates critical soft skills into the curriculum. Attendance, communication, diligence, teamwork, interpersonal relations, and initiative are emphasized both in the classroom and at the workplace. With the practical skills gained during their paid work experience, HOPFAME graduates frequently take full-time positions with their sponsoring companies. Graduates can also continue their education toward bachelor’s degrees in engineering.
The application deadline for this year’s cohort is April 1, 2025. The application is available online. To be considered for the program, an applicant must have a high school diploma or GED and meet minimum requirements on standardized tests in English, math, and reading.
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