Topeka manufacturers partner with TopCity FAME to forge pathways for new talent

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - GO Topeka is partnering with regional manufacturers to guide workers into careers in the field.

TopCity FAME is a two-year program that will see participants working with companies for three days and taking related classes two days a week.

The program is designed to give students 1,800 hours of hands-on experience and 60 credit hours in the classroom, preparing them ultimately to succeed in the manufacturing industry.

“When it comes down to it, there’s only so many trained professionals here in the city,” Renee Franklin, TopCity FAME Chapter President and part of Moore Digital Print and Mail Center, said. “We are looking to expand that pool, and the best way is to start with kids who really want to get into manufacturing technology. we can do an awful lot to help them pair up with businesses, so they can get their education at the same time and go work for a company.”

Moore is one of eight program partners at the outset, along with Reser’s Fine Foods, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Bimini Pet Health, Mainline Printing, Futamura, Amcor, HME, Inc., and Panasonic. GO Topeka expects even more companies to join once things get rolling.