May 28, 2026
SHREVEPORT, LA – On May 1, 2026, representatives from Benteler Steel/Tube and Ternium USA participated in a signing ceremony for the new class of students they will sponsor in the Northwest Louisiana Chapter of the Louisiana FAME program. The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) is a two-year work-study program of the Manufacturing Institute, with over forty chapters nationwide. Its graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as multiskilled maintenance technicians, a role in high demand among companies in the advanced manufacturing sector, where the increasing use of automation has driven the need for highly skilled workers. Frymaster and Pratt Paper will also be sponsoring students in the new class.
On May 8, 2026, NWLA FAME employers, students and their families, FAME alumni, leadership from Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) gathered to celebrate the newest graduating class of FAME students. All graduates earned their Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering and multiple industry-based technical certifications during the program at BPCC. Two graduates plan to continue their education by pursuing engineering-related bachelor’s degree programs in the region. All graduates also received full-time job offers upon graduation in maintenance positions with local manufacturers.
“We believe the success of a program like FAME comes from teaching not only high-demand technical skills but also the professional skills many employers find lacking in today’s talent pool,” said NLEP COO Angie White. “Understanding the importance of showing up on time every time, knowing how to communicate with your teammates, being able to put your phone away while on the job, showing initiative on the job – these are all behaviors many assume are innately understood but in fact they need to be taught through applied learning and constantly reinforced.”
NLEP serves as the “hub” organization for the Northwest Louisiana Chapter of FAME, a model the Manufacturing Institute considers to be the gold standard for an effective chapter. In addition to managing chapter operations, NLEP works to recruit new employers with a need for maintenance technicians to join the chapter. Current employer members include Benteler Steel/Tube, Bienville Lumber Company, Frymaster, Kronospan, Pratt Paper, Prolec GE and Ternium USA. The NWLA FAME program continues to help build a pipeline of skilled maintenance technicians for Northwest Louisiana’s growing manufacturing industry.
About North Louisiana Economic Partnership
North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to an 11-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. Its mission is to be a catalyst and connector advancing economic growth in the region. Visit nlep.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Lanier Thibodeaux, Director of Marketing & Communication
North Louisiana Economic Partnership
318.677.2514