As One Acadiana helps attract new companies and support the growth of existing employers, the demand for skilled workers continues to increase – especially within the region’s manufacturing sector. To support this growing industry and strengthen the talent pipeline, One Acadiana is working with regional manufacturers, South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc), and workforce partners to develop Acadiana FAME, a new employer-led career pathway into advanced manufacturing.
What Is FAME?
Acadiana FAME will be part of FAME USA (the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education), a nationally recognized workforce development model founded by Toyota and now supported by The Manufacturing Institute. FAME combines classroom instruction, technical training, professional practices, and paid hands-on experience to prepare students for high-demand manufacturing careers.
Contact
Maggi Bienvenu, Ed.D.
Director, Business & Education Connections
Maggi@OneAcadiana.org
337-408-3671
This grant represents an important investment in the future workforce of Acadiana. Through strong partnerships between industry, education, and economic development leaders, we can create more opportunities for students to gain the skills needed for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. South Louisiana Community College is proud to work alongside One Acadiana and our regional employers to help build the talent pipeline that will support continued economic growth across our region.
The Model
EARN:
Program participants receive compensation working 24 hours per week with a sponsoring manufacturer.
LEARN:
Attending classes at South Louisiana Community College (SoLAcc) two days per week, curriculum focuses on high-demand skill areas such as robotics, electrical systems, fluid power, machining, and industrial troubleshooting, along with core competencies like safety, lean manufacturing, and professional behavior.
GRADUATE:
Graduates typically earn an associate degree with little to no student debt and are well-positioned for full-time careers in advanced manufacturing.
One Acadiana’s Role & The ConnectEd Initiative
As Lafayette’s chamber of commerce and the Acadiana region’s economic development organization, One Acadiana is uniquely positioned to strengthen the talent pipeline by serving as a connector of business and education. This is the driving force behind our regional workforce development initiative, 1A ConnectEd.
In June of 2026, One Acadiana was selected as one of only six recipients nationwide to receive a FAME Catalyst Grant from The Manufacturing Institute, offering $50,000 in early-stage support to establish a local FAME chapter. One Acadiana will serve as the hub for Acadiana FAME – convening employers and stewarding the chapter, with the program becoming a core function of the ConnectEd initiative.
Acadiana FAME brings the three pillars of 1A ConnectEd together:
- Employers define the need. Manufacturers help identify the skills, expectations, and workforce challenges the pathway should address.
- Educators build the pathway. SoLAcc and education partners align instruction with employer needs and student success.
- Students gain real experience. Participants learn in the classroom while applying those skills in the workplace.
Acadiana FAME Timeline
- Summer/Fall 2026 – Secure Employer Commitments
- Spring 2027 – First Acadiana FAME Cohort Selection
- Fall 2027 – Program Classes Begin
*Stay tuned for updates on program progress!
Manufacturing employers in the region interested in participating in the FAME program can contact Dr. Maggi Bienvenu, One Acadiana Director of Business & Education Connections at Maggi@OneAcadiana.org.