Applications are open for the Northeast Indiana Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (NEINFAME) and education partner Ivy Tech Community College’s fall 2025 cohort.

What is NEINFAME?

This program connects students with local employer partners who provide financial support, mentoring, and a valuable paid work experience as students pursue a two-year degree. These sponsor companies include Steel Dynamics, Inc., Fort Wayne Metals, Zimmer Biomet, and Micropulse.

NEINFAME graduates…

• Earn an Associates from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and the nationally recognized Advanced Manufacturing Technician certification
• Bring in real wages from local manufacturers
• Gain the opportunity to grow in their career and interview for full-time employment upon graduation
• Have a chance to graduate in 2 ½ years

“Taking what we learned in the classroom and coming to the lab a couple hours later helps me create a better understanding of what I’m learning,” says Elizabeth Christlieb, NEINFAME fall 2024 cohort and sponsored by Zimmer Biomet. “[At Zimmer], I’m able to calibrate machines and inspect parts to insure they meet the standards of our customers. After this program, hopefully, I will take a full-time position there.”

Students get to learn in the state-of-the-art Flex Lab in the Steel Dynamics, Inc. Keith E. Busse Technology Center where they’re taught the latest industry skills employers are looking for.

Anyone with a high school diploma and a desire to gain hands-on technical training are eligible for this program. Please note that some employers do require a minimum age of 18 to work. Those interested can apply at neinfame.com/application.