NRMC Joins GeauxFame

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center is proud to be the first healthcare facility in the nation to partner with the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME). NRMC joined the local chapter GeauxFAME to help drive workforce development initiatives in Natchitoches Parish. GeauxFAME delivers the Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program, in partnership with Northwestern State University (NSU) and Bossier Parish Community College Natchitoches Campus (BPCC Natchitoches), to develop and grow a skilled pipeline of workers through collaboration with industry in the community.

NRMC will be sponsoring students in the hospital’s Maintenance Department. Each AMT student will have a mentor to provide highly regimented, hands-on training to gain a practical set of valuable skills that can be carried with them through their careers. “With the addition of NRMC to the GeauxFAME partnership, it’s an exciting expansion opportunity that is unique within Skilled Labor,” says Tommy Peek, GeauxFAME Chairman and HR Director at Boise Cascade. “Although not a manufacturing organization, skilled labor and technical expertise is required to keep our community healthy and strong. GeauxFAME looks forward to the leadership and technical insight NMRC brings to our community leadership table.”

Participants in the GeauxFAME program attend classes at NSU and BPCC Natchitoches while also working for local employers and being paid a competitive wage. Graduates complete the program with an Associate Degree from NSU, Certificate of Technical Studies from BPCC Natchitoches, 80 college hours and two years of work experience – all with no school debt.

Kirk Soileau, NRMC CEO stated “NRMC is a strong advocate for Economic Development opportunities in the area and having a skilled workforce is a big factor in attracting industry to the community. Our driving passion for innovation made participation in the GeauxFAME program a unique way to model outside the box thinking. We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of this initiative and join forces with other industries in the area like Alliance Compressors, Roy O Martin, Modern Electronics and Equipment, International Paper, and Boise Cascade.”

For additional information about the AMT GeauxFAME program, please contact Gwen Fontenot, BPCC Natchitoches Interim Campus Dean, at 318-357-3162.

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About GeauxFAME and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center

GeauxFAME was founded by the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance (NEDA), NSU and BPCC Natchitoches as the sole Louisiana Chapter of the national FAME program. FAME has recently expanded to include a new chapter based in Northwest Louisiana. GeauxFAME AMT participants attend classes at NSU and BPCC Natchitoches and work for local employers while being paid a competitive wage. They will complete the program with an Associate Degree from NSU, Certificate of Technical Studies from BPCC Natchitoches, 80 college hours and two years of work experience – all with no school debt.