High school students interested in hands-on work, cutting-edge technology, and real-world problem solving will soon have a new pathway to launch a career in advanced manufacturing—right here in Indianapolis.

The Indiana Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (INFAME) Central Indiana is partnering with Ivy Tech Indianapolis to launch a new, two-year apprenticeship program that connects students directly with advanced manufacturing employers while earning a college degree.

This model – already delivering results at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne for the past five years – blends classroom learning with paid, on-the-job experience, allowing students to build technical skills, professional confidence, and industry knowledge while working with modern equipment, automation systems, and advanced manufacturing technology.

Learn by Doing—From Day One

Students in the INFAME Central Indiana program will split their week between school and work:

  • Attend classes at Ivy Tech two days per week
  • Work three days per week with one of nine sponsoring manufacturing companies
  • Be part of a cohort of approximately 15 students

Rather than sitting behind a desk all day, students will be actively engaged—troubleshooting systems, solving real production challenges, and learning how advanced manufacturing works in the real world.

The goal is simple: graduate prepared, experienced, and employed.

Earn While You Learn—And Graduate Debt-Free

Students accepted into the program will be employed by a sponsoring company (e.g., RedGold, Roche, 3M, and more) and earn $21+ per hour during the program, with significantly higher earning potential after graduation.

Over five semesters, students will:

  • Earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Industrial Technology
  • Achieve their Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) certificate
  • Graduate with zero debt
  • Step into a long-term career with their sponsoring employer

This approach allows students to build a future without choosing between college and a paycheck—they get both.

READ: 3M Inventor Hang Loi Headlines 2026 Global Leadership Series

Designed for Today’s High School Students

This opportunity is especially well-suited for:

  • Dual-credit students

  • Students in manufacturing or STEM career pathways

  • Homeschooled and nontraditional students

  • Those who enjoy working with their hands, being active, and solving problems

Advanced manufacturing careers offer variety, technology, teamwork, and purpose—qualities that resonate with students who want more than a traditional classroom experience.

Attend an Open House to Learn More

Students and families are invited to attend one of two upcoming open houses to learn how to become an advanced manufacturing technician through INFAME Central Indiana.

INFAME Central Indiana Open Houses
📅 February 25 and April 1
🕕 6–8 p.m.
📍 Glick Family Technology Center
 📝 Learn More and Register Today!

At the open house, attendees will:

  • Learn how the program works

  • Explore career opportunities in advanced manufacturing

  • Meet representatives from Ivy Tech and industry partners

  • Understand next steps for applying and enrolling

If you have questions or are interested in applying, please email Jon Adams - jadams@redgold.com or Chad Smith - chad@plastic-recycling.net. 

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.