Mattingly named Distinguished FAME Graduate

Published on Jul 25, 2023

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College graduate Elijah Mattingly of Lebanon was recently named Distinguished FAME Graduate by the Lincoln Trail chapter of KY FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education). Mattingly graduated in May 2023 with an Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance and is employed at Toyoda Gosei Kentucky (TGKY).

“The biggest advantage you can have is experience in your field, and that’s just what I’ve gotten through the KY FAME program,” Mattingly said. “Working at TGKY has given me hands-on experience and training that will stick with me throughout my career.”

KY FAME allows ECTC students to work, earn a competitive wage and attend college at the same time. Students gain knowledge while attending class, then apply those skills in real-world situations on the job.

Students are selected for the honor of Distinguished FAME Graduate based on a review process with ECTC instructors, KY FAME coordinators and the student’s employer. Also considered are the student’s GPA, test scores, work aptitude and performance.

“From the beginning of his time as a FAME temp until now as a full maintenance tech in our fuel department, Elijah has been a pleasure,” said TGKY Senior Manager Jimmy D. Wiser. “He always follows instruction well and is polite and professional when dealing with other people.”

“Elijah is a great student and always tries to turn out the best product either at school or work,” said ECTC Springfield Campus Industrial Maintenance Program Coordinator Willie Weakly. “He has formed a great bond with his fellow FAME students and they work well as a unit.”

ECTC Chief Workforce Solutions Officer Darrin Powell said the apprenticeship-style KY FAME program not only gives students high quality, on-the-job training, but also builds a pipeline of skilled workers for in-demand careers.

“KY FAME students receive hands-on training that provides them with a leg up when they start their career,” Powell said. “Our partnerships with employers like TGKY are essential to the success of KY FAME and the students who participate. Elijah is a credit to the program and very deserving of the Distinguished FAME Graduate award.”