KTECH graduate Melania Harris has officially signed with the Alabama FAME Program through Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, taking the next step toward a career in advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance.
Representatives from Mazda Toyota Manufacturing joined KTECH to celebrate Harris as part of the company’s 2028 MTM FAME class. The Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program is a nationally recognized workforce development initiative that combines paid, hands-on industry experience with classroom instruction, allowing students to earn an associate degree while working directly with manufacturing partners.
Kenneth Sparks, HRD Staffing Specialist with Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, praised both Harris and KTECH’s ongoing partnership with the company.
“We’ve worked with KTECH numerous times in the past,” Sparks said. “We’re proud of our partnership with KTECH. We love what KTECH is doing for the community and for their students.”
Sparks said the FAME program provides students with valuable real-world experience while preparing them for high-demand technical careers.
“FAME is a great opportunity for any young adult that’s interested in going into this industrial career,” he said. “One of the things that I really like about it, it provides a really good wage, but most importantly, it gives you that hands-on experience that is so valuable for employers and for job seekers.”
Harris said her time at KTECH helped build a stronger foundation before entering the program.
“I kind of have a better understanding with a lot of things,” Harris said. “I feel like when I go to school through FAME, I’ll be able to understand even more. That’s why I’m grateful for the FAME program.”
According to Sparks, Harris stood out during the selection process because of her willingness to tackle hands-on troubleshooting and problem solving.
“We were all impressed with how she really loves the hands-on aspect to troubleshooting,” Sparks said. “She’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. She has a critical thinking mindset, and we really love that.”
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, a joint venture between Mazda and Toyota located in North Alabama, employs thousands of workers and produces both the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-50.
For KTECH, Harris’ signing represents another example of how technical education and workforce partnerships are helping students transition directly into high-demand careers across North Alabama.
