This paper presents the implementation and evaluation of the Factory-Based Research and Applied Mentorship in Engineering (FRAME) program, an initiative designed to introduce first-year Mechatronics Engineering students to research practices aligned with Industry 5.0 (I5.0). Through immersion in the FrED Factory Lab, students engaged in hands-on learning with industrial technologies, mentoring interactions, and structured research workshops. The program integrates three pillars - Community, Factory Environment, and Learning Sessions - to support the development of research skills, creativity, and technical competence. A mixed-methods quantitative approach was used to measure learning progression, motivation, and the quality of student research proposals. Data were collected at three stages of the program using rubrics and an adapted Intrinsic Motivation Inventory. Findings showed that early-stage engineering students can formulate relevant, feasible, and original research proposals that address human-centric, sustainable, and resilient manufacturing challenges. The intergenerational mentorship model contributed to reduced conceptual bias and increased student confidence in research tasks. Additionally, students demonstrated strong interest, perceived competence, and autonomy throughout the experience. Results indicate that pairing learning factory environments with structured mentorship can strengthen students' understanding of I5.0 while cultivating innovation at early academic stages. The FRAME approach provides a scalable model for integrating research-based learning into engineering programs.
