A new chapter of the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) is launching in Baldwin County, bringing an innovative workforce development initiative to the heart of Alabama's manufacturing sector.

Dubbed "FAME Built By Baldwin," the local FAME chapter is designed to create a pipeline of highly skilled workers ready to meet the demands of modern industry.

The initiative, a collaboration between 10 local manufacturing partners and Coastal Alabama Community College, aims to cultivate top-tier technicians through a hands-on work-study program. The program's structure allows students to gain both academic knowledge and practical experience, making it a powerful tool for producing globally competitive, multiskilled workers.

"We are so excited to have launched this initiative in August this year with our first student cohort starting in August 2025," said Jennifer Crawford, Vice President of Human Resources at Vulcan Inc. "As we begin this new chapter, we are not only opening the doors to a new academic program at Coastal Alabama Community College but also affirming our dedication to providing a continuous talent pool to the industry involved. Our aim is to cultivate a future workforce that meets our evolving needs and equips those future FAME students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in manufacturing and industry."

Students in the FAME program will split their time between the classroom and real-world work experience. They will attend classes at Coastal Alabama Community College part of the week, and then part of the week at a sponsoring company. These companies, which include The Baldwin County employers sponsoring students include Vulcan, E-Covery, Gulf Packaging, Novelis, Quincy Compressors, Segers Aviation, Collins Inc., Saunders Yachtworks, Kaishan Compressor USA and Coca-Cola Bottling Co., will provide students with hands-on training in areas such as mechanical equipment, electrical controls, robotics and motor controls.

The competitive recruitment process for the first cohort of students will begin in spring 2025, with classes starting in the fall of that year. Those selected will have the opportunity to earn an Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) credential, setting them up for success in a range of industries.

"Students participating in the FAME Built By Baldwin cohort will receive hands-on experience with mechanical equipment, electrical controls, robotics, pneumatics, hydraulics, PLCs, motor controls, etc. three days per week at their sponsoring employer's facility and two days per week of classroom learning," Crawford said. "This hybrid on-the-job/classroom component is what makes FAME unique and provides that tactical learning element that many curriculums miss."

For more information about the Built By Baldwin FAME chapter, visit FAME's website at https://fame-usa.com/fame-program-locations/alabama-fame/built-by-baldwin/, or contact Crawford at jennifer.crawford@vulcaninc.com or Amanda Selph at amanda.selph@novelis.com.