Built By Baldwin, Baldwin County's chapter of Alabama's Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), had more than 20 attendees at the spring open house held in collaboration with Coastal Alabama Community College on March 3.

FAME is a college accredited program designed for education in manufacturing industries. Built By Baldwin, according to their website, is the Alabama FAME chapter that is focused on enhancing workforce development within Baldwin County.

The open house event, held at the Fairhope Airport Academy, was aimed toward high school seniors, recent graduates, transitioning military or anyone interested in working in manufacturing/industry companies in Baldwin County.

Representatives from eight of the 11 local industry and manufacturing partners attended the open house, allowing students the chance to speak with different groups on career opportunities.

Informal presentations were set up by each of the partners at the event.

Participating companies included Coca-Cola, ECovery, Kaishan Compressors, Outokumpu, Quincy Compressors, Saunders Yachtworks, Supply One and Vulcan, Inc.

Jennifer Crawford, vice president of human resources at Vulcan, Inc., said the open house event creates the connection between education and industry, giving those interested in joining the program firsthand insight on FAME and possibilities in high-demand technical fields.

"Attendees also had the opportunity to explore our cutting-edge training environment, including our new mechatronics trainer, robotics equipment and advanced Amatrol training simulators," she said.

The application for FAME — Built By Baldwin is open now until March 15. Learn more and apply at www.applytofame.com.