FAIRHOPE – On Tuesday, Feb. 18, Coastal Alabama Community Colleges (CACC) will be hosting an open house to showcase Alabama's Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Built By Baldwin chapter and the resources offered through the program.

The open house will be at 8600 C County Road 32 in Fairhope from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with light refreshments and informational presentations. The event is open to the public but those encouraged to attend include high school seniors or recent graduates (parents are welcome too), transitioning military members or anyone aiming for a maintenance/manufacturing career path.

There will be 11 local industry/manufacturing partners onsite with career opportunities. Those who attend will also be entered for a chance to win a $50 gas card.

As listed on the open house informational flyer, the companies include Outokumpu, Vulcan, E-Covery, Gulf Packaging, Novelis, Quincy Compressors, Segers Aviation, Collins Inc., Saunders Yachtworks, Kaishan Compressor USA and Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

According to their website, FAME is "a grassroots, employer driven program focused on developing highly skilled Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMTs)."

The website also described FAME as "an innovative program" designed to facilitate the education of "highly skilled workers for the manufacturing industry." Built By Baldwin is the Alabama FAME chapter that is focused on "enhancing workforce development within Baldwin County."

The program is looking for "career-oriented, academically prepared students" who thrive in hands-on programs and have a desire to advance in their career.

"All participants must be college-ready high school graduates interested in pursuing a concentrated two-year, debt-free degree," the website reads, "and looking to gain a practical set of valuable and transferable technical skills."

As previously reported by Gulf Coast Media, FAME's Baldwin County chapter was launched in September 2024. 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.

FAME participants will split their time between the classroom and real-world work experience as they will be spending their time at CACC and one of the manufacturing partners, the GCM article reads.

More information on the program and other upcoming events can be found at fame-usa.com