FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) – Imagine getting paid to go to school and getting hands on training in the maintenance–manufacturing field. It’s a real opportunity available through Alabama’s Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education — also known as FAME Built by Baldwin chapter.

The Baldwin FAME chapter is the 7th in Alabama — which currently has 11 chapters — the most of any state in the nation. There’s also a FAME chapter at Bishop State in Mobile.

FAME Built By Baldwin is partnering with 11 of Baldwin County’s top manufacturing companies and Coastal Alabama Community College. 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.

Tuesday night they held an open house to share more about the innovative program.

“This gives employers — a pipeline of future talent — so after 5 semesters or 2 years sponsoring these students — they’ll have an opportunity to hire them on full time if they so choose. Lee: With good pay? — Yes, absolutely good pay,” said Jennifer Crawford, Vulvan VP of Human Resources, and FAME Built By Baldwin Chapter President.

Currently the program is accepting applications. Ultimately 18 students will be chosen — to not only go to school 2 days a week — but work on the job with industry professionals the other three days for companies like Gulf Packaging. They’ll get paid a progressive wage while in school — all while receiving two years of work experience before they get their degree.

“That’s the beauty of the program — it’s blended so they get the opportunity to work and go to school at the same time. They’re learning the soft skills they need and the behavioral skills they so desperately need — but they also get the hands-on experience at work. Then they have a mentor that follows along with them and encourage them through the process,” explained Cecilia Hammond, Gulf Packaging a Supply One Company.

Justin Bradburn brought his nephew to find out more about the opportunity.

“We advertised for this event and I saw it at work — and I said hey let’s go to this. You want to follow in my footsteps — this is how we do it,” said Bradburn.

“Lee: What are you hoping this could lead to? — A future career — I don’t really know what I want to do with my life yet but this is a perfect opportunity to find what I’m looking for,” said Riley Warrick.

It’s not just work-based job training — it’s setting them on the fast track for a career.

“The associate’s degree — which they will earn will be in Mechatronics — and I always say that’s like a new version of a robotics engineer. And as we see our manufacturing facilities become more automated — we’re trying to teach them those skills that will allow them to really work in that next generation — which we call Industry 4.0,” explained Josh Duplantis, Coastal Alabama Community College Dean of Workforce Development.

“I really like the fact that they are teaching you stuff that you can use interchangeably with each other with these different companies and also moving around within a single company. I’m excited for this opportunity,” said Malachi Simonson, Foley High School Senior.

The program is open for high school seniors about to graduate, recent graduates, and transitioning military members or anyone aiming for a maintenance–manufacturing career path. The deadline to apply to the FAME Built by Baldwin program is March 15h. Click here for more information.

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