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AREA OF FOCUS

Manufacturing + FAME Program

The Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Program delivers workforce development excellence through three key principles — technical training, integration of manufacturing practices, and intentional hands-on experience. Students are equipped with the skills to help build the future of the manufacturing industry and gain valuable employment experience with key leaders while also completing their associate degree in Birmingham.

Manufacturing Jobs Near Birmingham

FAME USA

FAME and manufacturing go hand in hand to help students gain experience in the field of manufacturing while working toward their associate’s degree. Over the course of two years, students can earn as much as $33,500, which can cover all a student’s education expenses.1 In addition, students can also apply for potential grants and financial aid.

Did you know that advanced manufacturing employees are paid 12% more than other U.S. industries?2 Currently, experienced professionals are needed to fill cutting-edge jobs in the Birmingham area. After completion, there can be opportunities for the sponsor company to hire graduates as full-time employees. For those considering a career in manufacturing, last year there were 2,465 jobs within the career paths below.3

  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics
  • Machinery Maintenance Workers
  • Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  • Robotics Technicians

 

1 Students must plan to budget and work with the earnings allotted to them.
2 National Association of Manufacturers, “MythBusters: The Pros and Cons of Working in Manufacturing” Goodwin University, March 24, 2023, https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/pros-and-cons-of-working-manufacturing
3 Information is from August 2022-August 2023, and pulled from Lightcast.

Students of the program typically go to school for two full days and work for three full days, and the program takes five semesters to complete.
Apply by April 1, 2024.

F.A.M.E. program

Benefits of the FAME Program in Birmingham

Students will gain insight into the employment experience with manufacturing leaders in Birmingham while also completing their associate degree. Program graduates will be equipped with the needed skills and experience that many manufacturing companies are actively seeking.

Mentor and mentee at manufacturing plant


90% placement rate for graduates4

After completion, there are opportunities for the student’s sponsor company to hire graduates as full-time employees.
Schedule time to speak with an Education Advisor →


90% placement rate for graduates4
Group of students learning a new skill


Real-World Experience NOT Needed

Students come from all backgrounds, and real-work manufacturing experience isn’t a requirement.
Schedule time to speak with an Education Advisor →


Real-World Experience NOT Needed
Working with pillar drill


Sponsors include Top Employers

Sponsors can include companies like Toyota, General Electric, Hyundai, Honda, Jack Daniel - Cooperage, Tyson, Baxter and many more.
Fill out form to learn more →


Sponsors include Top Employers
Young female trainee works with a grinder in a workshop, flying sparks


Competitive Compensation

After graduation, some graduates may earn between $55,941 - $81,120 per year.5 As your career advances, your pay can, too.
Fill out form to learn more →


Competitive Compensation

4 Percentage is not guaranteed and is dependent on sponsor companies' openings and needs.
5 All data was pulled from Lightcast and AIDT.

FAME USA LOGO

Application Requirements

A full submission for the program requires:

  • Applicants must be eligible to take MTH 100 and ENG 101.
  • Must have a desire to work in a manufacturing environment troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining equipment.
  • Must be 18 years of age by June of the application year.
  • Participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs such as BEST Robotics, Career Technical coursework or Project Lead the Way is preferred.

Schedule time to speak with an Education Advisor →


Community Colleges Near Birmingham

The below schools currently participate in the FAME program. If you have a school in mind and don't see it below, speak to an Education Advisor to learn more.

Bishop State Logo

MOBILE
Bishop State Community College

Bishop State consists of four city campuses dedicated to serving the residents of Mobile and Washington counties. Offer transfer programs, one and two-year career programs.
See Programs →

MOBILE
Bishop State Community College
Calhoun Community College logo

HUNTSVILLE
Calhoun Community College

Calhoun Community College offers 49 associate degree options and 52 career/certificate programs. Campuses include the 110-acre Decatur campus; its Huntsville/Cummings Research Park site; the Alabama Center for the Arts and at the Limestone Correctional Facility.
See Programs →

HUNTSVILLE
Calhoun Community College
Gadsden State Community College logo

BIRMINGHAM
Gadsden State Community College

A public, open door, comprehensive community college that has a rich and illustrious history within the communities it serves.
See Programs →

BIRMINGHAM
Gadsden State Community College
Northwest-Shoals Community College

HUNTSVILLE
Northwest-Shoals Community College

An ideal option for those interested in academic transfer, career/technical programs and health sciences careers. We make higher education a reality for a wide range of students at various income levels.
See Programs →

HUNTSVILLE
Northwest-Shoals Community College
Trenholm State Community College logo

MONTGOMERY
Trenholm State Community College

Provides technical certificate and degree programs; adult learning opportunities; civic, social, and cultural and personal development opportunities; business and industry training opportunities; and support of economic development for the central Alabama region.
See Programs →

MONTGOMERY
Trenholm State Community College
Wallace State Community College

BIRMINGHAM
Wallace State Community College

A virtual powerhouse in educational programming, with more than 50 majors leading to degree, certificate and transfer opportunities. Our real impact is in improving the lives of students through education.
See Programs →

BIRMINGHAM
Wallace State Community College

Learn More Today

Connect with your Education Advisor to learn more about the FAME program.

 

 

Explore Scholarship Opportunities

Interested in Auto Manufacturing? Explore our AAMA Scholarship opportunity. In Spring 2023, 23% of FAME students were also awarded the AAMA scholarship. Apply for a $4,000 Scholarship by 11/14 to get hands-on training at a nearby college.

Learn more →

Employers Near Birmingham Now Hiring for Manufacturing Positions

These companies are looking for amazing candidates like you. Browse companies hiring in your area below, then browse our Manufacuring programs to prepare yourself for a bright future!

Hubbell logo

Hubbell


View job listings at Hubbell →

Hubbell
Ingersoll Rand logo

Ingersoll Rand


View job listings at Ingersoll Rand →

Ingersoll Rand
Buffalo Rock logo

Buffalo Rock


View job listings at Buffalo Rock →

Buffalo Rock
Steris logo

STERIS


View job listings at STERIS →

STERIS
The University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham


View job listings at The University of Alabama at Birmingham →

The University of Alabama at Birmingham


Explore Additional Manufacturing Programs in Birmingham

If you don’t meet the requirements for the program or are interested in exploring other manufacturing programs, we have you covered.

Programs can include:

Browse programs by clicking above, then use the search box to find your program of choice!

In addition to the above, we offer a variety of programs in a broad range of fields. From certifications to our no-cost Skills for Success programs that can be completed in two to three weeks, let’s find the program that’s right for you.6

6 At participating schools. Taxes and fees may apply.

FAQs

How do I apply?

Interested students must be eligible to take MTH 100 and ENG 101, must have a desire to work in a manufacturing environment troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining equipment, must be 18 years of age by June of the application year, and participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs such as BEST Robotics, Career Technical coursework or Project Lead the Way is preferred.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2024.

How much can students expect to earn during the program?

Over the course of two years, students can earn as much as $33,500, which can cover all of a student’s education expenses.1

How long is the program?

The program takes five semesters to complete.

What is the school and work schedule on a weekly basis?

Students of the program typically go to school for two full days and work for three full days.

What if I am not selected?

The Alabama Community College System has a vast array of programs to choose from. From no-cost skills for success programs to certificates and more, find what’s right for you here.6

Can I enroll in schools nearby?

Find an Alabama community college that is associated with FAME to enroll.

What companies are sponsors?

Sponsors can include companies like Toyota, General Electric, Hyundai, Honda, Jack Daniel - Cooperage, Tyson, Baxter, and many more.

Will I be hired immediately at my sponsor company?

It’s a possibility; however, there is no obligation for the sponsor company to hire you, nor are you obligated to stay after graduation. Several factors are considered in this situation.

Where can I learn more about the program?

Feel free to reach out to one of our Education Advisors at 1.855.206.2671 or schedule some time to talk by filling out the form above.


1 Students must plan to budget and work with the earnings allotted to them.
6 At participating schools. Taxes and fees may apply.




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