Northwest-Shoals Community College hosted its inaugural Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education Signing Day June 13 on the Shoals Campus, as 19 students were sponsored by 12 local business and industry sponsors.

The FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician program at NW-SCC is a pathway to a challenging and well-paying career as a multi-skilled technician. Students attend classes two full days per week – 16-20 hours per week – while working three full days a week, 24-plus hours, with a sponsoring company. Over two years, students can earn as much as $33,500, which – with planning – can cover all of a student’s education expenses.

“It is so exciting to see our industry partners invest in Northwest-Shoals and our students,” said NW-SCC President Dr. Glenda Colagross. “The partnership we formed with these 12 companies through the FAME program will benefit our students, their companies and our community for years to come. This is just the beginning.”

Each student interviewed with the sponsoring companies May 22, and students were drafted by companies that afternoon. Students were then notified and began the pre-employment process with each of the respective companies.

The inaugural FAME class students will begin working immediately with their respective companies and will begin classes in August when the NW-SCC fall semester begins.

Among students in the inaugural FAME class is one from Franklin County, Walter Thomas Buchanan, from Russellville. Also representing Franklin County, G & G Steel and Pilgrim’s are among the companies sponsoring FAME students.