Alabama FAME Program at Northwest-Shoals

Why Choose the FAME program at Northwest-Shoals

The Alabama FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) Program at Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) combines an Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Industrial Systems Technology and two years of paid industry experience. The program includes cutting-edge curriculum in Electricity, Robotics, Fluid Power, Mechanics, Welding, Machining, and Industrial Troubleshooting. Instruction on best-practices of world-class companies, including Safety Culture, Visual Workplace Organization, Lean Manufacturing, Problem Solving, and Machine Reliability is combined with paid on-the-job training and professional skills education. The FAME program began in fall of 2019.

The FAME Difference

The Alabama FAME AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technician) program at Northwest-Shoals is a pathway to a challenging and well-paying career as a multi-skilled technician. Once accepted into the Alabama FAME AMT program at NW-SCC, students will attend classes two full days per week (16-20 hours per week) while working three full days a week (24+ contact hours) with a sponsoring business from the local area.

After five semesters, AMT students earn an AAS in Industrial Systems Technology, approximately 1,800 hours of on-the-job-training and work experience, an Advanced Manufacturing certificate, and the opportunity for full-time employment or to continue education toward a bachelor's degree.

FAME Students earn a competitive wage while attending college and gain priceless work experience. Over two years, students can earn as much as $33,500, which with planning can cover all of a student’s education expenses. Students are also eligible to apply for scholarships and federal financial aid. Most AMT students graduate with little or no student debt!

While not guaranteed, sponsoring companies often hire FAME AMT graduates as full time employees.

FAME Sponsoring Companies

Applied Chemical Technology
Constellium
Essity
FLEXCO
Forsythe & Long Inc.
FreightCar America
G & G Steel
Jack Daniels Cooperage
Kith Kitchens
Mid-South/Central Extrusion Die Company
North American Lighting
Pilgrim's
Southwire
Tasus
Tri-Cities Manufacturing

FAME News

NW-SCC signs 18 students into the 2020-2021 FAME class

August 21, 2020

NW-SCC signs 18 in 2020 FAME class MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) hosted a Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) drive-through Signing Day last night (8/20) on the Shoals Campus as 18 students were sponsored by seven local companies.

The FAME Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT) program at NW-SCC is a pathway to a challenging and well-paying career as a multi-skilled technician. Students will attend classes two full days per week (16-20 hours per week) while working three full days a week (24+ contact 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. READ THE FULL ARTICLE

NW-SCC signs 19 students into inaugural FAME class

June 13, 2019

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) hosted its inaugural Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Signing Day today (6/13) on the Shoals Campus as 19 students were sponsored by 12 local business and industry sponsors.

NW-SCC to host inaugural FAME Signing Day

June 6, 2019

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. -- Event: Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) will host its inaugural Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) Signing Day for 19 students. Each student will be sponsored by local business and industry. READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Northwest-Shoals holds FAME Kick-Off and MSSC Open House

February 12, 2019

MUSCLE SHOALS, ALA. -- Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) hosted an Alabama FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) program kick-off breakfast for approximately 75 education and business/industry representatives on the Shoals Campus. The FAME program will start accepting students during the 2019 fall semester.

Attendees heard from the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Director of Career and Technical Education, Art Rousseau; NW-SCC President, Dr. Glenda Colagross; and other college representatives. READ THE FULL ARTICLE

If you have questions regarding the NW-SCC FAME Program, please contact:

Jeff Rogers
FAME Program Instructor
Office: 256-331-8038
fame@nwscc.edu

Programs of Study