For the past 20 years, automotive vehicle, engine, and part production in Alabama has grown exponentially, projecting us to the number two position in the United States in automotive production. Employing more than 50,000 people and producing more than 1.3 million vehicles annually, Alabama’s auto industry is strengthening our economy.
An educated and skilled workforce is the foundation of a dynamic and flourishing automotive industry. This is why, within the Alabama Automotive Manufacturing Association (AAMA), workforce initiatives are at the top of our list. Alabama automakers acknowledge it’s the commitment and hard work of their employees that fuels the production and innovation and moves them forward.
RELATED: ACCS/AAMA to offer scholarships for automotive manufacturing programs
For this reason, the automotive industry relies heavily on Alabama’s community college students and graduates to fill key manufacturing technical positions. The AAMA and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years. When AAMA was formed in 2001, the ACCS was quickly at the table supporting us. Our organizations passionately share a common goal to support the growth and continued education of Alabama’s automotive industry. The ACCS is very engaged with AAMA, residing on the AAMA Board of Directors in an active leadership role.
Graduates earn certifications and degrees in mechatronics, manufacturing, electronics, machining, and automotive service, preparing them for key roles in the auto industry. Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers view these skills as critical to success.
Another key component of our partnership is the AAMA/ACCS Scholarship program, offering $400,000 per year in scholarships to prepare ACCS students for automotive jobs. The AAMA/ACCS scholarship initiative is making a positive impact by producing capable automotive industry employees. Each scholarship recipient receives educational funding to train in the state’s automotive manufacturing industry at any Alabama community college. More than 500 scholarships have been awarded to students since the partnership’s inception, assisting qualifying students with tuition, fees, and books. The ACCS tracks the scholarship recipients to monitor student funding utilization, successful program achievement,t and current career information.
The scholarship is also available for students enrolled in the expanding Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) programs across the state, allowing individuals to earn wages and attend college simultaneously. Alabama FAME (AL FAME) is also a shining example of the positive ripple effect the ACCS has had on the state’s workforce over the past decade. FAME was introduced to Alabama as a partnership between Calhoun Community College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama in 2014. Since then, AL FAME has grown to be the largest national chapter, with 12 chapters statewide and over 60 industry partners, many of which are outside of the automotive industry.
Working within the industry while taking classes at select community colleges allows students to gain valuable employment experience with manufacturing leaders while also completing their associate degree. Through this, they develop relevant skills and experience that many manufacturing companies are actively seeking.
The AAMA and the ACCS work together through additional avenues to support Alabama’s Automotive industry. We partner in industry education outreach, instructor industry exposure, industry workshops and conferences, and continuous professional development to enhance the services we each provide. The AAMA is honored to be a strong partner with the ACCS, and we value the contributions we make to the industry.
As President of the AAMA, I’m very excited about the things we will accomplish as a team this year and in the future!
Ron Davis serves as the President of the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association.
