MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s growing manufacturing sector is turning to its community colleges to help build the next generation of skilled workers, and a statewide scholarship program is helping students get there.
The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Scholarship, offered through the Alabama Community College System, provides financial support for students enrolled in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, and other advanced manufacturing programs tied not only to the automotive sector but to other high-demand industries across the state.
Barry May, the system’s chief workforce development officer, said the scholarship has become an important link between students and employers.
“This scholarship program has a huge impact in building a workforce pipeline for Alabama’s automotive industry,” May said. “But it also helps supply talent to other sectors, from chemical to biomedical manufacturing. It’s really about creating a pipeline of skilled workers across Alabama.”
Among those students is 18-year-old Garrett Mann of Wetumpka, who is studying in the FAME program at Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. Mann splits his time between class and work at Rheem Manufacturing, gaining hands-on training while earning an income.
“I work during the week and go to school full-time,” Mann said. “The scholarship helps pay for my training so I can focus on learning and save money to live on my own.”
Mann said his father and brother also work in manufacturing, but the combination of classroom training and paid experience is helping him chart his own course.
“My family’s always worked in this industry, so it’s kind of in my blood,” he said. “Now I’m getting the education that can take me further — maybe into management or automation one day.”
Scott Haywood, a staff engineer at Honda’s Alabama Auto Plant, serves on the AAMA Scholarship Committee. He said the program is vital to filling one of the state’s most in-demand roles.
“In our industry, maintenance technicians are among the hardest jobs to fill,” Haywood said. “We need multi-skilled workers who understand both mechanical and electrical systems, and programs like AAMA help us train that talent right here at home.”
The scholarships, valued at about $2,000 across two semesters, are part of a broader statewide effort to strengthen Alabama’s manufacturing workforce and meet the needs of employers expanding across the state.
As Mann continues his studies and on-the-job training, he said he hopes to inspire others to follow his lead into a field that’s always evolving.
“With this kind of confidence and skill set,” he said, “I just hope others see what’s possible and take the same path.”
More information about the AAMA Scholarship program is available at dreamitdoitalabama.com/aama
Follow Us