February 2026

Workforce Training Spotlight: Shoals FAME

The Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program offers a powerful pathway into high-demand advanced manufacturing careers. Through a blend of classroom instruction and paid, hands-on work experience, participants train to become Advanced Manufacturing Technicians (AMTs) while earning an associate degree and real-world skills that local employers value. Over the two-year program, students can earn competitive wages, often covering most or all of their education costs, and graduate ready to enter the workforce with sought-after technical and professional competencies.

Local industries which participate in this program include North American Lighting, Constellium, Project XYZ, and more. The below picture is from a recent open house where students & families could learn more about the program and the companies.

📌 Learn more about the Shoals chapter of FAME here.

Program Spotlight: The Lasting Impact of Remote Shoals

When we launched Remote Shoals, the goal was simple: prove that the Shoals can compete nationally for talent.

The incentive portion of the program concluded in 2025, but the workforce impact continues across our region. Professionals in technology, finance, marketing, engineering, and other high-demand fields now call the Shoals home while maintaining careers with national employers. Over 150 remote workers relocated to The Shoals throughout the program's tenure, bringing with them an average annual income of nearly $100,000.

That means new income invested locally, deeper professional networks, and long-term community engagement.

Remote Shoals demonstrated what we’ve long believed: the Shoals is not just a great place to do business — it’s a place where talent chooses to live.

Our Marketing & Communications Specialist, Mackenzie Cottles Greene, presented to the Shoals Chamber's Leadership Shoals class about our organization and economic development in The Shoals. This provided an opportunity to dive into the EDA's role in our community and learn about the assets which make The Shoals an attractive place for business and industry.

Nominations are open for Manufacture Alabama's Manufacturing Madness! This contest is a fun way to highlight all the cool items made here in the state of Alabama.

Any product manufactured here in Alabama is eligible to be nominated. If you know of or have an eligible item, be sure to submit a nomination before March 6th!

The popular vote will take place March 10th through 13th. Be sure to check Manufacture Alabama's social accounts for any updates.

Earlier this month, the SMA had a chance to tour the new Workforce Development Center in Florence. The building is finishing up construction and will be a great resource for training here in The Shoals region. One program that will be housed here is the Manufacturing Basic Skills (MBS+) Program, a new one-of-a-kind training system. This training program is a part of Florence City Schools partnership with Lockheed Martin.

Shoals Spotlight: Workforce That Works

The Shoals region is supported by a workforce of more than 100,000 individuals within a 45-minute drive time, bringing experience in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and skilled trades. Generations of industry have shaped a talent base that understands production environments, quality standards, and the pace of modern operations.

That foundation is strengthened by collaboration between employers and regional education partners like the University of North Alabama and Northwest Shoals Community College. Together, these institutions prepare students and upskill current workers through academic programs, technical training, and industry-aligned certifications designed to meet real workforce needs.

Employers in The Shoals consistently cite workforce reliability and strong work ethic as defining characteristics of the region. Combined with competitive labor costs and ongoing training pathways, companies have access to talent that is both capable and committed.

Why it matters: A deep labor pool within a short drive time reduces ramp-up timelines, supports retention, and gives growing companies room to scale with confidence.

The purpose of the Shoals Manufacturers' Association (SMA) is to foster a working relationship among Shoals area manufacturers and to promote a healthy business climate, making it feasible for existing companies to expand and/or remain in the Shoals area in a working partnership with the Shoals Economic Development Authority. Shoals area companies involved in the manufacture of products and parts for profit are invited to join SMA.​

For more information, including the cost to join, visit our website. To join or for any questions, contact Rob Jones, Shoals EDA, at (256) 349-5632 or e-mail at rjones@shoalseda.com.

The Shoals Employment Growth Program is designed to encourage full-time employment growth through a streamlined process that provides assistance to eligible applicants offering new employment opportunities for Shoals citizens. Shoals area for-profit companies that operate under certain business activities listed in the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) can be reimbursed up to $8,000 for each new qualifying full-time employee hired, up to ten new full-time employment positions per year.

Click here for more information on the Shoals Employment Growth Program or contact Rob Jones, Shoals EDA, at (256) 349-5632 or e-mail at rjones@shoalseda.com.