The Alabama Department of Workforce has named East Alabama Health’s FAME partnership with Southern Union State Community College a 2026-27 Regional Work-Based Learning Best Practice. It was the only health care organization recognized, the Opelika-based health system announced Tuesday.
Through FAME (the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education), Southern Union students working toward technical degrees get paid experience maintaining a hospital system, interning alongside East Alabama Health’s Plant & Maintenance Department to troubleshoot equipment and keep facilities running.
“This program allows students to gain real-world experience while helping us build a stronger pipeline for roles that are essential to our health system,” said Lauren Farris, the system’s workforce development manager. Program graduate Brodie Whirley now works there as a maintenance mechanic. “Being able to put myself through college and get a degree has been a great benefit,” he said.
East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the region’s second-largest employer, behind Auburn University.
Source: East Alabama Health
Opelika Daily News — Wednesday Report, Sept. 23, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
