FLORENCE, Ala., Feb. 10, 2026 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) inaugurated the Manufacturing Basic Skills+ (MBS+) program at the newly opened Launch Career Technical Specialized Education (CTSE) Training Center – a $40 million facility that represents a partnership between the City of Florence, Lauderdale County and the State of Alabama.

The MBS+ program is a joint effort between Lockheed Martin and Florence City Schools and provides high school students in their senior year with direct exposure to electronics manufacturing, preparing them for future careers at Lockheed Martin’s Courtland, Ala., operations. Six seniors have been chosen to participate in the spring 2026 cohort.

“The Manufacturing Basic Skills+ Program is a true pre-apprenticeship that lets students get hands-on with the very skills they’ll need on the factory floor,” said Reshondra McInnis, Site Director for Lockheed Martin’s Courtland location. “Our goal is to have graduates who walk in be ready, capable and confident.”

The program builds on a three-year partnership that has already placed five students into full-time roles through Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Apprenticeship Program (AMTAP). This year’s cohort is unique, because Lockheed Martin instructors will deliver a curriculum that dovetails with the district’s existing industrial maintenance program. Core modules include:

• Basic engineering drawings and point-to-point wiring
• Shop math, torque and tool familiarization
• Electrostatic discharge control and electrical fundamentals
• Digital-multimeter safety and adhesive bonding techniques

Students who complete MBS+ are guaranteed interview opportunities with AMTAP, the Advanced Institute for Defense Technology (AIDT), or direct-hire positions at Lockheed Martin in Courtland.

Creating a Talent Pipeline
The MBS+ program illustrates how education and industry can fuse to create real pathways for tomorrow’s workforce. The program’s curriculum builds on core skills so that graduates arrive ready to contribute from day one.

“This collaboration demonstrates how education and business-industry working together will maximize students’ potential to produce career outcomes,” said Dr. Corey Behel, Director of Career Technical and Specialized Education. “Everybody wins.” 

Local and state leaders echoed Behel’s enthusiasm, underscoring how the collaboration strengthens both the community and industry.

“We are ready and poised to train Lockheed Martin employees, elevating you to go higher and faster than ever before,” said Florence Mayor Ron Tyler.

Alabama State Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, said a key factor in the program’s success is being able to train and retain top talent in North Alabama.

“Having the world’s largest defense contractor partner with our schools speaks volumes about our vision,” Melson said. “We want to train you and keep you here.”

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at www.Lockheedmartin.com. 

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