Two initiatives have been launched to strengthen Mississippi’s workforce.
Governor Tate Reeves and AccelerateMS announced the Mississippi Apprenticeship Accelerator and Mississippi Reconnect programs aimed at closing skills gaps, providing career pathways, and driving economic growth across the state.
AccelerateMS will administer the programs in collaboration with the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District.
“This is another win for Mississippi’s workforce development efforts,” Reeves said. “I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish when it comes to workforce development in our state — it’s led to thousands of Mississippians getting better jobs and helped us reach an all-time low unemployment rate. With the record-breaking private sector we’re witnessing, it’s important that we continue investing in Mississippians. That’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Today, I was proud to announce two initiatives to help further bolster our workforce development efforts and strengthen economic opportunities for all Mississippians.
First, we are launching the Mississippi Apprenticeship Accelerator. This will be a partnership between… pic.twitter.com/CaE3Z4E1sy
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) October 23, 2024
While the state has boasted recent record-low unemployment rates, Mississippi’s labor force participation rate in April was 53.7% — 9% below the national average of 62.7% — and has consistently been trending downward since 2022.
The Mississippi Apprenticeship Accelerator (MAA) program is designed to empower businesses by helping them create and expand registered apprenticeship programs. With an initial $2 million investment, MAA will support approximately 600 new apprentices, offering them customized on-the-job training and classroom instruction in high-demand, high-wage occupations.
According to a press release, MAA is open to businesses of all sizes, with a focus on sectors critical to Mississippi’s economic future, such as advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and information technology.
Participating businesses will have the opportunity to create registered apprentice programs that meet their specific workforce needs, with the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program providing expert guidance from concept to implementation. Pre-apprenticeships will also be encouraged in collaboration with local education institutions to ensure a steady pipeline of talent.
“Through this initiative, we’re bridging the gap between the skills businesses need and the career pathways available to Mississippians,” Mississippi Department of Employment Security Executive Director Bill Ashley said. “This program is a win-win for our economy and our workforce.”
Applications for MAA funding will be available through the state’s Local Workforce Development Area partners on a first-come, first-served basis until the funds are used.
In addition to the MAA program, AccelerateMS is introducing the Mississippi Reconnect program, aimed at re-engaging unemployed and underemployed residents.
This initiative provides access to short-term training programs, typically lasting up to eight weeks, designed to equip participants with the skills needed for priority occupations in sectors such as agribusiness, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction, forestry, and energy.
“Mississippi Reconnect is an opportunity for our state to invest in its people,” AccelerateMS Executive Director Courtney Taylor said. “By offering targeted and accelerated training programs in high-demand industries, we can help Mississippians secure stable, well-paying jobs while addressing the workforce needs of our growing economy.”
The first award under the Mississippi Reconnect program has been granted to the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District. $4.4 million in funding will be utilized to provide training for over 900 individuals, addressing the region’s critical workforce development needs, especially those in construction and advanced manufacturing.
This initiative aims to enhance skills and employability, ultimately driving economic growth and supporting the state’s demand-driven workforce development strategy.
CMPDD will collaborate with Build Mississippi, Hinds Community College, Holmes Community College, and employers to ensure the training programs align with industry requirements and create pathways to sustainable employment opportunities for participants.
Local workforce development areas, community colleges, and higher education institutions will play a pivotal role in delivering these short-term training programs, providing education and career advancement opportunities for Mississippi residents.
