SUMMIT, Miss. – May 15, 2026 – Southwest Mississippi Community College is expanding workforce development training across the region with the launch of a new mobile training lab for industrial maintenance, bringing hands-on technical education directly to employers and communities while helping meet growing workforce demands in industrial maintenance and manufacturing.
The trailer is equipped to provide instruction in areas such as mechanical systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, electrical systems, welding and fabrication, troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and workplace safety.
The mobile unit allows SMCC to deliver customized, on-site training directly to employers while expanding workforce development opportunities across its four-county district. The investment also increases the college’s training capacity, helping more participants gain hands-on experience in high-demand industrial skills that can lead to starting wages between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on industry and experience.
“AccelerateMS is proud to support innovative workforce solutions like Southwest Mississippi Community College’s mobile training lab for industrial maintenance,” said Shelika Hooker, director of investments and initiatives at AccelerateMS. This investment represents a significant step forward in expanding access to high-quality, hands-on training opportunities that directly align with the needs of employers across the region. By bringing training directly to communities and industries, SMCC is helping strengthen the workforce pipeline, increase economic opportunity, and prepare Mississippians for high-demand careers in industrial maintenance and manufacturing.”
The nearly $395,000 investment, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the college’s regional workforce training center, was made possible through support from AccelerateMS and regional workforce development partners.
“Certainly, we’re excited about all the people who’ve come out today as we are celebrating the grand opening of our on-site, on-demand workforce training trailer here in Southwest,” SMCC President Dr. J. Steven Bishop said. “The beauty of it is, of course, it’s mobile, and we can take that around our district, around our towns to help our local business and industry with their training needs.”
Bishop said the mobile lab allows the college to deliver industry-specific training directly to employers across the region.
“It can be very specific training, no matter what the industry may need, we can tailor it to their needs and make their employees much better employees,” Bishop said.
The launch builds on SMCC’s existing partnerships with the region’s lumber and manufacturing industries.
Dr. Wendy Smith, associate vice president for workforce training at SMCC, said the mobile lab builds on the college’s existing industrial maintenance apprenticeship program, which was developed in partnership with regional employers to address workforce needs in the lumber and manufacturing industries.
The program allows employees to continue working full time while completing hands-on industrial maintenance training through SMCC.
“With this mobile lab now that we have, we’re able to take it on site, do whatever specialized training they need done,” Smith said.
Regional industry leaders say the program will strengthen workforce pipelines for employers across Southwest Mississippi.
Roy Beall, general manager of Rex Lumber in Brookhaven, said partnerships between industry and community colleges are critical for building and retaining a skilled workforce. After touring the trailer, Beall said the equipment inside directly reflects the types of systems workers encounter in modern industrial settings.
“We’re always looking for good people, and the more training they get, the more they can benefit, and we can also,” Beall said. “So it’s a partnership. Always looking for the partnership — partnership with the college, partnership with the students also — and it just works out for all of us.”
Smith said the program will help workers gain skills that lead to higher wages and career advancement. The mobile lab is expected to rotate throughout SMCC’s district based on workforce demand.
About AccelerateMS
AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies that connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations with complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.
Photo – Southwest MS College Facebook)