Mississippi Reconnect Program Lays Foundation for Workforce Success

04/30/2025

RIDGELAND, Miss.  – For many in Mississippi, finding the right job can feel out of reach, especially for those who’ve been unemployed or stuck in low-wage work. But a new group of graduates just proved what’s possible with the right opportunity. After completing the latest heavy civil construction program at Holmes Community College, many are already beginning new careers.

Over eight weeks, students trained in construction and workforce readiness, earning certifications and learning from experienced professionals in the field. The non-credit program is designed to move fast—equipping participants with real-world skills and connecting them directly to employers who are ready to hire.

While Mississippi has made major investments in workforce development, building pathways that align with the needs of modern industries, a key segment of the population has remained overlooked: those disconnected from the labor force or caught in cycles of underemployment. The Mississippi Reconnect Program, launched by AccelerateMS and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security in collaboration with local workforce boards and education partners, is a direct response to that gap. This program allows eligible students to receive tuition coverage as well as an hourly wage during training.

The heavy civil construction program was developed through a partnership between Holmes Community College Workforce Development, the Mississippi Road Builders Association, the Mississippi Department of Transportation, Build Mississippi, and multiple businesses such as Lehman-Roberts, J.C. Cheek, APAC, Key Constructors, LLC, and Shackelford Construction and Hauling, LLC. Holmes Workforce led the daily operations, managed scheduling, facilitated training through its network of professional industry partners, and helped ensure participants were job-ready. The Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) provided additional program support, as well as ensuring Holmes Community College receives the Mississippi Reconnect Grant reimbursement of funds needed to execute the training operation.

“A lot of jobs are going to come to Mississippi, and we want Mississippians to get those jobs,” said Robin Parker, Workforce Director at CMPDD. “We don’t have two or four years to get people ready to work. We have eight weeks to get people into a program, to train them up, and connect them with a company that is hiring.” 

Participants received hands-on training in road and bridge construction, covering equipment operation, site work, safety practices, and paving. They also developed soft skills and resume-building tools to support their job search. The program offered certifications in OSHA 10, ATSSA Flagger, equipment operation (telehandlers, skid-steers, aerial lifts), fall protection, rigging, and signalman duties.

“This program was extremely hands-on, and that’s the only way these guys can get the experience they need for heavy construction,” said instructor Cham Blain. “You don’t know what you don’t know—but thanks to the program, these graduates now walk away with more than just certifications—they have confidence, direction, and opportunity.”

Graduates like Brandon Parker and Johnathan Hedgepeth, already employed with Key Constructors, saw the program as a chance to grow within their company.

“I was really excited to be able to earn all of these certifications and move up in the company,” Brandon said. “I’d never operated a forklift before, so that was a lot of fun.”

Breanna Poole, People & Culture Manager at Key Constructors, said supporting employees through training is a priority.

“This is the perfect opportunity to invest in them, and they’re doing a great job—so we want to give back,” she said.

For others, like Kenneth Green, the program opened the door to something entirely new. After working on a canal barge, he signed up to explore new opportunities in construction.

“I thought this would be a good way to learn some new things, to better myself, and give me a chance for better opportunities,” Green said. “The certifications have helped me out a lot.”

VP of Workforce Development for Holmes Community College, Dr. Mike Blankenship, stated, “Holmes is proud to offer such an all-inclusive, interactive program which will allow students to embark on successful careers while contributing to our state’s infrastructure.”

As more industries invest in Mississippi and new opportunities emerge, this group of Reconnect graduates stand ready to lead the way—showing what’s possible when a state invests in its people and believes in their potential.

AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions, AccelerateMS effectuates positive change, creating sustained individual, community, and statewide economic prosperity.