JACKSON, Miss. – September 17, 2025 – Twenty graduates completed the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA) program this week at Hinds Community College’s Jackson Campus, gaining the skills and credentials needed to launch careers in Mississippi’s growing infrastructure workforce.
The four-week, paid training program prepares participants for careers in the critical infrastructure trades that build, connect, power, and operate the systems driving the digital economy. The program is a collaboration between Hinds Community College, AccelerateMS, South Central Mississippi Works, and Build Mississippi with support from industry partners across the state.
This was the third I2PA cohort in Mississippi and the first at Hinds Community College, drawing more than 1,300 applications statewide. The strong response highlights the demand for workforce training that connects Mississippians to high-skill, high-wage careers.
Angela Crain, Mississippi ReConnect and STEP project manager with the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, said the graduates’ growth over the four weeks was remarkable.
“It has been a true joy watching these students grow — from shy and quiet individuals to a bonded, supportive team,” Crain said. “Their transformation into a family, encouraging one another every step of the way, has been inspiring. This has truly been my favorite cohort so far.”
As part of graduation week, students took part in a Career Networking Event that brought together 11 industry partners: Gray Construction, Entergy, Upchurch, Lightwave Construction, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Codaray Construction, Yates Construction, MMR Group Inc., Eaton and Nissan, along with program partner AWS. The event gave graduates the chance to connect directly with employers seeking workers in infrastructure and data center operations.
For Hunter Gibson, the program provided a much-needed next step after finishing high school in 2023.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot of new things,” Gibson said. “I graduated from high school in 2023 and really hadn’t done much with my life, so this has been a learning process. I’ve gained skills in teamwork and patience, and now I’m ready to see where life takes me.”
Jaiden Taylor said the past four weeks pushed him to aim higher and expect more of himself.
“I feel very pleased, seeing the fruits of my labor,” Taylor said. “The last four weeks have been very intriguing and knowledgeable. My instructors taught me to never settle — set the bar high and expect nothing less than excellence. This has truly been a life-changing opportunity.”
For Jamond Bradley, the program introduced him to new skills and career paths he had never considered.
“I learned things I never knew before — especially fiber optics,” Bradley said. “It’s amazing how something so small can control so much data. This program gave me confidence and opened a door to a better career.”
Graduates leave with industry-recognized credentials, including OSHA-10 and I2PA, and job opportunities with employers in the region.
About AccelerateMS
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.
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