What a Year for Workforce Innovation in Mississippi

12/20/2024

2024 has been a landmark year for Mississippi’s workforce development, marked by transformative investments, groundbreaking training initiatives, and strategic partnerships. From billion-dollar corporate expansions to empowering students and career coaches, Mississippi has solidified its position as a leader in workforce innovation, fueling economic growth and creating opportunities for all. 

Early in the year, Governor Tate Reeves, the Mississippi Development Authority, and Amplify Cell Technologies announced of a $1.9 billion advanced battery cell production facility in Marshall County, projected to create 2,000 jobs with an average salary of $66,000. AccelerateMS, through its Talent Solutions effort, works alongside Amplify Cell Technologies, Northwest Mississippi Community College, and university partners to recruit and train employees for this venture with the first few hundred employees onboarded and experiencing necessary training to ensure they are prepared. We are ecstatic to continue building this partnership and endeavor for Mississippians to continue to have great opportunities. 

Shortly after, Amazon Web Services (AWS) unveiled a $10 billion investment to establish high-tech data centers in Madison County, bringing 1,000 high-paying jobs. The work to establish partnerships for this project began before the ink was dry and led to Holmes Community College hosting the first Information Infrastructure Pre-apprenticeship (I2PA) program in Mississippi, a host of programs by both Holmes and Hinds Community College as well as other partners to enhance available training for priority occupations, like Fiber Splicing Technicians. It also led to a consortium effort that resulted in an MS Reconnect Grant award to the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District in partnership these entities as well as Build Mississippi to enhance priority occupation training opportunities in the Metro region to impact occupations like plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and many others.  

Across the state, community colleges, universities, and private training providers are working to tackle priority sector training needs, thanks to the continued investment in these programs by the legislature and governor. Closing these gaps remains a priority for AccelerateMS and we cannot overstate the importance of the work being done by so many in every community across the state. Mississippi now has training for fiber splicers in every corner of the state; nursing programs are being expanded and established across Mississippi, additional electrician training programs are established, and many others. All leading to high paying jobs in Mississippi. 

Mississippi also made strides in K12 career technical education through the EquipMS Grant program, allocating $1.4 million to enhance career and technical education in 25 secondary CTE programs, aligning training with priority workforce sectors. At the helm of these efforts, Dr. Courtney Taylor assumed leadership as Executive Director of AccelerateMS, continuing to build on the foundation set by Ryan Miller.  

State Representative Donnie Bell earned national recognition for championing Mississippi’s career coach initiative, a program that connects students to tailored career pathways. This fall, the initiative expanded to include 203 coaches in 95% of public-school districts, supported by $15 million in state funding, benefiting thousands of students statewide. 

Collaborative efforts reached new heights with several key events. Mississippi Horizons Innovation and Strategy Symposium brought together nearly 700 leaders to shape the state’s workforce future. Additionally, AccelerateMS, with AWS and community college, university, and private training partners, spearheaded hands-on training and workshops, equipping students and workers with the skills needed for high-demand sectors like advanced manufacturing and fiber technology. 

To tackle workforce challenges, Gov. Reeves announced initiatives such as the Mississippi Apprenticeship Accelerator, aiming to develop 600 new apprenticeships, and Mississippi Reconnect, offering training for unemployed and underemployed residents. Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast Defense Industrial Base Workforce Summit addressed the critical need for skilled labor in defense manufacturing, ensuring Mississippi’s continued contribution to national defense. 

Mississippi also took steps to reduce recidivism through a $75,000 State IMPACT Collaborative grant awarded to AccelerateMS and MDES. This project focuses on tracking and improving employment outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals through workforce training. 

As the year closes, Mississippi’s workforce leaders can reflect with pride on the progress made. From empowering students to strengthening industries, these initiatives highlight the state’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. Looking ahead, these efforts set the stage for a thriving economy and a skilled, resilient workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. 

What’s next for Mississippi? If this year’s accomplishments are any indication, the future promises even greater achievements.