Mendenhall, MS – A first-of-its-kind workforce training program is launching in Simpson County to help high school seniors and recent graduates gain the skills and credentials needed for high-demand careers in construction, HVAC, and fiber fusion splicing. This innovative initiative is a partnership between Copiah-Lincoln Community College, the Simpson County School District, and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD).
“We’re proud to work alongside our partners to bring this opportunity to Simpson County,” said Dr. Anika Floyd, Vice President of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Simpson County Center. “It reflects our shared commitment to student success, economic growth, and workforce development in our region.”
To introduce the program, an Information Session will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Multipurpose Room of the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Simpson County Center in Mendenhall, MS.
The no-cost pre-apprenticeship program provides young adults with:
· Hands-on training
· Industry-recognized certifications
· A $10/hour stipend during participation
Participants can enroll in Construction 101, Introduction to HVAC, and Fiber Fusion Splicing — all directly connected to Mississippi’s expanding information and communications infrastructure needs.
“Central Mississippi is seeing a surge in demand for skilled workers in infrastructure-related industries,” said Mike Monk, CEO of CMPDD. “This program is about preparing our students for the jobs of tomorrow — and those jobs are already here.”
Simpson County School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Sanders emphasized the importance of the initiative for local youth:
“Our goal as a district is to make sure every student leaves high school with a clear path to success — whether that’s college, technical training, or a good job,” said Dr. Sandars. “This partnership gives our students real-world skills, credentials, and connections that lead directly to high-demand careers right here in Mississippi. We’re proud to be part of a program that truly invests in our young people and our local economy.”
This new training program addresses both the workforce needs of a growing regional economy and the aspirations of students seeking strong career opportunities. By combining technical instruction, practical experience, and career coaching, the program aims to build a direct pipeline from education to employment.
“Workforce is always top-of-mind when we talk to companies considering Simpson County,” said Pat Brown, Economic Developer at the Simpson County Economic Development Foundation. “Programs like this not only equip our young people with valuable skills — they also make our region more competitive for future business investment. It’s a win-win for our students and our economy.”
Information Session:
Thursday, November 20, 2025 6:00 PM Copiah-Lincoln Community College – Simpson County Center Multipurpose Room 151 Co-Lin Drive, Mendenhall, MS 39114
For more information or to express interest in the program, visit http://scmw.info/Simpson or contact Shanijua Byrd, Career Coach at the CLCC Simpson County Center, at 601-849-0135.
