Workforce

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Empowering Careers, Building Opportunities
Welcome to the Workforce Development webpage of South Central Mississippi Works (SCMW) Workforce Development Area. Our mission is to enhance the skills and employability of individuals across our expansive 17-county service area.

We connect Mississippians to good jobs and employers to the right people. That means creating new pathways to higher wages, higher skills, and higher-demand jobs.

Better training builds better careers. Therefore, we collaborate with employers, community colleges, training centers, and high schools to equip job seekers with in-demand skills. We embrace technology to make training more accessible and meaningful. Our Job Centers and Career Coaches present new possibilities and maintain motivation – because big steps require both direction and courage.

South Central Mississippi Works does much more than fill openings. We build opportunity. That is our work. We are committed to doing it right and doing right by our job seekers, industries, communities, and students.

Our Role and Partnerships
In collaboration with the Southwest MS Planning and Development District, CMPDD serves as the administrative entity and fiscal agent for the region. We administer and oversee federally-funded workforce services and activities, aligning with the guidelines set forth in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014.

As a central and southern Mississippi workforce hub, SCMW operates through a network of seven strategically located WIN Job Centers in Jackson, Pearl, Vicksburg, Canton, Brookhaven, McComb, and Natchez.

Collaborative Approach
At CMPDD, we recognize that workforce development is a collective effort. Our partnerships with various agencies, including AccelerateMS, local Community Colleges, Mississippi Departments of Employment Security, Rehabilitation Services, Human Services, and the Mississippi Development Authority, enable us to offer a comprehensive array of services. We also actively engage with local economic developers to align our efforts with regional economic growth strategies.

Unlocking Potential, Building Skills
At South Central Mississippi Works, we believe in the transformative power of training. Our training opportunities, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), are designed to empower individuals to enhance their job skills, acquire certifications, and thrive in today’s competitive job market. These programs also offer a valuable resource for employers, allowing them to offset training costs for newly hired, unskilled, or under-skilled individuals, contributing to the development of a skilled and competitive workforce.

Key Services and Training Programs:

Career Services:
Description: Our Career Services program at South Central Mississippi Works is a comprehensive and personalized approach to guide individuals through every stage of their career journey. Whether you are starting your career, seeking a new opportunity, or considering a career change, our dedicated team is here to provide expert guidance and support.
Benefits: Our Career Services program is designed to empower job seekers with the tools and insights needed to navigate today’s dynamic job market. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take the next step in your career, we are committed to supporting your success.
Individual Training Accounts (ITAs):
Description: ITAs function as scholarships covering tuition and related expenses for individuals attending established occupational or career-tech training programs.
Benefits: Empowering individuals to pursue targeted training, enhancing their expertise and marketability in specific industries.
On-the-Job Training (OJT):
Description: OJT is an initiative that enables workers to acquire new skills while on the job. Employers benefit by receiving partial wage reimbursement for trainees during their learning period.
Benefits: Reducing training costs for employers and providing individuals with real-world, hands-on experience in their chosen field.
Internships:
Description: Eligible individuals are provided with the opportunity to gain limited paid work experience, facilitating a smooth transition to permanent unsubsidized employment.
Benefits: Bridging the gap between education and employment, allowing individuals to apply their skills in a professional setting.

Empowering Futures: The Career Coaching Program

Transformative Opportunities for High School Students
In an exciting development, the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its highly successful Career Coaching Program. This expansion, under the umbrella of Accelerate MS, is poised to bring transformative opportunities to an even broader group of high school students, preparing them for high-paying, in-demand careers.

Reach and Impact
SCMW has taken a proactive approach, deploying Career Coaches to 34 high schools in 16 school districts across the region. The school districts benefiting from this expansion include:

Madison County School District
Canton School District
Rankin County School District
Pearl Public Schools
Hinds County School District
Jackson Public Schools
Vicksburg-Warren County School District
Simpson County School District
Copiah County School District
Jefferson County School District
Adams County School District
Franklin County School District
Wilkinson County School District
Amite County School District
Pike County School District
Walthall County School District

Purpose and Impact
The Career Coaching Program is purpose-built to empower students by offering guidance and support in exploring, preparing for, and connecting with Mississippi’s most sought-after careers. Our dedicated Career Coaches provide invaluable insights into the needs of various industries while presenting the diverse training opportunities available through community colleges and universities.

This expansion marks a significant step towards equipping the future workforce with the skills and knowledge needed for success in today’s job market. CMPDD remains committed to fostering a dynamic and well-prepared workforce that will drive the economic prosperity of our communities.

Contact Information for Workforce Services
For any inquiries or questions related to WIOA services, activities, or programs, please feel free to contact:

Robin Parker
Workforce Director
Central Mississippi Planning and Development District
Telephone: (601) 981-1511
Email: rparker@cmpdd.org

We are here to assist you and provide the information you need to make the most of the workforce development opportunities available through WIOA. Feel free to reach out, and we look forward to helping you on your career journey.

SOUTHCENTRAL MISSISSIPPI WORKS
REQUEST FOR WIOA ELIGIBLE TRAINING PROVIDERS

The Southcentral Mississippi Works Local Workforce Development Area will be accepting applications between April 1, 2024 and April 15, 2024 from accredited career training organizations desiring to be certified to the Mississippi WIOA Eligible Training Provider’s List. Applications and related documents may be obtained from https://etpl.mdes.ms.gov/

Completed applications must be entered into the State’s online system no later than 4:00 p.m. April 15, 2024. For further information regarding this solicitation, contact Tom Meek at 601-321-2192.