Photo by Jackson State Community College
Eight students completed the Jackson State Community College (JSCC) UpSkill Mid-South Grant training last week, earning credentials to help them enter the workforce or make career changes. Successful completion of the curriculum creates a pathway toward the college’s Engineering Systems Technology program.
“We’re very proud of this first cohort of students, who stuck with it through this accelerated program to earn industry-recognized credentials and giving them a head start on a career-ready degree at Jackson State,” said Tom Pigg, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions. “The program speaks for itself, providing a no-cost solution to participants, earning credentials such as OSHA 30, FANUC Certified Robot Operator, and more.”
With the success of the first cohort of students resulting in several participants matriculating into the college’s degree programs, the partnership with UpSkill Mid-South has been extended to sponsor a second cohort, providing funding to cover participants’ course fees. This second cohort will begin August 26, offering evening classes three nights a week for 14 weeks, allowing participants to work around their daily work schedules.
The 14-week, 225-hour training will provide participants with essential skills to be successful in the workforce. Some subjects covered from the ten classes include:
- Work Ethic certification
- Digital skills (file management, software applications, communication, internet navigation/safety, data analytics, generative AI, cybersecurity)
- OSHA 30 safety training for general industry
- Tool Identification
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
As part of the training, students will also be eligible to roll training hours into up to 15 hours of college course credit towards JSCC’s Engineering Systems Technology degree.
Eligibility
- Individuals over 18 who are unemployed.
- Individuals who are underemployed, earning less than $15 per hour and work 30 hours or less per week.
- Must reside in West Tennessee, Northern Mississippi, and Northwestern Arkansas regions.
To receive additional information and be considered for the UpSkill Workforce Readiness Program, complete the form at //jscc.edu/upskillinfo or email workforce@jscc.edu.
