Page 108 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2025

Transforming the
Gulf Coast Economy
MGCCC’s Annual Workforce Summit Connects Education and Training to Industry Needs
story courtesy of MGCCC
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) will host its annual Workforce Summit on Friday, October 3, at the Jackson County Campus in Gautier, bringing together more than 100 industry leaders, educators, and workforce professionals to align education with the region’s evolving workforce needs.
Held each fall, the Workforce Summit provides a collaborative platform for career, technical, and workforce instructors and administrators to connect directly with business and industry partners. The event is designed to evaluate course content, report on graduate performance, and update the technical skills needed for student success in the local job market. Attendees also explore emerging technologies, discuss workforce challenges, and tour MGCCC’s advanced labs and training facilities.
“MGCCC is proud to serve as the connector between education and industry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said Dr. Jonathan Woodward, Vice President of Teaching & Learning and Community Campus. “This event is more than a meeting— it’s a working session where our partners help guide the development of our programs, ensuring students graduate with the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce and thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.”
Through this deep collaboration between MGCCC and its industry partners, the Workforce Summit plays a vital role in
transforming the Gulf Coast economy. By aligning training programs with current and future workforce demands, the college is equipping individuals with the tools they need to secure high-quality jobs in key sectors—fueling regional economic growth and long-term competitiveness.
One of the most valued aspects of the summit is the open dialogue it fosters between industry and education. Companies across the region are not only helping shape MGCCC’s training programs—they’re investing in the future workforce.
“At Bollinger, we’re not just building ships, we’re building the next generation of skilled welders, fitters and tradespeople that are defining America’s shipbuilding future,” said Allan Martin, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bollinger Shipyards. “Our partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is more than training—it’s a purpose- driven pathway to a meaningful career building the fleet that protects and powers our nation.”
Tours of MGCCC’s state-of-the-art labs offer attendees a first- hand look at how the college is integrating the latest tools and technology into its instruction, from welding simulators and robotics to virtual healthcare training.
To register for the 2025 Workforce Summit or for more information, visit mgccc.edu/summit.
108 | August 2025
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