Serving Those Who Served: A Veteran’s Quick Path to Employment
Mr. Phillip Durbin visited the Tupelo WIN Job Center on January 6, 2026, where staff referred him to the Veteran Employment Coordinator (VEC) based on his responses to the VEC Eligibility Screening Tool. During their first meeting, the VEC introduced Mr. Durbin to the JVSG program, explained the services available, and conducted a comprehensive assessment […]
L Hudson: “Through This Apprenticeship Program, I Have Been Able to Rewrite My Future”
My name is Landon Hudson, and my apprenticeship journey started in an unconventional way. My primary caretaker, my grandmother, passed away unexpectedly in July of 2022. Before her death, she instilled in me that my academic commitment would be the means to escaping the stark reality of being another statistic. I graduated from high school […]
M baswell: “Skills the High School Version of Myself Would Have Called Science Fiction”
My apprenticeship began on June 10th, 2024, and it has been one of the best decisions of my life. Hago Automotive has an incredible program. When I complete this program, I will have two degrees and four years of maintenance experience. My apprenticeship has helped me to achieve several personal milestones, as well as develop […]
N. Henderson: Turning a Vague Idea Into a Defined Plan: My Hago Apprenticeship
My experience with the HAGO apprenticeship has been both transformative and deeply rewarding. When I first joined the program, I just graduated high school, still exploring my strengths and trying to determine a clear professional direction. I had ambition and curiosity, but I lacked structured guidance and real-world exposure. This apprenticeship became the bridge between […]
Jaxson Laster: “A Jump Start Into Adult Life”: Jaxson Laster’s Logistics Journey
Hello, my name is Jaxson Laster, and my life started off just like a lot of other seniors in high school who did not know exactly what they wanted to do with their future. I was at a point in my life where I was still trying to figure things out and find the right […]
E. Long: Earning While I Learn: Unlocking Opportunities at Hago
Joining the apprenticeship has been one of the best opportunities for me. It gave me the chance to learn real skills on the job and gain knowledge that will help me in my career. I’ve grown a lot since starting and not only in my work abilities but also in my confidence. Before the program […]
How Airbus is Engineering the Next Generation of Aviation Talent
As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 approaches, the spotlight shines on Airbus Helicopters in Columbus, MS and its commitment to building a robust, local workforce. In less than a year, the Airbus Registered Apprenticeship program has transformed from a strategic goal into a thriving community of skilled technicians.
Skills That Matter: How Singing River Turned My Passion into a Career
Bryan Styron is nothing short of the definition of determined. He came to the apprenticeship wanting to transfer departments from food service to begin his career with patient care. He excelled through the program, always willing to put in the work. Bryan’s spirit and love for people radiated from him everywhere he went. Since being […]
JerNeka Laird: Rising Through Singing River’s Medical Apprenticeship
JerNeka Laird is a dedicated Registered Medical Assistant with a strong foundation in patient-centered care and clinical support. Originally from Mount Olive, Mississippi, she relocated to Gulfport in 2022 to continue advancing her medical career. A graduate of Prentiss High School (Class of 2016) and Pearl River Community College (Class of 2020), JerNeka completed her […]
MDES Workforce Services Facilitates Rapid Employment for U.S. Army Veteran
In August 2025, U.S. Army Veteran Amari Horton visited the Meridian WIN Job Center seeking immediate employment to support his wife and three daughters. Through the Mississippi Department of Employment Security’s (MDES) Workforce Services and the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) program, he received targeted, individualized assistance. Following eligibility determination, Amari was referred to […]
MDES and JVSG Support Veteran’s Journey from Employment to Entrepreneurship
In 2024, U.S. Army Veteran La Tasha Powell began working with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) through a referral from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. After establishing eligibility at the Pascagoula WIN Job Center, she was connected with Veteran Employment Coordinator (VEC), Mr Chris Kaster, for […]
From Determination to Success: Pamela Cummings’ Journey to a Fulfilling Career
Pamela Cummings, a U.S. Navy veteran, embarked on a new journey with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) through the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program. Referred by the Veterans Administration, Pamela connected with Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist, Christopher Kaster, on March 7, 2024, at the Gulfport WIN Job Center. Driven by a […]
John Reece Jackson Ag Pilot Apprenticeship Program
View Video Here John Reece Jackson was one of the rising stars in the first class of the Ag Pilot Apprentices in Delta State University’s (DSU) Aerial Applicator Pilot Certification Program. Jackson, now a flight operator who flew corn runs in Idaho this past summer, earned both his instrument and commercial ratings as well as […]
H&M Construction Apprentice Success Story: Carlos
As a participating company, H & M Construction is committed to providing apprentices with a supportive learning environment, hands-on training, and mentorship opportunities. By understanding the importance…
Building Trust Leads to Success
The Jobs for Veterans State Grant Program’s main initiative is to assist veteran clients with a variety of barriers to assist them in becoming employment ready. The case management for these clients can be quick and short term or extensive as well as long-term.
Registered Apprenticeship Success Story: Westlake
Apprenticeship program success stories help us promote the tremendous value that these programs bring to employers, employees, and job seekers. Keep reading for the answers from a recent success story: a Senior Training Specialist at Westlake.
Registered Apprenticeship Success Story: School of Champions Development & Learning Academy
Apprenticeship program success stories help us promote the tremendous value that these programs bring to employers, employees, and job seekers. Keep reading for the answers from a recent success story: a Teach Assistant Apprentice from our RA Partner School of Champion.
Registered Apprenticeship Success Story: AA Calibration
Apprenticeship program success stories help us promote the tremendous value that these programs bring to employers, employees, and job seekers. Keep reading for the answers from a recent success story from the owner of AA Calibration, Mr. White.
Registered Apprenticeship Success Story: Singing River
Apprenticeship program success stories help us promote the tremendous value that these programs bring to employers, employees, and job seekers. Keep reading for the answers from a recent success story: a new LPN apprentice from the new RA program at Singing River.
How Registered Apprenticeship Led Me From Black History to Black Opportunity
In 2006, as an apprentice construction craft laborer in Milwaukee, I helped build one of the I-43 underpasses on Fond Du Lac Avenue. The bridge is well known throughout Wisconsin for the murals that adorn it, including one that tells the story of a man named Joshua Glover.
Tonya Campbell’s Success Story
Tonya Campbell, an apprentice with Innovative Systems Group (ISG), discusses ISG’s Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (ISG-CAP) that has been registered and certified by both ApprenticeshipNC and the U.S. Department of Labor. This program is also registered in Mississippi. Innovative Systems Group (ISG), based in Raleigh, N.C., has offered an effective and ground-breaking registered apprenticeship program in […]
Judaline Cassidy’s Success Story
Judaline Cassidy is a feminist plumber, an activist for tradeswomen, and a public speaker. A native of the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago, Judaline was among the first three women selected to learn plumbing at the John Donaldson Technical Institute of Trinidad, which is now known as the University of Trinidad and Tobago. Judaline […]
Shannon Tymosko’s Success Story
Shannon Tymosko, based in proximity to Toronto, Canada, is an apprentice electrician, and an advocate, educator, and ambassador for women in the skilled trades. She is an active leader in KickAss Careers–a Canadian-based organization dedicated to bringing education, resources, and encouragement to women interested in working in a skilled trade. She was introduced to the […]
Keesler Federal Credit Union: Adding Value to Mississippi’s Workforce
Keesler Federal Credit Union and MAP Celebrate the Graduating Apprenticeship Class of 2020 The Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program at Keesler Federal Credit Union (Keesler) creates career advancement opportunities for its employees using a unique approach to learning that is the first-of-its-kind for the financial sector in Mississippi. The program, which launched in 2018 in partnership […]
MGCCC and Halter Marine launch shipbuilding apprenticeship program
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College News Release MGCCC and Halter Marine launch shipbuilding apprenticeship program Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Halter Marine held an Apprenticeship Orientation Session on September 1 at Halter Marine in Pascagoula. Fifty shipbuilding apprentices began the program, with 10 in each of five programs that include electrical, welding, pipe welding, […]