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.