A Workforce Empowered: Hancock County’s Pathways to Economic Excellence

As the home of historic milestones and space-age innovations, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our region is an icon for strategic location and world-class infrastructure. But ask today’s business leaders what truly sets Hancock County apart, and their answer is clear: our people.  

Why? Because we’ve been intentional about creating a diverse, highly skilled, and adaptable workforce that has proven time and time again to be a true difference maker for companies when it comes to innovation and problem-solving. 

Understanding that power and significance, we continue to spearhead efforts today to ensure our competitive edge only grows smarter, stronger, and ready to tackle what’s next. Whether it be through partnerships, innovative training programs, or investments that align education with industry, let’s take a look at how HCPHC is helping build a workforce to be reckoned with. 

Connecting Careers with Commerce 

A roadblock for many companies is not having the means to improve their hiring pool at the source. That’s why one of the most effective and unique ways we strengthen our workforce today is through Hancock County Workforce Partners meetings.  

This open forum brings together leaders in education and industry, from school and university educators and business representatives to community advocates. Together, they identify workforce challenges, share ideas, and develop solutions collaboratively. No silos. No radio silence. Just everyone in the same room, working side by side to enhance training for students and workforce options for employers. 

It’s an important alignment tool that closes the gap between our schools and industries. Based on the discussions in these meetings, school leaders can adjust curricula to address feedback from employers, ensuring that what’s taught in the classroom actually matches what’s needed in the workplace.  

Blazing Forward with Career Technical Education  

Every good workforce accelerator needs an institution dedicated to helping high school students make the leap from K-12 curricula to career-oriented development. For us, that’s the Hancock High School Career Technical Center (CTC).  

CTE Career Pathways include: 

• Precision Machining 

• Culinary Arts 

• Law and Public Safety 

• Health Science 

• Education Prep 

• Hydrography 

• Automotive 

• Engineering 

• Work-Based Learning 

• Welding 

• Early Childhood Education  

• Architecture & Drafting 

• Unmanned Aerial Systems  

Standout programs like hydrography show how students are gaining career-ready skills in high-demand, specialized fields. The addition of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) track is also preparing graduates for jobs in drone technology, which is an industry projected to see rapid growth and strong earning potential. 

The Career Coach Initiative 

Technical training is only one factor that impacts workforce readiness. For students to have the confidence and competence to pursue career goals in the first place, they also need the mentorship to help them see what’s possible. That’s where the Accelerate MS Career Coach Program comes in.   

Through this industry-guided outreach, Accelerate MS ensures that young people have access to dedicated and informed career guidance as they explore options and prepare for their next steps beyond high school. 

“HCPHC has fostered a culture of collaboration that links our students with industries. The impact on our students’ futures is immeasurable.” – Vanessa Chatelain, Hancock High School Career Coach 

Today, our coaches serve as both mentors and advocates, helping students understand their strengths while developing essential skills for the working world, like resume writing, interview preparation, and professionalism. They also help connect students with real opportunities, whether through internships, job shadowing, or local career fairs. 

This personal touch makes a measurable difference. And for us, it’s a critical linchpin between education and industry, ensuring that students don’t just graduate with knowledge but also with connections, experiences, and a clear vision for where they want to go next.  

Statewide Support via AccelerateMS 

When it comes to workforce development, Hancock County doesn’t work in a vacuum. State-level partners like AccelerateMS (Mississippi’s leading workforce development bureau) amplify our local efforts by giving residents training pathways aligned with our evolving economy. 

The AccelerateMS program focuses on aligning education, training, and economic development to help communities remain competitive for high-paying jobs across our state. Through grant programs, industry research, and statewide initiatives, their bureau helps identify skills gaps in our most important sectors and invests in the tools needed to close them.  

For Hancock County, this means our local programs gain the resources to scale faster, adapt to industry needs, and expand opportunities for students and job seekers alike. 

Plus, we are better able to maximize our results, whether we’re equipping classrooms with advanced training tools, supporting specialized programs like hydrography and UAS, or providing talent to emerging industries like aerospace. 

Mobile Training Resources 

Accessibility is key to empowering any workforce. And in a county as dynamic as Hancock, it’s important that training can meet people where they are.  

To improve access for all residents, Pearl River Community College (PRCC) launched a 52-foot Mobile Training Trailer, which is essentially a state-of-the-art classroom on wheels. Outfitted with smart screens, electrical and pneumatic tools, and climate control, the trailer is capable of delivering hands-on training directly to local communities, schools, and worksites. 

Not only does this approach give technical educators more flexibility. It also makes upskilling and career advancement more inclusive and responsive to the community’s needs. Students who may not be able to travel long distances for specialized courses can still gain industry-relevant skills close to home.  

For employers, it means faster, more targeted training opportunities, whether they need current workers to adapt to new technology or are onboarding fresh talent who may need additional education in select disciplines. Beyond all of this, though, our mobile training lab ensures that no corner of Hancock County is left behind as our region evolves.  

Advanced and Specialized Training Programs 

Training comes in all shapes and forms, from entry-level knowledge all the way up to niche and technical career skills. So in addition to general industry training, we are also investing in programs that prepare students for advanced roles in our region’s most cutting-edge industries: 

• Precision Machining & Robotics: In 2024, we provided $10,000 in matching funds for a new lathe at the Hancock County Career and Technical Center, and $3,000 for the school’s robotics team to strengthen advanced manufacturing skills and hands-on learning.  

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Training: Through partnerships with CTC and PRCC, Hancock County launched one of Mississippi’s first UAS programs. With salaries ranging from $60K–$100K annually, graduates are set for success in our expanding aerospace, defense, and commercial sectors. 

• Hydrography Programs: PRCC’s Hancock Campus now offers an associate degree in hydrography, developed with support from NOARC. Students there gain valuable field experience and can continue advanced studies at USM, entering careers with salaries from $50K–$80K. In addition, Hancock High School has added a hydrography CTE program that now provides a head start for younger students.  

  
  

Aviation & Aerospace Workforce Academy 

One of the most exciting workforce investments made in our region is Pearl River Community College’s new state-of-the-art Aviation & Aerospace Workforce Academy, which is located just steps from Stennis International Airport. The 36,000-sq.-ft. facility includes an 18,000-sq.-ft. hangar and provides training programs tailored to the work being carried out by Mississippi’s aerospace industries. 

With a regional demand for 582+ aerospace-related jobs projected, PRCC’s academy is a critical pipeline for producing new talent and advancing mid-career professionals. The academy’s first semester of classes started in August 2024, and it continues today, positioning our region as a leading hub for aerospace workforce development. 

Fire Up Your Future Here 

Together, our initiatives continue to reinforce Hancock County’s commitment to preparing residents for the industries of tomorrow, all while ensuring our companies have the skilled workforce today that they need to thrive. For businesses, this means continued access to a dynamic talent pipeline and an environment designed for seismic growth. For individuals, it means having realistic pathways to building rewarding careers that match their aspirations.  

If you’re looking for a place to grow your business or build your career, Hancock County is the perfect place to launch from. Learn more about our quality of life online or contact us for more information.