WORKFORCE
Hancock County has a diverse and skilled workforce that supports a variety of industries. This deep talent pool propels the county's economic growth and attracts businesses seeking qualified employees.
Through our state and local partnerships, our collaboration informs leads to the development of up-to-date curriculum that trains students for the evolving trends and skillsets needed by our industries.
DIVERSE CAREER PATH DESIGNED
FOR THE GLOBAL FUTURE
The Hancock High School Career Technical Center is a cornerstone of our community's workforce development. By offering specialized training in a variety of in-demand fields, the center equips students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's competitive job market. These programs not only prepare students for higher education but also provide a direct pathway to rewarding careers.
Through hands-on learning and industry partnerships, the center fosters a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, empowering students to become valuable contributors to our local economy.
INDUSTRY SPECIFIC TRAINING
REAL-WORLD
LEARNING
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
CTE programs offer hands-on training industry-standard equipment and practices, aligning with current workforce demands. Students explore pathways in areas like advanced manufacturing healthcare, information technology, and business management, gaining the skills employers seek.
The CTE experience goes beyond textbooks. Students participate in internships, job shadowing opportunities, and industry guest speaker sessions. This exposure connects classroom learning to real-world applications, solidifying their understanding and boosting their confidence.
These programs provide a strong foundation for students to further their education at a community college or university. They also equip graduates with the necessary skills and training to enter the workforce directly, giving them a competitive edge in the regional job market.
CTE CAREER PATHWAYS
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS
HEALTH
SCIENCE
METAL FABRICATION & MANUFACTURING FUNDAMENTALS
POLYMER
SCIENCE
HOTEL AND RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT
ENGINEERING​
ARCHITECTURE DRAFTING AND
DESIGN​​
HYDROGROPHY
CAREER COACH
The Mississippi Career Coach Initiative is a statewide effort to help create pathways into the regional workforce. Our high school career coaches provide personalized guidance to help students explore career options, develop resumes and interview skills, and connect with local businesses for internships and job shadowing opportunities. This innovative program equips graduates with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their post-secondary goals, whether it's college, trade schools, or immediate employment.
NOT A SCHOOL EMPLOYEE
Student success extends beyond the classroom. Our innovative career coaching program provides dedicated mentors who are independent of the school system. This allows them to focus solely on the student's future. With undivided attention, these coaches empower students to chart a clear path towards their unique post-graduation goals.
MENTORING
Navigating the path after high school can feel overwhelming for students. Our career coaches are placed inside the local high schools to guide and support students. These dedicated professionals become trusted mentors, helping students explore their interests, identify strengths, and develop a personalized roadmap for the future.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Our career coaches go beyond resume workshops and interview prep. They leverage their local industry connections to provide students with real-world insights. From job shadowing at leading businesses to career fairs, our coaches help students explore diverse career paths and build connections that can jump-start their future success.
BRIDGING THE GAP
Our career coaches are dedicated to aligning Mississippi's workforce with the demands of today's job market. By identifying local industry needs, they create innovative programs that equip students and professionals with the skills necessary for success. For example, our coaches have piloted a robotics team at the high school to cultivate STEM talent.
PROPELLING PARTNERSHIPS
Hancock County is committed to ensuring education directly addresses the evolving demands of today's and tomorrow's industries. We are actively shaping a workforce equipped with the in-demand skills necessary to drive economic growth and innovation by collaborating new relationships between educators and local industries.
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Led by the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, the Hancock County Workforce Partners Meeting creates a forum for existing industry to openly discuss workforce challenges and needs with our local educators. By bridging the gap between schools and the workplace, we are creating a dynamic workforce that propels the county's economic success.
ACCELERATE MS
AccelerateMS is the leading office for workforce development strategy and delivery in Mississippi. Their mission is to connect Mississippians to economic opportunities by expanding best practices in workforce readiness and career training, ensuring that every worker in the state can compete for high-paying, in-demand jobs of the future.
They strive to align educational, training, and economic development initiatives, positioning Mississippi and its residents for diverse, productive, and well-paying employment. If you’re looking to transform Mississippi’s workforce, AccelerateMS is a valuable resource to explore.
SKILLS TRAINING DELIVERED ANYWHERE
Pearl River Community College's mobile training trailer is a fully equipped, self-contained classroom on wheels. At 52 feet long, it provides ample space for students to learn in a comfortable and engaging environment. Powered by either a diesel generator or shore power, the trailer can operate independently or be connected to an external power source. Equipped with heating and air conditioning, it ensures a pleasant learning experience regardless of the weather.
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Inside, the trailer features training tables and seating, allowing for flexible classroom configurations. A large 60-inch smart screen computer provides access to a variety of educational resources and tools. For hands-on training, the trailer is equipped with 110 and 208 volt electrical outlets, as well as an air compressor and quick connects for pneumatic tools.
