AccelerateMS and Hinds Community College Forge Model Workforce Partnership to Power Mississippi’s Infrastructure Growth

  Ginger Robbins, VP, Workforce Development Dr. Courtney Taylor, Executive Director, AccelerateMS

  and Governmental Affairs, Hinds CC 

AccelerateMS, Mississippi’s lead office for workforce development strategy and coordination, and Hinds Community College, on Friday, established a strategic partnership designed to set a new statewide standard for how Mississippi supports new, expanding, and existing industries.

The announcement, held at the Hinds Community College Jackson Campus, was attended by local and state leaders, workforce and education professionals, and representatives from key Mississippi industries.

The collaboration focuses on addressing critical workforce shortages in the construction and industrial trades — professions essential to building the infrastructure powering Mississippi’s regional and statewide growth. Through the agreement, the two organizations will jointly develop and deliver high-quality, industry-aligned training opportunities that prepare Mississippians for priority occupations identified by the State Workforce Investment Board, AccelerateMS and employer partners.

“This partnership is setting the tone for how we do workforce development in Mississippi,” said Courtney Taylor, executive director of AccelerateMS. “We’re not just responding to industry demand — we’re anticipating it. By aligning resources and focusing on what truly matters to our state’s economy, we’re building the human capital infrastructure Mississippi needs to grow. The collaboration with Hinds ensures we’re filling gaps, not duplicating efforts, and that we’re ready to meet the needs of the industries driving our future.”

Under the agreement, AccelerateMS will provide labor market intelligence, recruitment support and employer engagement to ensure programs align with current and future industry needs. Hinds Community College will serve as the region’s primary educational and training partner, providing instruction, credentialing support and performance tracking for new and expanded programs.

The partnership’s initial focus areas include plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC and electrical work, with an emphasis on short-term, customized and incumbent worker training.

“This partnership will not only enhance personal economic mobility but also strengthen the local workforce, attract industry investment and contribute to regional economic growth,” said Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik. “By better aligning education with labor market needs, the College moves toward realizing our vision – to be a catalyst in creating a competitive economy and compelling culture for Mississippi.”

Together, AccelerateMS and Hinds are demonstrating what coordinated, efficient and data-driven workforce development looks like in practice — one that reduces duplication, fills critical gaps and maximizes the return on public investment.

“This partnership exemplifies how we want to do business across the state,” Taylor said. “When we combine the state’s workforce strategy engine with proven delivery partners, Mississippi becomes a model for how talent and industry grow together.”

About AccelerateMS

AccelerateMS serves the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies to connect individuals with transformative, high-paying careers. By leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that share complementary missions, AccelerateMS creates sustained individual, community and statewide economic prosperity.

About Hinds Community College

With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities through academic programs that lead to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.