Mississippi Power partnering with Workforce Alliance to host job fairs

More than 300 people participated in the first two Workforce Alliance career training fairs for 2014 recently held in Bay St. Louis and Wiggins.

Fair attendees spoke with local and regional union representatives about the 13 union crafts apprenticeship programs available in areas such as electrical, welding, pipefitting and carpentry.

The Workforce Alliance is a partnership between Mississippi Power, The Central Mississippi Trade Union, The Gulf Coast Building & Trade Council, local community action agencies and other community-based organizations throughout our service area.

Last year and more than 4,000 people attended career fairs hosted by the Workforce Alliance. The fairs resulted in more than 1,100 individuals passing drug screening, receiving OSHA 10 certifications and having the opportunity to enter into apprenticeship programs with local construction unions.

“We understand this year’s turnout will be smaller, as we’re moving into areas with smaller populations,” said Frank Magee, community development engagement representative for Mississippi Power. “However, we wanted to provide these areas with opportunities to participate as well and the community support has been great.”

The group is working to expand their efforts by reaching out to additional community partners including WIN Job Centers, community colleges, the Port of Gulfport, Northrop Grumman and others with employment needs.

“The feedback from the unions and the community has been great,” said Magee. “The fairs let people in the area know about opportunities that are available. We want them to know it’s not always necessary to get a college degree to make a good living and be able to support a family.”

The only requirements for the training program are a high school diploma or a GED and to pass the drug screening.

Six career fairs will be held in 2014 by the alliance, and while the schedule for the year is not yet complete, the next career fairs will be:

Feb. 22

John the Baptist Missionary Baptist Church

500 Lumberton Road, Columbia

9 – 11 a.m.

March 8

New Faith Missionary Baptist Church

4624 Meridian Street, Moss Point

9 – 11 a.m.