Upskilling the Future of Mississippi’s Workforce

In Mississippi, where the active workforce stands at over 1.2 million, state and local officials concentrate on building a reliable professional pathway to connect its workers to fast-growing industries in need of skilled talent. As the nation recovers from pandemic-related loss and help wanted signs continue to occupy storefront windows and billboards on local highways, the need for help doesn’t go unnoticed.

The state’s leading industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, food and beverage, automotive, distribution and logistics, forestry, energy and chemicals. These sectors depend on a copious pipeline of skilled talent, especially as new companies move in to set up operations. Though as quickly as days pass by, unabating innovations sweep through these industries, often throwing a wrench at fresh-faced talent entering the workforce. In other words, companies hold a pivotal role in providing insight to immerging needs for upskilling new and existing employees. Collaboration from industry partners to state and local institutions and organizations is key to the longevity of a profitable business ecosystem.

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