Everybody loves a comeback. It’s a compelling story when anyone sets a goal and achieves it. Otherwise, why would there be so many Rocky movies? Seriously. There are six.
If you’re unemployed right now, have a job but you’d like to move ahead, or simply want a change, there are lots of opportunities in the Golden Triangle to stage your own comeback.
All of our local educational institutions are quickly adapting to provide more accessible distance methods and offer online options for existing and new programs. Most of these programs can be completed while still working.
Here are some places to find out more information:
EMCC
EMCC’s Workforce Services division offers several programs in a combination online and lab-based format, for flexibility, for anyone wishing to enter the health care field. Courses starting in July include Pharmacy Technician, Medical Coding, Phlebotomy and Certified Nursing Assistant. Contact EMCC Workforce Services at 662.243.2686.
For manufacturing programs with a quick turnaround, the Workforce Services division offers a number of certifications and courses. These programs are designed to supply existing manufacturers and have flexible online and hands on training options. Manufacturing Skills Basic, Composites, OSHA Certifications, GEDs and more industry-specific options are available. Contact the Communiversity at 662.243.1803.
MUW
The W’s Office for Education and Outreach offers courses for anyone interested in entering the teaching profession. Mississippi has suspended testing requirements for teacher licenses until next year. People with degrees or credit towards degrees may now be qualified for a teaching license in Mississippi without taking the PRAXIS or any required exam, and can work towards their certification. Call 662-329-7191 or visit www.muw.edu/teacher.
The W also offers a number of online or blended options ranging from professional business certificates to doctoral nursing degrees. For more information on MUW’s online programs, visit https://www.muw.edu/online.
Mississippi State University
MSU is offering their Summer Advantage Online program, where they’ve streamlined online course offerings from nearly every discipline in their institution. For more information, visit https://www.msstate.edu/summer.
MSU recently signed agreements with a number of community colleges, including EMCC, to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. This pathway is intended for adults who have completed a technical associate’s degree program through a community college or the military and need additional education to advance their careers. This degree can be earned through distance or in-person classes, with the flexibility to keep you on track no matter where you’re learning. Visit www.msstate.edu/students/bachelor-of-applied-science to learn more.
There are scholarship options for all of these programs utilizing existing WIOA funds and new funds from the Education Stabilization Fund created by the CARES Act. There is a tremendous amount of support available in the form of scholarships, grants and dedicated staff whose passion it is to help people reach their potential. Many of these programs are offered at no cost to the student.
And just for a little added motivation, the chart pictured shows some average pay data for a few of the major employment sectors in the Golden Triangle for which programs and training are available.
If you’ve been considering moving up, now may be the time to get some extra help starting.
When you move into a better job, you also create an opportunity for someone to move into your old job. Achieving your own goals also paves a way for someone else to follow the same path forward. Moving people up the wage ladder is what we’re trying to do every day by creating opportunities that provide stable, long-term careers.
If you’re still not sure, watch Rocky IV. That should do it.
Macaulay Whitaker is the chief operating officer for the Golden Triangle LINK.
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