ELLISVILLE – Progress is the name of the game this summer for the metalworking programs at Jones County Junior College. The college now houses one of only three Advanced Manufacturing Centers for Excellence in the state. New equipment has been delivered to the college, and nationally certified instructors at JCJC will use it to deliver advanced skills training in metalworking.

This upgrade is all part of a new regional initiative called ‘Make Things Happen’, which provides advanced training in machining, welding, and pipefitting. A marketing campaign was launched in the southern part of the state to stimulate interest in these core areas. Television and radio commercials, newspaper ads, brochures, tradeshow displays, and a website aim to inform south Mississippi residents about the career opportunities available in metalworking at their local community colleges.

JCJC Academic Dean Dr. Shannon Campbell serves as the director of this initiative for the college. “There are tremendous career opportunities for Mississippians in metalworking. Our friends in industry need these advanced skill-sets in their companies right now. We are working hard to get the word out about this initiative,” said Campbell. “When you see the commercials or the ads for ‘Make Things Happen’, remember that’s us. We are now accepting students in these areas.”

The funding for the program upgrades comes from a Department of Labor grant called WIRED Momentum. The grant is overseen by a steering committee in cooperation with the Mississippi Momentum initiative. Pearl River Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are partnering with JCJC in this effort.

“The ‘Make Things Happen’ initiative has a lot of brain power attached to it. It’s a regional effort that includes three colleges, highly-respected industry leadership, and multiple state agencies,” said Campbell. “It’s our responsibility as a college to work with industry leaders to provide top-notch solutions to our communities. ‘Make Things Happen’ serves as an excellent example of that,” she concluded.

The grant provided the participating colleges with equipment upgrades to meet the new requirements for the Advanced Manufacturing Centers for Excellence. Two new computer numeric control (CNC) machines were delivered to JCJC’s Industrial Services Building this week. This upgrade will give students advance training on industry standard equipment. Enrolled students will utilize this new machinery to gain NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) certification, which is recognized throughout the United States.

Career and Technical Dean Candace Weaver believes the upgrade gives the college a boost in the eyes of industry. “If we can train our students effectively, they will enter the workforce ready to produce results. From an economic development perspective, this initiative will help with filling a critical need in our current workforce. ‘Make Things Happen’ is providing solutions for industry,” said Weaver.

“Jerry Hamm and James Jones, our machining instructors, are both NIMS certified with a combined experience of at least 30 years. This experience combined with the latest machinery upgrades will give Jones graduates a competitive edge in the workforce,” Weaver concluded.

Interested individuals can contact the college for program information at 601.477.4075 or visit www.jcjc.edu/makethingshappen.