Regional Workforce Training Center
Located in the Regional Workforce Training Center, the Workforce Development personnel provide a variety of services and act as liaisons between Southwest Mississippi Community College, the business community, and the workforce.
A team approach is used in offering business, industrial, workforce and basic skills training. Adult Basic Education (ABE) and High School Equivalency (HSE) free preparatory classes; Testing and Assessment services along with Pearson VUE testing; a Dropout/Educational Recovery Program; an Institute for Learning in Retirement program. All services are designed to serve incumbent and prospective members of the workforce, business and industry, and Southwest Mississippi Community College students.
WORKFORCE TRAINING
Southwest Mississippi Community College meets the business/industry and community educational and training needs through a variety of continuing education courses and other services for the workforce. These courses are not applicable to the Associate of Arts degree, the Associate of Applied Science degree, or the Certificate of Completion, nor are they transferrable. They are usually established as a result of the job-specific needs. Southwest Mississippi Community College facilities and personnel are available to any group which has an educational training need on the community college level.
Although these short term specific training courses are non-credit and not applicable to a degree from the college, they are offered to supplement or provide continuing education and training programs within business and industry. These courses are specifically designed for the purpose of upgrading the knowledge and skills of current or prospective business and industry employees.
An individual, association, or business group desiring business or industry related continuing education or training programs should contact Workforce Development in the Regional Workforce Training Center (RWTC). Classes may be held at the RWTC or at the place of business if enough interest exists. There may be some entrance requirements for the Workforce training courses. Anyone desiring to enroll in these courses may register through Workforce Development in the RWTC.
INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING IN RETIREMENT
Southwest Mississippi Community College’s Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR) offers classes for retirees or individuals over 50 years of age who are interested in combining learning with social activities. Members pay an annual fee and course fees as they are offered. The ILR is membership driven, giving participants an opportunity to plan educational and social events to meet their particular needs. For more information contact the Workforce Development Center in the RWTC.
CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS
Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) may be awarded to those taking non-credit training programs/activities that meet established guidelines. Appropriate approval for awarding CEU’s must be determined prior to the start of a program/activity. For more information contact the Workforce Development Center in the Regional Workforce Training Center.
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT CENTER
The High School Equivalency (HSE) test, Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE), ASSET, Career Readiness Certificate, and CHOICES Interest Inventory are administered through the RWTC. Southwest Mississippi Community College is a Pearson VUE authorized test center.
Watch this video of the 2022 HSE Graduation
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
Adult Basic Education (ABE) and High School Equivalency (HSE) classes are free and available to Mississippians 17 years of age or older (by September 1), who are not enrolled in any public, private, or home school programs. These classes help individuals enhance basic reading, writing, or math skills and prepare to take the HSE test. For more information contact Workforce Development in the RWTC.
DROPOUT RECOVERY
The purpose of the Dropout Recovery Initiative is to “reclaim lost potential.” Anyone who has not completed high school is encouraged to prepare for and take the GED. Once the GED is completed, free counseling is available to help individuals plan continued education. For more information contact Workforce Development in the RWTC.
Seated from left: Cheryl Henry, Wendy Smith, and Savina Stewart.
Standing from left: Charles Beene, Loran Gerald, Elizabeth Ingram, Sarah Goodwin, Grace Williams, Janice McKellar, Christy Morris, and Charlie Morris.
