Provides Training for Business and Industry The Leadership and Workforce Development (LWFD) section at the Research and Curriculum Unit (RCU) has devoted its efforts in the past year to the development of workforce training materials. One of the primary deliver y methods of those materials is Mississippi Workforce University (MWU), a research and outreach organization housed at Mississippi State University (MSU). The MWU is a collaborative venture among the Mississippi Workforce Education program at the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges (SBCJC), the Mississippi Department of Education, the 15 Mississippi community and junior colleges, statewide training providers, and companies throughout Mississippi. MWU’s primary purpose is to provide the education and training needed to prepare Mississippians to be competitive in the 21st century workforce and to provide a skilled labor force that meets the needs of Mississippi business and industry. “Having a highly trained workforce is more important than ever to the future of Mississippi business and industr y,” said Dr. Lemond Irvin, LWFD Project Manager. “We want to do all we can to provide this muchneeded service by offering industry-specific, customized training materials and resources.” One of the benefits of training provided through MWU is its accessibility. The MWU portal is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This easy access allows flexibility in training, and the online delivery system provides convenience for participants. Training services are provided for numerous skill areas, and the training is free of charge to qualifying new and expanding Mississippi industries. Once a company identifies a need, the LWFD team devises a specialized training plan. Services provided to implement that training include customized training modules, standardized training modules, strategic training module development, technology-based training tools, online courses, and face-to-face and online training. In addition, MWU patrons have access to public training resources, including secondary and postsecondary curricula and employment testing through the Mississippi Career Planning Assessment System, Second Edition. The MWU portal also offers users a link to other learning resources as well as a virtual library of training media and resources. For more information about Workforce University, please contact Dr. Lemond Irvin at lemond.irvin@rcu.msstate.edu or 662.325.2510. 6
A highly trained workforce is more important than ever.