NATCHEZ, Miss. – The city has been awarded $300,000 in federal funds for Natchez’ workforce development program that trains people for jobs provided by area employers.
While the federal government has been imposing spending cuts since President Trump took office in January, Natchez is lucky to receive such a grant, said Mayor Dan Gibson.
“This is exciting news when everybody thought that funds are starting to slow down – and they are – from our federal government,” Gibson said. “For the city of Natchez to receive … (this) workforce development award through the Delta Regional Authority – it’s quite significant, and we are so grateful.”
The DRA is an agency of federal and state governments that fosters economic and community development in Mississippi, Louisiana and six other states.
The $300,000 awarded to Natchez last week is geared for training dislocated workers, military veterans and former inmates recently freed from prison, said Natchez Workforce Development Director Tuwanna Williams.
At training sessions held at Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Natchez campus, students are taught various skills to be carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other lines of work. Scholarships or stipends are offered to those enrolled in the courses.
The $300,000 federal grant is similar to the $443,600 awarded to Natchez in 2023 to train people for in-demand jobs offered by local businesses. Those funds were programmed to train 125 people a year during a three-year period for working in manufacturing, health care and other employment sectors.
Meeting with Gibson and the Natchez Board of Aldermen on Tuesday, Williams noted her program needs more instructors and space for the growing number of students and courses being offered at the Co-Lin campus.
For example, an electrical training class recently began there with 27 students. “Given the growing demand for skilled trade professionals, we’re proud to launch an initiative that not only provides training but also uplifts our community,” Williams said last month in announcing the class. “This marks just the beginning. We’re eager to soon expand into plumbing, construction, and masonry.”
Willliams was hired in 2021 to manage the newly created Natchez workforce development program, which is largely funded by state and federal funds.
For more information about the program, go to its website: natchezworkforce.com
Comments