When I first ran to be your mayor, I often spoke about creating opportunity for our citizens – not as something city government could accomplish alone, but rather as something we as a community could do – together.
Today, one of the shining examples of this vision becoming reality is our NTZ Building Trades program. Through a partnership of the City of Natchez, Adams County, the Natchez-Adams School District, and Copiah-Lincoln Community College, our community is now investing in our people more than ever before, preparing the next generation of skilled workers, and creating opportunities that will strengthen families, support local businesses, and grow our economy for years to come.
This is why I am so excited that a new session of the Natchez Workforce Development Building Trades Program begins on Monday, August 17!
From the beginning, we understood that workforce development had to be a priority for our community. Economic growth is about more than recruiting new businesses and celebrating new investments. It is about making sure our citizens have the skills, training, and opportunities necessary to succeed and meet the employment demands of existing, growing, and new employers.
Over the past year, we have seen what is possible when we work together. And the proof is in the smiles of the men and women of all ages who have now benefited from our program. Their stories are inspiring! Some were looking for a new career. Some were seeking a better opportunity for their families. Others simply needed someone to open the door and provide the tools they needed to succeed.
This program is doing exactly that.
Since its launch in March 2025, the NTZ Building Trades Program has trained 81 participants in skilled trades and awarded 382 nationally recognized NCCER industry certifications. Students have completed advanced electrical training, graduated from the carpentry program, and earned certifications in heavy equipment operation. Each credential represents more than a certificate – it represents confidence, opportunity, and a pathway toward a better future.
Classes beginning August 17 will offer training in carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment operation, masonry, and plumbing. Through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and nationally recognized certifications, participants will gain the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in today’s workforce.
The best part is that this training is provided at no cost to the student – one of the only free training programs in Mississippi!The response to this next class has been tremendous. More than 100 individuals have already applied to participate, and our Workforce Development team is working with each applicant to help identify the training opportunity that best fits their goals.
This enthusiasm shows us something important: people want opportunity. They want to learn. They want to work. They want the chance to build a career and provide for their families. And we want them to know those opportunities exist right here at home.
The strength of this program is the partnership behind it. The City of Natchez, Adams County, the Natchez-Adams School District, and Copiah-Lincoln Community College each bring important resources and expertise to the table. By working together, we are creating a stronger workforce and preparing our community for the economic opportunities ahead.
This is what successful communities do. They recognize that no single organization can accomplish everything alone. They bring people together around a shared vision and a shared commitment to making life better for their citizens.
When classes start on August 17, they will be held at the Natchez Options Academy, located at 208 Lynda Lee Drive in Natchez, with morning and evening sessions available to accommodate different schedules. If you or someone you know is interested in learning a trade and building a better future, I encourage you to visit www.natchezworkforce.com and register for the program that best fits your career goals.
I want to thank our Workforce Development team, including Interim Program Coordinator Lakitsha Davis and her amazing roster of teachers, for the dedication and passion they bring to this effort every day. I also want to thank our partners – our city leaders, Adams County, the Natchez-Adams School District, and Copiah-Lincoln Community College for believing in what we can accomplish when we work together.
The greatest resource we have in Natchez has never been just our history, our architecture, or our beautiful views from our highest bluffs along the Mississippi River. It has always been our people. When we invest in our citizens, providing opportunity and working together toward a common goal, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
This is how we build a stronger workforce. This is how we strengthen families. This is how we prepare Natchez for the future! Because Natchez Deserves More.
For More Information, contact Lakitsha Davis, Interim Program Coordinator, Natchez Workforce Development Building Trades Program, infontzworkforce@natchez.ms.us, (601) 443-3066
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