Mississippi Power helps fund trade program at PGSD

Mississippi Power and the Pascagoula-Gautier School District have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will help students move forward in their career as linemen.

At the College and Career Technical Center in Pascagoula, students can obtain national accreditation in energy and power.

To acquire the accreditation, students must physically be able to do certain aspects of the career field such as practicing correct safety measures and successfully using a extension ladder.

Mississippi Power is providing funding to help move the program forward.

Mississippi Power will also work with the students, bridging the gap between education and real-life experiences, so they feel ready to enter the workforce.

“That real world experience really translates a lot better to an actual job,” said Matt Fall, Mississippi Power area manager for Jackson County, “The classroom piece in important, it’s the basis and the foundation for everything. But getting some of that real world experience is what’s going to set you apart for a future job.”

Instrumentation and controls teacher Darick Thompson told us it gives students the chance to see if they actually enjoy a career, “It offers them to see and get guidance to where they’re going to be. The biggest thing is just allowing them to get a feel for a career.”

Students in these classes will be able to apply for internships and climb a pole with linemen as well.