CLARKSDALE, Miss. — Coahoma Community College Workforce Development leaders Kyrie Antici and Catrina Hardy visited Lee Academy recently to showcase short-term career training, offering high school students pathways to immediate employment.
Antici, executive director, and Hardy, project manager, outlined programs designed to help individuals get trained, certified, and prepared for high-demand careers in just a few months. The session emphasized the affordability of these pathways and the value of gaining real-world skills as an alternative or supplement to traditional two-year or four-year college routes.
As older generations retire, the skilled trades face a critical hiring gap. The American Welding Society estimates a national shortage of over 300,000 welding professionals by 2027. Similarly, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032. In the healthcare sector, the BLS anticipates an 8% growth rate for phlebotomists during the same decade. These trends reflect a pressing need for skilled labor across the Mississippi Delta and the nation.
“The workforce landscape is changing quickly across the Mississippi Delta and the country,” said Antici. “We are seeing a high demand for skilled professionals in trades, logistics, and healthcare. By introducing high school students to these programs early, we empower them to step into high-paying careers in just a few months. This directly drives the economic progress of our region.”
During the visit, students learned about hands-on training opportunities available in Coahoma County, including welding, forklift operation, and phlebotomy. The team also highlighted the highly anticipated new HVAC and electrical (residential and commercial wiring) programs. While these new offerings currently have a waitlist due to high demand, interested individuals are strongly encouraged to sign up now to secure their spot for future cohorts.
In Mississippi, trade, logistics, and healthcare occupations continue to dominate the list of fastest-growing jobs, making local training initiatives a primary focus for educators and industry leaders.
“Success does not require a single, mandatory route,” said Hardy. “Whether a student wants to enter the workforce immediately or gain a certification to support themselves while pursuing further education, these programs provide tangible, life-changing skills. We want young people in Coahoma County to know they have highly respected, accessible options right here at home.”
To learn more about available training programs, join the waitlist for the new HVAC and electrical classes, or explore how to jumpstart your career, visit www.coahomacc.edu/programs/workforce or contact the Workforce Development office directly at (662) 627-9139.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.