MCC gains international certification for workforce training programs
Receiving the Transatlantic Business and Investment Council's Community College Certification
are MCCers Joseph Knight, vice president for Workforce Solutions; Lucy Lamberth, director
of workforce grants and development; Dr. Tom Huebner, MCC president; and Lori Smith,
dean of workforce education.
Meridian Community College earned certification from an international council, demonstrating the College's commitment to workforce training.
The Transatlantic Business and Investment Council (TBIC) presented MCC with the TBIC Community College Certification. Sean Witry, a project assistant for the council, said the certification is a months-long, intensive process that both assess the alignment between an educational institution's curriculum with European standards and the larger institutional-level preparedness for international investment.
"To have this stamp of approval lets the world know we are prepared to meet their workforce training needs," said MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner.
The purpose of the Community College Certification is to certify community colleges
in their ability to provide technical training in-line with top-tier industry standards,
practical education to supplement studies, equip students with international competency
and become a long-term force multiplier for local economic efforts to attract more
European FDI to their community, according to TBIC officials.
Joseph Knight, MCC vice president for workforce solutions, said this certification proves the College's programs, including Precision Machining Engineering Technology and Industrial Maintenance Technology, meet the training standards of the European market. "I am grateful that we have instructors, equipment, and curriculum demonstrating our commitment to providing a skilled training workforce in advanced manufacturing," Knight said.
Others see the certification as significant for the community. "This allows international companies considering a location in Mississippi to interact with a community college whose workforce training program is already familiar to the company,” said Bill Hannah, president, and chief executive officer for East Mississippi Business Development Corp.
Hannah added the certification "absolutely enhances our chances of success."