June 2022, Workforce Wednesday: Prepping Students for College & Work
In the first of a two-part series, MPB’s Workforce Wednesday workshop, “Prepping Students for College & Work,” on June 15, 2022, this discussion focused on student preparedness after high school. This hour-long workshop featured guest presenters Stephen Brown, Assistant Director of Outreach at Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) of Get2College, and Kenitra Wallace, Career Coach at Wingfield High School. They provided students and parents with information and tips to help them make decisions about college and careers.
MPB Education
July 2022, Workforce Wednesday: Your Money, Your Credit
This workshop featured financial counselor Sonja Mathis. Mathis provided students with information to help increase their awareness of finances. Topics discussed were good spending/saving habits, creating a checking and savings account, connecting accounts to school financial aid, and additional tips to help them make wise financial decisions for college and careers. For information about Workforce Wednesday, visit gettingtowork.mpbonline.org.
MPB Education
August 2022, Workforce Wednesday: Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK)
Are you a college student, or know one, who makes excellent grades and is searching for scholarship opportunities?
If so, watch part three of Workforce Wednesday’s student preparedness series, “Scholarships.”
This workshop focuses on learning how to earn scholarship money while in college to help reduce the cost of tuition by joining the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK). Guest presenter Heather Johnson, Senior Director of Scholarships, will provide students with information about PTK, how to earn scholarship money, and other opportunities offered within the honor society.
MPB Education
Workforce Wednesday, Mississippi's Heartbeat: An Inside Look at Small Businesses, February 16, 2022.
Mississippi’s small businesses are the thriving heartbeat of our communities. We chatted with a representative from the Mississippi Small Business Administration and small business owners to discuss everything from what it takes to start a small business to what it takes to keep one going. Our guest speakers will give insight into their business, share success stories, and provide helpful tips to assist new owners or those interested in developing and growing your business.
MPB Education
Workforce Wednesday: Mental Health in the Workplace, March 16, 2022
In the past two years, the pandemic has caused challenges, trauma, and workplace adjustments that have impacted people everywhere. Employers and their employees have endured stress because of loss and the frustrations of determining what the new normal workplace will look like. Many are reexamining how they want to work and if it provides the safest environment for themselves, coworkers, and family.
Workplace challenges have contributed to the heightened struggles of mental health. A mentally healthy workplace is important. What solutions and resources are available to proactively support them?
Listen as our guest speakers provide helpful tips and evolving resources that will start the journey to lasting solutions in the workplace.
MPB Education
April 2022, Workforce Wednesday, Food for Thought: The Emerging Food Truck Industry
Have you ever thought about owning a food truck business? During Workforce Wednesday on April 20, 2022, we discussed Food for Thought: The Emerging Food Truck Industry. Representatives from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Secretary of State Office, and Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association will provide tips and guidelines for getting a food truck operation off the ground. Later we were joined by food truck owners who shared their personal stories of starting and operating their food truck businesses.
For more information about Workforce Wednesday, please visit gettingtowork.mpbonline.org.
MPB Education
May 2022, Workforce Wednesday: Pathway to a Teaching Career
On May 18, 2022, our workshop featured Dr. Courtney Van Cleve, State Director of Educator Talent Acquisition and Effectiveness at the Mississippi Department of Education. Dr. Cleve presented on MDE’s graduate program, Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR). The Mississippi Teacher Residency program combines college coursework and job-embedded training to prepare prospective educators for the teaching profession in geographical critical shortage areas. This program is now open for applications.
For more information about Workforce Wednesday, visit gettingtowork.mpbonline.org.
November 17 Workforce Wednesday: Testimonials, Triumphs, and Transformations!
On November 17, 2021, during Workforce Wednesday, we celebrated and thanked our past guest speakers and panelists by highlighting their testimonials, program success stories, and partnership opportunities. Visit education.mpbonline.org for more information about Workforce Wednesday.
October 20 Workforce Wednesday: Now Hiring! Apply Here! All Positions Available!
Now Hiring! Apply Here! All Positions Available!
The pandemic has impacted most businesses across the state of Mississippi. Some businesses that survived are currently in a hiring crisis, unable to fill many of their essential roles. Because of this crisis, companies are faced with challenges of unmet needs, reduced hours of operation, transitioning to a remote, curbside, or delivery service option only, and even the fear of going out of business. Join the conversation as we discuss these pressing matters and highlight programs, incentives, and employment resources.
September 15 Workforce Wednesday: Project SEARCH: An MDRS Workforce Initiative
Learn more about Project SEARCH Mississippi: An MDRS Workforce Initiative. Project SEARCH is a national program designed to help students with disabilities obtain competitive community-based employment.
August 18 Workforce Wednesday: Customer Service Employment Academy
Learn about the partnership with Goodwill Industries & Holmes Community College. Guest speakers include Earline Smith, Director of Adult Education at Holmes Community College, Vicki Burton, Goodwill Vice President of Workforce Development, Bronwyn Robertson, Mississippi Community College Board Program Specialist for Workforce & Employer Engagement.
July 21 Workforce Wednesday: American Graduate Path to the Future
Learn more about Path to the Future, the newest iteration of public media’s long-running American Graduate initiative, and hear from our local experts in a follow-up conversation as we discuss the launch event, its relevance to Mississippi, and local issues/concerns.
June 16 Workforce Wednesday: Getting Back to Work in Mississippi
Mary Powers, Workforce Director with Central MS Planning and Development District, presents "Getting Back to Work in Mississippi".
May 19 Workforce Wednesday: Customer Service Still Matters
Mark Arancibia, General Manager of the Jackson Convention Complex, presents "Customer Service Still Matters".
Workforce Wednesday Self-Presentation Series
Workforce Wednesday returned February 2021, kicking off a three-month series focused on virtual self-presentation. If you were unable to attend the series you can watch below as MPB's Claudia Singletary presents "Confessions of a Word Nerd" - highlighting how to sound your best when presenting virtually, Professional Management Solutions Coretta Frazier presents "How To Improve Your Personal Brand on Zoom-How Are You Showing Up Lately?" andRita Brent, a comedian, musician, and military veteran from Jackson, Mississippi, presents "Please Wear Pants to Work" - highlighting the importance of being professional during virtual meetings.
MPB Education
Claudia Singletary presents "Confessions of a Word Nerd"
MPB Education
Professional Management Solutions Coretta Frazier presents “How To Improve Your Personal Brand on Zoom”
MPB Education
Rita Brent presents "Please Wear Pants to Work"
Soft Skills Web Series
Soft skills or workforce readiness skills are the personal attributes, personality traits, inherent social cues, and communication abilities needed for success on the job. Soft skills characterize how a person interacts in his or her relationship with others.
Soft Skills Web Series
This video series addresses professional attire, communication and interpersonal skills, time management, working in team environments, problem solving/critical thinking and accepting constructive criticism.
Introduction: What are Soft Skills? | Get to Work Mississipp
