In Tippah County, workforce development is not an afterthought—it is a strategic partnership. We collaborate closely with our educational institutions to create a continuous and responsive pipeline of talent equipped with the skills modern industry demands. This integrated approach ensures that your business has access to a work-ready labor force from the moment you open your doors, significantly de-risking one of the biggest challenges for any new or expanding company.
Our Educational Partners
The strength of Tippah County’s workforce is built on a foundation of dedicated educational partners committed to both academic excellence and career readiness.
Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC)
As the primary partner for post-secondary education and customized industry training, NEMCC is a vital asset to the region. Serving Tippah County and four surrounding counties, NEMCC provides a comprehensive range of programs, including Associate Degrees, technical certificates, and tailored workforce training solutions.
Blue Mountain Christian University (BMCU)
Located right here in Tippah County, this historic, co-educational institution has been educating students since 1873. Ranked among the “Best Southern Regional Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, the university offers a range of baccalaureate and master’s degrees, contributing highly-educated graduates to our local talent pool.
North Tippah School District & South Tippah School District
Our two K-12 school districts, are the foundation of our talent pipeline. With a shared mission to educate students “in preparation for college, the workforce, and/or the military in a safe but challenging environment,” our schools are laser-focused on student success. This commitment to excellence is demonstrated through tangible results.
Tippah Career & Technology Center (TCTC)
The TCTC serves students from both the North and South Tippah school districts, providing critical, hands-on training in high-demand fields. Programs in welding, automotive service, information technology, and health sciences ensure that high school graduates possess tangible, marketable skills
Customized Training & Apprenticeship Programs
The Tiger Apprenticeship Program
A flagship initiative from NEMCC, this program creates strategic partnerships that allow companies to hire and train students while they are still completing their education. This model builds a loyal, highly skilled workforce from the ground up, with students gaining invaluable real-world experience and companies shaping their future employees to meet precise operational standards.
Industry-Specific Curriculum Development
Our educational ecosystem has a proven track record of responding directly to industry needs. A prime example is the Fiber Technician certificate course developed by NEMCC in direct collaboration with Tippah Electric Power Association and other regional stakeholders. This program was created to address the specific, expressed demand for a skilled workforce to support expanding fiber optic networks. This responsive model can be replicated to meet the unique needs of any new or expanding industry.
On-the-Job Training (OJT) Reimbursement
Through partnerships with local WIN Job Centers, businesses can access OJT reimbursement programs. These programs help offset the costs associated with training new employees by reimbursing a portion of the new hire’s wages during the initial training period, significantly reducing the financial burden of onboarding and expansion.
Cultivating the Future Workforce
Our commitment to workforce development begins long before students enter the job market. A series of community-wide initiatives are in place to inspire the next generation and align their aspirations with local career opportunities.
Imagine the
Possibilities
Tippah County actively participates in Imagine the Possibilities, a major regional career expo designed to connect students with future career opportunities right here in Northeast Mississippi. Hosted by the CREATE Foundation and the Toyota Wellspring Project, this initiative reaches thousands of students across 17 counties annually. Through this platform, students can explore 18 distinct career pathways.
MS/Tippah Aspire Program
This program is a powerful testament to our community’s dedication to talent retention. A recent project, “Why I Chose to Live in Tippah County,” connected high school students with local professionals. By recording and sharing these success stories, the program worked to counteract negative perceptions about local opportunities and inspire students to envision a successful future within their home county.
Embedded Career Coaches
Our school districts employ dedicated career coaches, such as Deana Reno at Blue Mountain School, who serve as vital links between students and the professional world. These coaches actively guide students through career exploration, organize tours of facilities like the TCTC, and facilitate direct engagement with industry professionals, including engineers from major regional employers like Toyota.
Let's Build Your Talent Pipeline
Finding and developing a skilled workforce is critical to your success. The Tippah County Development Foundation and our network of educational partners are ready to create a customized training solution tailored to your company’s unique needs. From apprenticeships to industry-specific courses, we are your proactive partner in talent development.