Mississippi is solidifying its position as a leader in advanced manufacturing through strategic partnerships and innovative workforce training programs. A collaboration between Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College’s (EMCC) Communiversity is driving job creation, workforce advancement, and upskilling opportunities. This partnership has resulted in three key initiatives: the Mississippi Advanced Composites (MAC) Training Center, the Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling (AiMUP) Lab, and the MSU CAVS Extension Center. Together, these initiatives are equipping workers with high-demand skills to meet the evolving needs of industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy.
These MSU-EMCC collaborations bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, ensuring that Mississippi’s workforce remains competitive in a rapidly changing industrial landscape. This partnership was officially celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between EMCC and MSU.
Mississippi Advanced Composites (MAC) Training Center
The MAC Training Center enhances Mississippi’s capabilities in composite manufacturing by providing training in cutting-edge materials and production processes. Equipped with state-of-the-art tools—including an autoclave, a Class 7000 clean room, and advanced precision cutting equipment—the center prepares students and industry professionals for careers in high-tech sectors that rely on composite materials, such as aerospace and defense. Strong industry partnerships amplify the program’s impact. Leading manufacturers, including Northrop Grumman, Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences, and GE Aerospace, support the MAC Training Center to ensure training aligns with industry standards. Additionally, a $1.5 million grant from AccelerateMS has funded high-tech manufacturing tools, enabling Mississippi workers to gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment that meets the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing.
Advancements in Manufacturing Upskilling (AiMUP) Lab
The AiMUP Lab specializes in robotics training for manufacturing professionals, preparing them for the increasing integration of automation in industry. The facility features collaborative robots (co-bots) designed to work alongside humans, robotic welding systems, and an autonomous mobile robot (AMR). Through this training, manufacturing professionals gain hands-on experience operating and programming robotic systems to streamline repetitive tasks, allowing workers to focus on more complex and meaningful aspects of production.
MSU CAVS Extension Center
EMCC is also collaborating with MSU’s CAVS Extension, a division of CAVS dedicated to engineering services and professional development for industries statewide. Headquartered in Canton, with additional offices in Starkville and Biloxi, CAVS Extension provides manufacturers with expertise in product and process optimization, advanced engineering technologies, and Industry 4.0 innovations. Its services include site master planning, technical consulting, and access to cutting-edge engineering tools, such as facility simulation modeling, to enhance productivity and efficiency in manufacturing operations.
The Communiversity: A Hub for Workforce Development
At the heart of these initiatives is the Communiversity, a central hub for workforce development. The 145,638-square-foot facility, located between Starkville and Columbus, offers customized training programs to help local manufacturers attract and retain skilled workers. With both for-credit and non-credit learning options, the Communiversity supports Mississippi’s growing demand for a highly trained workforce while driving economic growth.
Advancing Mississippi’s Manufacturing Future
By integrating the broad workforce training resources of the Communiversity with the specialized expertise of the MAC Training Center, AiMUP Lab, and MSU’s CAVS Extension, Mississippi is positioning itself at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. These initiatives create accessible pathways to high-tech, high-paying careers, strengthening the state’s reputation as a hub for industrial innovation.
As the manufacturing sector continues to evolve, these partnerships ensure Mississippi remains a key player in the global manufacturing landscape, fostering long-term economic growth and industry leadership.