Through partnerships with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi (CFNM), the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and generous donations from Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) and Southern Pipe and Supply, the Workforce Education Division of Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) has begun to offer a 12-week plumbing class at the MDCC Capps Center.
MDCC’s workforce training division already offered basic construction, carpentry, and electrical classes. But, according to Vice President of Workforce & Economic Development Doug Freeze, area contractors indicated that there was a bottleneck when it came to plumbing due to a plumber shortage.
“As anyone can attest to, plumbers are in high demand, and this training will be a great jumpstart for those who want to enter this profession. Like with any great workforce program, it takes strong partnerships,” said Freeze.
Those partnerships came in the form of CFNM and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. CFNM was informed that the Capps Center didn’t offer plumbing classes and, to do so, it would require a major purchase of equipment of more than $25,000.
CFNM President Keith Fulcher obtained a list of equipment needs from the Capps Center and began soliciting donations from plumbing and supply companies.
Through Fulcher’s efforts, contacts were made that allowed the class to become a reality through donations and financial support.
MVSU donated $8,000 worth of hand tools, Southern Pipe and Supply donated $8,500 worth of supplies through Director of Business Development Barry Howard and Vice President of Sales Mark Roebuck, and CFMN donated $2,500 for equipment and paid for the instructor for the first 12-week class.
“It’s humbling and awe-inspiring when a large Southern Pipe & Supply delivery truck shows up with plumbing supplies, and we are told it’s all for us!” said Freeze. “We are truly grateful to all of the partners who came together to help get this inaugural plumbing class off the ground.”
For more information about Mississippi Delta Community College, please visit www.msdelta.edu.
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