Hinds CC - Atmos partnership provides education and skills for in-demand jobs
Raymond, MS (07/23/2025) — Jobs requiring education and training that fall between a high school diploma and a four-year degree are the backbone of the Mississippi economy, yet too few workers are on a path to acquire the skills needed to fill in-demand jobs.
Hinds Community College and Atmos Energy are working to close this gap. Through Hinds' Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses students develop marketable job skills and earn national industry certifications needed to achieve their occupational goals. Atmos is providing Hinds students enrolled in the CTE degree program with paid internship opportunities.
Together, Hinds and Atmos are creating a pipeline of talent to support two urgent energy sector needs: the growing demand for natural gas in the region and replacing workers approaching retirement age, said Jason Webb, Hinds CTE Dean of Construction and Manufacturing.
"Atmos has created a great model with their internship program," Webb said. "They are investing in a new generation of employees and creating wonderful career opportunities for these young men and women. They love our students."
On July 8, Atmos signed Hinds student Camirin Wilson of Tchula as an operations intern. The 19-year-old, who is studying industrial maintenance and electro-mechanical, is the college's fifth CTE student to intern at Atmos, all of whom were offered full-time jobs with the energy company.
Wilson, 19, said the internship is giving him real job experience and he is improving his skills.
"The internship is a big step toward starting my career and it connects perfectly with what I'm studying in college," Wilson said. "It's a positive experience that's helping me shape my future."
Fifty-seven percent of Mississippi jobs qualify as "middle skills" jobs, making up the largest portion of the labor market in Mississippi, according to the National Skills Coalition. But too few of Mississippi's workers - just 50% - have had access to the skills training necessary to fill these in-demand careers.
Industry partnerships like the one with Atmos ensures Hinds is teaching the most updated curriculum and job skills for today's - and tomorrow's - in-demand trades, Webb said. The partnerships also provide insight into the workforce needs of tomorrow.
"With the increased demand for skilled trades, we are looking to offer more program options and offerings," Webb said. "Our workforce development team is working to offer more short-term skill specific trainings such as electrical, HVAC, machining, manufacturing and welding. Individuals that complete these programs can enroll in one of our credit programs for further training and/or go to work."
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With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.
Media Attachments
Hinds Community College student Camirin Wilson of Tchula is an operations intern with Atmos Energy as part of a college-industry partnership to provide students with the education and skills necessary to meet today’s workforce needs.
Hinds Community College and Atmos Energy partner to create a pipeline of student interns with the skills and job experience needed to the growing demand for jobs requiring education and training that fall between a high school diploma and a four-year degree. Pictures, from left, are Atmos Energy Operations Supervisor Dustin Binegar, Hinds Director of Workforce Learning Regan Adkins, Atmos Energy Operations Manager Stefan Lehnerer, Hinds CTE Dean of Construction and Manufacturing Jason Webb, Hinds Industrial Maintenance Technology Instructor Frederick Jefferson, Hinds student and Atmos Energy Operations Intern Camirin Wilson, Hinds Industrial Maintenance Technology Instructor Jeffery Hoovler, Atmos Entergy Vice President of Human Resources Glenn Partrick, Atmos Entergy Human Resources Coordinator Carly Good and Hinds Executive Director for Workforce Development Lee Douglas.
Hinds Community College
Karin Meadows (240) 888-8359 karin.meadows@hindscc.eduShare this Story
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