Hinds CC trainees graduate from AWS upskilling program aimed at meeting Mississippi workforce needs

Hundreds more workers needed to build and maintain state's tech sector infrastructure

by Karin Meadows

Raymond, MS (09/22/2025) — Hinds Community College graduates of an Amazon Web Services (AWS) upskilling program have a chance to propel into new careers as demand grows for workers to build, connect, power and operate infrastructure for Mississippi's burgeoning information economy.

On Sept. 16, 20 Hinds trainees graduated from AWS' Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA), a paid four-week program. Taught by instructors from Hinds, Build MS and Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD), trainees learned skills in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fiber optics and more.

The skilled trades are "priority occupations" in Mississippi, meaning demand for workers is high. AWS is investing $10 billion in the state to build two data centers in Madison County and VAIO Digital is planning a $6 billion AI-ready campus in Brandon.

Jackson-area residents, served by Hinds, responded to the training opportunity in droves.

"We had thousands apply for the Hinds program and we need people to go into these industries," said Nick Lee-Romagnolo, AWS Principal of Economic and Workforce Development. "We hope this is just the beginning of many, many, many more opportunities."

Rose Sanchez, 32, of Clinton, a film company CEO who recently moved to Mississippi from Detroit, and 37-year-old Megan Stewart of Jackson, a college graduate with 13 years of computer science experience, aggressively pursued the pre-apprenticeship to gain skills they know are critical in today's rapidly evolving technology economy.

"This has taught me I can do other things. It opens the door to other opportunities," Stewart said.

Sanchez wanted to learn hands-on construction skills she can use to build sets for her films. She also plans to pursue career opportunities with AWS or a local contractor. Stewart said the program not only furthered her carpentry and electrical knowledge, but it also convinced her to change careers. One of her goals is to someday assist older people whose homes need repairs.

"Older people who own houses often cannot afford to make necessary repairs," Stewart said. "I hope to give back by helping them improve their lives."

Angela Crain, MS Reconnect & STEP Project Manager for CMPDD said the Hinds graduates will serve employers well. Narrowing down the applicants was no small task, but the process worked well, Crain said.

"It's a diverse and talented group - several are continuing their education in electrical, construction, HVAC or fiber, while others are actively seeking employment opportunities. There are truly some outstanding candidates in this cohort," she said.

The graduates represent a tiny fraction of the number of skilled workers needed to support hundreds of new jobs expected from AWS's investment in Mississippi, Lee-Romagnolo said.

"Local companies, they are looking for skilled workers they can hire so they can grow their businesses as they work for AWS," Lee-Romagnolo said. "It's really about economic development, not just workforce development. We won't be able to create enough programs like this for the need."

Jaylin Cobbs, 27, moved to Brandon four months ago from Pine Bluff, Ark., to pursue new job opportunities and expand his job skills. Cobbs, an experienced crane operator, was released from an Arkansas correctional facility two years ago. The program graduate decided during incarceration that he would become a productive citizen and blaze a trail for others. It was difficult finding work at first, but he stayed positive.

"I didn't want to fall back into my old ways," said Cobbs, who plans to pursue a certification in HVAC and hopes to one day own his own business. "In prison I kind of found myself. As I build myself, I can build others."

Also attending the graduation on the Hinds Jackson Campus were Hinds CC President Dr. Stephen Vacik, Accelerate MS Executive Director Dr. Courtney Taylor, CMPDD Director Dr. Robin Parker, Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork, State Workforce Investment Board Chair Patrick Sullivan, AWS Director of Workforce Development and Education Christopher Affrunti and AWS VP of Economic Development Roger Wehner.

Wehner said AWS cannot scale its growth without community college partnerships like the one with Hinds. Mississippi has hosted more AWSS pre-apprenticeship programs than any other state at three, he said.

"Without partners like you we couldn't do it," Wehner said at the graduation. "Never doubt yourself. The community college has led the program and we have stepped back."

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