MDES Secures $5.7 Million Federal Grant for Shipbuilding Skills Training
Summary
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) has been awarded a $5.7 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support shipbuilding skills training. This funding will reimburse employers for training in high-demand fields and aims to address critical workforce needs within the state's shipbuilding sector.
What changed
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced it has received a $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. This funding is part of a larger $86 million initiative to support industry-driven skills training in critical sectors, with Mississippi specifically allocating its portion to shipbuilding. The grant will reimburse employers for training costs in areas such as welding, marine electrical work, and manufacturing, directly benefiting major shipbuilding companies like Ingalls Shipbuilding, Bollinger Shipyards, and United States Marine, Inc.
This grant is intended to bolster Mississippi's shipbuilding industry by expanding training programs to meet the anticipated need for 2,500 new positions annually, as well as upskilling current employees and addressing turnover. The Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District will implement tailored training strategies based on employer feedback, focusing on entry-level technical skills, leadership development, and upskilling. While this is a grant award and not a new regulation, employers in the Mississippi shipbuilding sector may see increased training opportunities and support through these initiatives.
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MDES Secures $5.7 Million Federal Grant for Shipbuilding Skills Training
Font Size Share Page Date: October 21, 2025
Jackson, MS – The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) has been awarded $5.7 million as part of over $86 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to support workforce development in critical sectors, including shipbuilding.
Administered through the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration, the grants will reimburse employers for training in high-demand and emerging industries, addressing critical workforce needs in fields such as welding, marine electrical work, and manufacturing.
“Mississippi plays a vital role in national defense and commercial maritime strength,” said Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. “Our state is home to the best shipbuilders on the planet, and we want even more Mississippians to enter this high-paying field. This investment will help ensure our people have the skills and opportunities to support that mission for years to come.”
“This grant will help strengthen shipbuilding in Mississippi and create job opportunities for our residents,” said Dr. Bill Ashley, MDES Executive Director.
“Mississippi is proud to be among the states selected for this critical investment,” said Leonard Bentz, Executive Director of the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD). “This grant allows us to scale what works, introduce innovative training strategies, and prepare our people for the industries that are driving economic growth.”
Mississippi intends to use the grant exclusively for shipbuilding, expanding training programs for major employers like Ingalls Shipbuilding, Bollinger Shipyards, and United States Marine, Inc., which collectively employ over 11,000 workers. This investment comes at a critical time, as these companies anticipate a need to fill 2,500 new positions annually while also addressing turnover and upskilling current employees.
The Twin Districts Local Workforce Development Area, managed by the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District, will implement tailored training programs based on feedback from employers. Key initiatives will focus on technical training for entry-level positions, leadership development for supervisors, and upskilling programs.
Mississippi’s initiative aligns with statewide goals to enhance workforce readiness and strategically supports shipbuilding, a vital sector for national defense and economic growth.
For further details, please visit www.mdes.ms.gov.
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