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One Skill at a Time: Local Skill-Based Careers

One Skill at a Time: Local Skill-Based Careers
One Skill at a Time: Local Skill-Based Careers
Sherry Worsham, Director of Community Partnerships

Schools like Grenada School District (GSD) provide a range of programs in fields such as culinary arts, welding, construction, technology, STEM, healthcare, arts, automotive, and athletics. These programs not only deepen academic knowledge but also equip students with hands-on skills that align with real-world expectations. The concept of developing “one skill at a time” encapsulates GSD’s mission to prepare students for life beyond school by building both competency and confidence.

In Mississippi—and especially in Grenada—the demand for skilled, technology-focused workers is rapidly growing as local industries expand and new companies establish operations. For high school students, building career-ready skills today can open doors to well-paying, fulfilling jobs while directly contributing to the economic vitality of the community.

Grenada High School recognizes this need and has developed programs tailored to align with the requirements of local industries. For example, the Career Technology Center’s new Advanced Manufacturing program provides students with hands-on experience in equipment operation, metalworking, and modern manufacturing techniques. These skills align directly with the needs of companies like Milwaukee Tool, which recently opened a plant in Grenada. This new facility offers opportunities for workers skilled in machining, automation, and workplace safety protocols—expertise that can be cultivated through Grenada’s innovative programs.

Other local industries, such as Modine Manufacturing, Advanced Distributor Products (ADP), and Novipax, also seek employees with specialized technical abilities. At Modine, which focuses on thermal management products, welding expertise is crucial. Grenada High School’s welding course equips students with essential metalworking skills and teaches quality control techniques, preparing them for careers in this critical field. Similarly, students who develop precision skills through metal-work courses are well-prepared for roles at ADP, which manufactures components for HVAC systems, where accuracy and attention to detail are paramount.

At Novipax, which produces food-safe packaging, employees must be proficient in operating automated systems, maintaining quality control, and adhering to food-safety hygiene protocols. Grenada High School’s computer science and engineering classes equip students with the critical thinking, troubleshooting, and digital literacy skills essential for excelling in these roles and in many other roles in local industry. These programs ensure students are ready to tackle the challenges of working with modern machinery in a fast-paced, high-tech environment.

Beyond manufacturing, Grenada High’s healthcare, automotive technology, and arts programs meet workforce needs in other high-demand sectors. Healthcare courses prepare students to enter the growing medical field, while automotive technology classes offer practical training for careers in vehicle maintenance, a critical need for supporting regional transportation-related businesses. Meanwhile, visual and performing arts programs provide a foundation for creative industries, especially when combined with technology skills. From digital design and music production to multimedia arts, these classes open pathways to thriving careers in Mississippi and beyond.

By fostering these essential skills, Grenada High School not only prepares students for success but also strengthens local industries and fuels community growth. As the school continues to adapt its programs to meet workforce demands, students are empowered to build bright futures while contributing to the prosperity of Grenada and the surrounding region.