CHOCTAW, Miss. — The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, in partnership with East Central Community College, is offering classes to Tribal employees that will allow them to obtain NCCER Certification. The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) provides standardized credentialing recognized nationwide for those working in the construction, maintenance, and pipeline industries.
“We performed an assessment with the directors in each of our maintenance departments, and it revealed that the primary need for training was in the area of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning),” says Sarah Medlock, Operations Manager for the MBCI Office of Economic Development. “We immediately began developing a program to meet that need and this partnership with ECCC allows us to offer the necessary training along with national certification credentials for our employees.”
Currently, classes are being offered for HVAC and Electrical certification programs. Fifteen Tribal employees are going through the training, representing various entities including Pearl River Resort, MBCI Tribal Maintenance, Choctaw Health Center, and Choctaw Tribal Schools.
Brian Robinson, an engineer with the Tribe, is a certified NCCER instructor and will teach both the HVAC and electrical courses. “We are very pleased that one of our Tribal employees has become certified to teach the classes and are excited about the possibilities for advancement the classes will offer our Tribal members,” said Medlock.
“Not only does this training provide personal advancement for the individuals, it also allows the MBCI to be more self-sufficient, as we are able to perform maintenance issues ourselves. Our ongoing mission is to educate, train, and provide career opportunities for our members.”
As one of the United States’ original first nations, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized American Indian tribe living within the State of Mississippi. With over 11,000 members, Choctaw lands cover over 35,000 acres in 10 counties. Providing permanent, full-time jobs for over 5,000 Tribal-member and non-Indian employees, the Tribe is a major contributor to the state’s economy.
University of Southern Mississippi Provides Training to Tribal Employees in Choctaw Cybersecurity Lab
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- Employees of Choctaw companies and school systems are receiving workforce development training through The University of Southern Mississippi's School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering. These classes are taking place in the...
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Joins Tribal Land Conservation Initiative
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians announces that it is joining the Tribal Land Conservation Initiative, a national program that enables Native American tribes to implement sustainable management practices to preserve their land, protect...
MEC Leadership MS Alumni, 2020-2021 Students, and Honored Guests Meet in Choctaw
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MBCI) hosted the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) Leadership MS Alumni, 2020-2021 students, and honored guests on October 21, 2021, in a “Meet and Greet” at the Silver Star Hotel & Casino. The meeting began with a...
Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben Announces the Appointment of Sarah Medlock as Director of Development Division
MEMORANDUM TO: Tribal Department Directors Program Directors Administrative Office Supervisors Tribal Government Employees FROM: Tribal Chief Cyrus...
WINSTON PLYWOOD AND VENEER LAUNCHES AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Louisville, Mississippi – Winston Plywood and Veneer, a state-of-the-art plywood mill located in Louisville, Mississippi, announced today the launch of a new initiative to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention. The Winston Ambassador Program recognizes a...
First Mississippi Coding Academies Class at Choctaw Central High School is a Success
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The MS Coding Academies class at CCHS concluded on May 14, 2021. Shonda Wesley served as Teacher Aide and MS Coding Academies Facilitator, and the coding students were Jaylen Bell, Joe Bell, Jr., John Clemons, Keziah Frazier, Jacob Jim, Xative...
Three Native American Tribes Form Unprecedented Economic Development Partnership Through New Hotel Investment
May 17, 2021 – Cherokee, NC – Three of the most successful Native American tribes in the Southeastern United States have entered into an investment partnership with DreamCatcher Hotels. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and the...
Chief Announces Hotel Partnership
A message from Chief Ben: Halito, hello. I want to take this opportunity to share exciting news about a venture that we are about to undertake. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will enter into a partnership with the Cherokee and Seminole tribes on a luxury...
NCCER Electrical Core Curriculum Students Appreciated
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Brian Robinson’s National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Electrical Core Curriculum class had breakfast and a visit from Chief Cyrus Ben to show appreciation for their work and determination in class. Students include Michael...
John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development
601.650.1607
[email protected]
Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350
Tribal Businesses
