
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 Bell, Harley Briscoe, Lance Gibson, Dominic Hernandez, Douglas Hickman, Shaunrey Jefferson, Tristen Steve, Stephen Wallace, Warren Wesley, Jimmy Ray Williams, Degotto Willis, Simeon Willis, and Junaluska Wilson.
Chief Ben spoke to the students stating, “There are not enough people to do the type of job you are currently training for.” NCCER News collaborates this information stating, “The fact is there are not enough skilled electricians in the construction industry” and taking into consideration, there will be “potentially 300,000 Baby Boomers retiring,” we need more electricians. There is a skilled labor gap nation-wide and the MBCI is tackling this problem locally. Chief Ben spoke about workforce development and the need for more trained and skilled workers. The students listened intently while Chief Ben gave encouragement to continue.
One supervisor stated that more maintenance employees needed this class due to the basic solid foundation of safety and communication. Another supervisor said he had more employees wanting to attend the class but could not let all of them go or they would be short-handed.
The NCCER core curriculum class is a prerequisite before going into any NCCER skills training such as HVAC, Electrical, Carpentry, Welding, Plumbing, etc. Therefore, if you have never taken any NCCER classes before, you will need to take this class.
For more information about NCCER classes or to fill out an application and placed on a waiting list, please contact Sarah Medlock at 601-663-7585 at the Office of Economic Development.
Mississippi Choctaws’ Educational Efforts Boosted by New Markets Tax Credit
CHOCTAW, Mississippi -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recently closed a New Markets Tax Credit transaction related to its two new early childhood education centers and an elementary school expansion -- resulting in a $2.3 million benefit to the Tribe. “We...
Mississippi Choctaws Installing Technology in Commercial Buildings to Neutralize Covid-19 Virus
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is updating all of its commercial and industrial buildings with needlepoint bipolar ionization, a technology that will greatly enhance the air quality and provide neutralization against Covid-19. "In an...
Tribal Employee Becomes NCCER Certified as Instructor in HVAC
CHOCTAW, Miss. — Christopher Dearing lives in Philadelphia, MS with his family and currently is an employee of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. For the past three years, he has worked as an HVAC/R Technician for Choctaw Tribal Maintenance. He has over 10 years...
Mississippi Choctaws Receive 2.5 GHz Spectrum License to Assist in Broadband Access for Tribe
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians recently was awarded a 2.5 GHz license by the Federal Communications Commission, which will be used to provide wireless broadband service in portions of the Bogue Chitto and Conehatta communities. This license...
Tribal Employee Becomes NCCER Certified as Instructor in Electrical and HVAC
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Brian Robinson currently works for the tribe as the Utility Engineer/Tribal Energy Manager and lives in Carthage, MS with his family. He has been an entrepreneur, having owned and operated Robinson Engineering, and has been the tribe's General...
Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Receives $450,000 Grant From W.K. Kellogg Foundation
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has been awarded a $450,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to assist the Tribe in building a community that is food-secure with equitable access to fresh and healthy foods. The grant will be used to...
MBCI Offers NCCER Certification Training to Tribal EmployeesMBCI Offers NCCER Certification Training
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...
Economic Development Director Encourages Those Thinking of Starting a New Business in 2020 or 2021
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Although the United States has seen a stagnant economy during much of 2020, the Director of Economic Development for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians says this is actually an advantageous climate for starting a new business. Director John...
Choctaw Fresh Produce Provides Assistance to Tribe During COVID-19
CHOCTAW, Miss. -- Choctaw Fresh Produce has stepped up to serve the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering over 4,000 pounds of organic produce to Tribal members who were in quarantine. From May through July, the certified organic farm, which typically...
John Hendrix
Director of Economic Development
601.650.1607
jhendrix@choctaw.org
Office of Economic Development
375 Industrial Road | STE 2
Choctaw, MS 39350





