January 26, 2026
Pearl River Community College served as host for the Gulf Coast Skills Development System kickoff meeting on January 20. Representatives from SME, PRCC, local school districts, industry partners, and economic development partners gathered for a morning focused on workforce needs, regional growth, and how Mississippi can keep preparing skilled talent for maritime manufacturing careers that offer family-sustaining wages.
Attendees were welcomed by PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood.
“Meetings like this give us an opportunity to have honest discussions. about where we are and things that we can improve upon,” said Dr. Breerwood. “Pearl River is the fastest-growing community college in Mississippi. Our growth has come simply through career and technical education programs, because we want to put students in the quickest possible way into workforce opportunities.”
SME led the kick-off program with the support of PRCC Dean of Workforce, Economic Development, and Adult Education Dr. Rebecca Brown and her team. The initiative is part of the Submarine Workforce and Industrial Base, or SWIB, a national priority supported by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. SWIB funds programs that close skills gaps, reduce production lead times, improve productivity, and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. The collaboration marked an important step toward aligning education and industry to strengthen the region’s maritime manufacturing workforce.
“This kickoff brought industry, education, and community partners together to share ideas that directly inform the college’s strategic planning,” said SME Program Manager Workforce Development Cara Pattison. “The goal is to build a plan that reflects local community needs, aligns education with industry demand, and strengthens pathways into maritime and manufacturing careers with family-sustaining wages—careers that are also vital to economic resilience and national security.”
Participants engaged in a feedback session exploring perceptions of manufacturing, target populations, recruitment, course offerings, certificates and credentials, capacity, and industry partners. The anonymous responses will be compiled to identify shared challenges and opportunities. Industry partners highlighted the urgent need for more aluminum welders and a stronger pipeline of skilled labor across the Pine Belt region.
The meeting concluded with small-group discussions on barriers that limit the transition from training to employment. Attendees cited red tape slowing new program implementation, internship restrictions for high school students, limited awareness of career opportunities, and a gap between high school and college-level programs.
“We can’t train on yesterday’s equipment or work in isolation and expect to meet tomorrow’s workforce needs,” said Dr. Brown. “Partnerships with groups like SME and with our K–12 and industry partners make it possible for us to deliver real opportunities for our region.”
About Pearl River Community College
Pearl River Community College offers affordable, accessible education through academic transfer, Allied Health, Career and Technical Education, and short-term Workforce Training programs that prepare students for in-demand careers across South Mississippi. PRCC partners with business, industry, and community organizations to deliver hands-on learning, industry-recognized credentials, and training opportunities that strengthen the regional economy.
About SME
SME, formerly the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing and developing a skilled workforce. With more than 90 years of experience, SME connects industry, education, and communities to build sustainable talent pipelines and strengthen the nation’s industrial base.
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Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Kaylee Fortenberry.
