New Vicksburg WIN Job Center offers unique opportunities for job seekers

Job seekers in Vicksburg and surrounding communities can now seek employment and get a whole lot more at the newly opened WIN Job Center on the grounds of Hinds Community College Vicksburg-Warren Campus (755 MS Hwy 27 S).

College officials and others representing partnering entities that made the center’s new location a reality marked the occasion with a formal program Sept. 19.

“We’re dedicated to make a seamless entry for employers and citizens in the Vicksburg area,” said Jackie Turner, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. She implored the public and business community to use resources provided by the state agency to help people find gainful employment.

“We’re all in partnership here in the WIN Job Center. Use the facilities here and online services that MDES has,” she said. “We help Mississippians find jobs.”

The college assumed operations of the local office for Mississippi’s primary employment services functions last fall, and the ceremony completed the move from the center’s previous location on Monroe Street.

The center’s new space not only provides office space for staff. It also includes a computer lab for searching employment opportunities, and additional room for business and industry use to attract employees. Sharing space on the Hinds CC campus also gives job-seekers easy access to career and technical training opportunities and other services already on campus.

“It will afford the citizens of Vicksburg, Warren County and Claiborne County a chance to be served more efficiently,” said Mary Powers, workforce director for Central Mississippi Planning and Development District. “Spread the word: We are here, open for business, and here to help you.”

Hinds President Dr. Clyde Muse credited Powers and CMPDD as a longtime guiding force in the state’s workforce development efforts and the Vicksburg office.

“She has been influential in helping us with the concept of a place where people can go and get all the services they need when they’re looking for a job,” Muse said. “Bringing it on our campus means that when a person needs help in terms of employment, they’ll get additional help in education and training if they need it.”

District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon was on hand representing the Warren County Board of Supervisors on the program. He called the employment center’s move to Hinds a “win-win” for the community.

“When the opportunity came to partner with Hinds and take the job center and move it here from where it was, it was an opportunity that didn’t take much to think about,” Selmon said.

Hinds officials touted the success of the job center’s new space in the first three days of being open officially.

“We already have a handful of people who came in looking for a job, and they have their financial aid application done and are working toward getting enrolled in the college,” said Dr. Robin Parker, district dean of Community and Economic Development. “Imagine where we’re going to be next year.”

For more information on services offered by the center, call 601.619.2841 or visit the center’s website.