PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) – Tuesday, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced it was awarded $5.7 million as part of over $86 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants.

The grants come from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to support workforce development in critical sectors, including shipbuilding.

Administered through the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration, the grants will reimburse employers for training in high-demand and emerging industries, addressing critical workforce needs in fields such as welding, marine electrical work, and manufacturing.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves said this money will help the state’s shipbuilding industry grow and continue for years to come.

“Mississippi plays a vital role in national defense and commercial maritime strength,” Reeves said. “Our state is home to the best shipbuilders on the planet, and we want even more Mississippians to enter this high-paying field.”

Leonard Bentz, the Executive Director of the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD), said the state is proud to be selected to receive the grant.

“This grant allows us to scale what works, introduce innovative training strategies, and prepare our people for the industries that are driving economic growth,” Bentz said.