Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and J. Allen Automotive Group celebrated a major workforce development partnership on June 10 with the signing of an agreement establishing a new Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Program at the college’s West Harrison County Center.

The new apprenticeship program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in diesel technology by combining classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience. The program reflects the continued commitment of both organizations to developing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of employers across the region.

In addition to the signing ceremony, the event recognized students who successfully completed the Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program. The completers were honored for their dedication and achievements as they transition into professional careers within the automotive industry.

The ceremony included remarks from Dr. Jonathan Woodward, vice president of Teaching and Learning/Community Campus at MGCCC; Dr. Mary S. Graham, president of MGCCC; and Jonathan Allen, CEO and president of J. Allen Automotive Group.

“Partnerships like this are essential to building a strong workforce and creating meaningful opportunities for our students,” said Woodward. “The new Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Program expands career pathways in a growing industry while providing students with valuable real-world experience. We are grateful for J. Allen Automotive Group’s continued investment in our students and in the future of our region.”

Allen emphasized the importance of the long-standing partnership between the college and the automotive group.

“It’s an honor for J. Allen Automotive to be strengthening our public university and private enterprise partnership with MGCCC yet again,” Allen said. “Our communities in which we serve will gain value by the young men and women that will see more opportunity in the automotive field as we transition more and more automotive technology students into working professionals. J. Allen Automotive will always support initiatives that strengthen our community. We are here to help our community grow while strengthening our business and the quality of the associates that choose to work in the automotive field.”