Workforce Profile
Rankin Works
We know that a ready, developable site with quick speed to market is critical for your success — and we have that covered with the East Metropolitan Center, a 1,133-acre Entergy qualified business industrial park located adjacent to I-20 in the Jackson MSA. The other half of the equation is offering a business-friendly and thriving economy along with an available and qualified laborshed.
Rankin County boasts a low-cost business climate and an abundance of skilled labor, positioning businesses in our region for success. The county and regional labor force participation rates outpace the state and national averages, demonstrating an energetic and enthusiastic workforce in the area.
- 81.7% Prime-Age Labor Force Participation Rate (In the Laborshed)
- 64.0% Prime-Age Labor Force Participation Rate (In the Laborshed)
With over 28,000 employed in manufacturing, the industry has experienced a 0.5% increase in employment over the past ten years in the Rankin County region. Rankin County’s low turnover rates in manufacturing (5.7%, compared to 6.5% in the state) indicate a reduced cost to companies, with less time and resources allocated to screening new hires and training new employees.
Growing the Talent Pipeline
Not only do we already offer companies a sizeable and skilled labor pool, but we are committed to making investments to grow that talent pipeline to meet future demands. One example is through Accelerate MS, an economic development initiative forced on workforce development and providing customized, industry-based trainings. Accelerate MS training programs include:
Mississippi Works Fund
Funding designed to help develop the workforce skills needed by Mississippi’s industries. Primary program to meet workforce training needs of economic development projects with less than 500 jobs.
Workforce Enhancement Training Fund
Funding to be utilized primarily to provide training that enhances employee productivity and is targeted primarily to existing industries. The goal is to build our future workforce pipeline.
Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Incentive Funds
Legislated economic development funding specifically intended to address the recruitment of large economic development projects in the state. Funds may be used for training.
Five higher education institutions within the Jackson, MS MSA are annually awarding
12,000
Nearly 12,000 degrees and certificates total
2,300+
2,300+ in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
1,100+
1,100+ in STEM
650+
650+ in Manufacturing
650+
650+ in Agriculture
Rankin County’s workforce is eager, committed and ready to work – ultimately guaranteeing bottom-line advantages to growing your company. How can we guarantee your company can find the workforce it needs? Easy… let us show you.
| Population Growth and Density | An Active and Engaged Talent Pool | A Steady Stream of Talent into the Pipeline |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Rates at 1.5x the National Average | 64.1% Participation Rate 82.1% Prime-Age Participation Rate | Nearly 12,000 Awards Annually |
| Rankin County has high concentration of growing talent. As one of the fastest growing counties in the state (0.9%) — and 200.2 people per square mile — outpacing state, MSA & national averages. | Rankin County boasts high labor force participation rates (including prime-age) — outpacing state, MSA & national averages. | Higher education institutions in the Jackson, MS MSA are awarding nearly 12,000 awards annually — with over 3,000 dedicated to manufacturing and transportation, distribution and logistics industry clusters. |
Economic Snapshot
| Rankin County, MS | Regional Draw (45-minute drive time) | Mississippi | USA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,119 | 647,680 | 2,981,835 | 326,569,308 |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 37.4 | 37.7 | 38.2 |
| Labor Force Participation Rate & Size (civilian population 16 years & over) | 64.0% | 61.6% | 57.1% | 63.2% |
| Prime-Age Labor Force Participation Rate & Size (civilian population 25-54) | 81.7% | 81.0% | 77.0% | 82.4% |
| Educational Attainment (Age 25-64 with Associates Degree or Higher) | 43.0% | 46.5% | 34.9% | 43.6% |
| Cost of Living Index | 81.5 | 79.2 | 81.3 | 100 |
| Annual Average Salary | $46,401 | $47,198 | $44,455 | $66,637 |
The region’s educational attainment outpaces employer training requirements, coupled with a low turnover rate in manufacturing, resulting in a highly qualified and reliable workforce. The labor force’s educational attainment versus education and training requirements of companies within a 45-minute drive time shows that 34.5% of the current jobs (all occupations) in the region require a two-year certificate/degree or higher, compared to 50.5% of the current workforce having a two-year certificate/degree or higher — highlighting a portion of the pipeline with skilled workers to meet current and future workforce demands.
Workforce Solutions
Mississippi’s Workforce Training Process is designed to ensure a flexible, responsive and effective skilled workforce.
Accelerate MS (Mississippi)
The recently formed Accelerate MS is the leading office for workforce development strategy and delivery in Mississippi.
Hinds Community College (HCC)
HCC has three primary areas of training
- Start-up training for new companies
- Retraining for existing industry
- Expansion training for existing industry
Hinds Community College footprint throughout central Mississippi:
- 6 Campus locations
- 2 Workforce, Career and Technical Centers (Rankin CTE Center & Metro Center)
- Secondary CTE Centers (Ranking, Hinds & Warren Counties)
- 1 mobile training center
Additional Services Provided include
- Training assessments
- Career Readiness Certificate assessment and remediation
- Job task Analysis
- Assistance in developing a training plan
- Working through training logistics
- Monthly project monitoring
Manufacturing Skills Basic Certification is a 96-hour training available at multiple campuses and gives an overview of the five major areas of training future manufacturing workers
- Basic Computer Literacy
- Safety and CPR
- Blueprint Reading
- Precision Measurement
- Introduction to Manufacturing Improvement Methods, including quality tools and principles, lean manufacturing, quick changeover, 5S, teamwork and problem solving)
HCC Rankin Career & Technical Education (CTE) Center
Programs of Study/Training
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Welding Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Plumbing Technology
- Nursing/Allied Health