Section 9-6-I - Training Priorities(a)Targeted Industries - During the 2006 calendar year, it became apparent that the differing entities associated with workforce development each maintained separate and often differing lists of targeted industries. In an attempt to consolidate and better define a set of targeted industries, the SWIB created a Business Outreach and Targeting Industry Committee. At its June 2006 meeting, the SWIB endorsed the proposed list of targeted businesses and industries recommended by committee. The community college system recognizes the endorsed list and will utilize such as the targeted industries list for workforce training. The target list is as follows: * Aerospace
* Automotive Assembly
* Automotive Suppliers
* Contact Centers
* Defense/Homeland Security
* Fabricated Housing & Housing Components
* Food Processing
* Metal Fabrication & Steel
* Plastics/Polymers/Chemicals
* Shared Service Centers
* Shipbuilding
* Timber/Wood Products
* Warehouse & Distribution
Further, colleges are encouraged to submit training projects that are associated with training for sectors with documented high wage jobs (those with an hourly rate greater than $15).
(b)Specifically Targeted Courses or Economic Development Projects - In accordance with recommendations made by the SWIB committee on leveraging community colleges, local colleges are urged to review local needs for local high growth/high demand courses and projects that are unique to their district. Such projects should demonstrate a valid economic impact in the region and may qualify for either traditional or challenge grant funding.(c)Funding Priorities - In accordance with SWIB recommendations associated with the Mississippi Workforce Enhancement Training Fund (WETF), there shall be three funding categories: traditional funding, new and expanding business funding, and challenge grant funding. The following shall represent the priority of project approval within each category: i. Traditional Funding (70% of WETF) 1. Projects serving existing workers in existing businesses inclusive of consortium based projects serving multiple businesses, and small businesses. (Within this group, projects resulting in a credential will receive first priority.)2. Projects targeted toward training for those businesses and industries previously identified in items (a) and (b) above.3. Other specialized projects as required.ii. New and Expanding Business Funding (10% of WETF)1. Projects serving new businesses locating within the state as identified by the Mississippi Development Authority, or the local college.2. Existing businesses within the state that are expanding product lines, expanding facilities, re-starting facilities, and/or adding new employees equivalent to 10% or more of the businesses current employee base as identified by the local college.iii. Challenge Grant Funding (20% of WETF) Projects selected competitively that demonstrate a measurable impact on one or more of the long range goals of the state workforce system and fall outside traditional project guidelines. Projects are funded up to 20% of WETF if funds are available. Appendix A presents a description of the challenge grant program and the application and award process.