by Ezabelle Janssen, Senior Staff Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — A new chapter in workforce development rolled into Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s West Harrison County Center on June 10th, as college leaders, industry partners, students, and community supporters gathered to celebrate opportunity in motion.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and J. Allen Automotive Group officially signed an agreement establishing a new Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Program, creating an expanded pathway for students pursuing careers in one of the region’s most in-demand industries.
The apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience, allowing students to develop technical skills while working directly in the field. The initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of both MGCCC and J. Allen Automotive Group to strengthen the Gulf Coast workforce and meet the growing needs of local employers for students.
Zach Holland will be one of the first students to reap the benefits of the apprenticeship program, pioneering a new path at MGCCC’s West Harrison County Center.
During the ceremony, Holland’s achievement was celebrated as he shook hands with J. Allen Automotive Group CEO and President Jonathan Allen and MGCCC President Dr. Mary S. Graham before placing a Ford cap on his head, symbolizing the beginning of his professional journey.
For Holland, the moment represented more than a career opportunity. It was the fulfillment of a longtime dream. “I feel great. I’m stoked about it,” Holland said. He hopes others will follow in his footsteps: “It feels great because I’m the first one to do it, and hopefully other people follow and it continues to be a whole thing.” Looking ahead, Holland has his sights set on a long-term future with J. Allen Automotive Group. “I plan to work there the rest of my life,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to work at the dealership, so it’s a dream come true for me.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Jonathan Woodward, vice president of Teaching and Learning/Community Campus at MGCCC; Dr. Graham; and Allen, each emphasizing the value of partnerships that connect education with workforce needs.
“Partnerships like this are essential to building a strong workforce and creating meaningful opportunities for our students,” Woodward said. “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 highlighted the long-standing relationship between the college and the automotive group and the positive impact the program will have on the communities they serve.
“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.”
As the new partnership was formalized, the event underscored a shared vision between education and industry: creating opportunities that not only fill workforce needs today but build lasting careers for generations to come.
Photo by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette.
