The Delta Workforce Coordinator is your company’s go-to person for workforce needs.  The Coordinator’s position is part of the Delta Area Workforce Training Project which was passed in the 2009 Legislature, House Bill 574.  The Coordinator’s number one priority is to assists businesses in accessing Mississippi’s workforce system by acting as a liaison between organizations and companies.  There are many organizations and special customized opportunities that make up the Mississippi workforce system and the goal is to make it as easy as possible for your company to take advantage of the resources which are available.   

The Delta Workforce Coordinator will work with companies to identify employer needs and challenges and pursue opportunities in a coordinated, strategic manner for job retention and expansion through meeting individually and jointly with the Delta region's workforce team.

Call the Mississippi Delta Developers Association or Christie Sledge, Delta Workforce Coordinator, at 662.686.3388 or email csledge@mississippi.org for more information on how we can simplify the identification, costs, and incentives of workforce and labor issues in locating your business in the Mississippi Delta region.

We have included some standard programs and information surrounding workforce and labor recruitment and incentives, but let us customize a proposal that will meet YOUR needs.

Recruitment and On-the-Job Training

Recruitment and Job Referral and Placement

Workforce partners assist businesses in recruiting potential workers through traditional recruitment activities, job fairs and web-based resume matching.    

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) 

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit(WOTC) Program provides businesses with substantial tax savings for each new hire from nine targeted groups of job seekers.  The WOTC is a credit against an employer’s federal tax liabilities of up to $9,000 per employee over a two-year period for businesses that employ members of the target groups.  There is no limit to the number of new hires who can qualify their employer for the tax savings.

WIN On-the-Job Training (OJT) Reimbursement 


Mississippi’s Workforce Investment Network (WIN) Job Centers can help offset training costs for new employees through the WIN On-the-Job Training (OJT) activity.  Businesses may be reimbursed for up to half of a new employee’s wages while the employee learns the job, on the job.  

OJT Participant Criteria:
Employees covered by an OJT agreement must be unemployed or underemployed or dislocated workers as determined by the WIN Job Center.  

Customized Training

Applicant Assessment

A Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) is a pre-employment assessment to identify skills required by employers.  CRC is a nationally recognized credential based upon the WorkKeys assessments that substantiate to employers that an individual possesses the basic workplace skills required for 21st century jobs.  The employer identifies the skill levels (bronze, silver, or gold) required to effectively perform the job.  Some companies utilize WorkKeys to assist in promoting employees within the company.  For example, if originally an employee scored Silver and later scores Gold, then the company promotes the individual to the next level.  The three tests included in the CRC include Reading for Information, Applied Math, and Locating Information. 

Pre-Employment Training

Pre-employment training matches candidates with specific jobs.  Candidates must successfully complete a specific training curriculum developed by the business and college training professionals.  The curriculum may include work ethics, appropriate dress, work expectations, and technical skill requirements.  Candidates who do not meet training requirements, such as those who receive low scores on attendance and cooperation, may be identified prior to interviews and hiring.  

Customized Training

Customized training is designed to meet a specific business need.   It includes curriculum and material development as well as instruction.  Funding is available through project agreements with the Community Colleges for Workforce Enhancement Training Fund administered by the State Board for Community and Junior Colleges.  Appropriate financial documentation is required.  




The information provided above does not represent a commitment of funds.  The community college and/or WIN Job Center will work with the company to develop and negotiate a training and service plan and funding agreement.