TIC—The Industrial Company, a Kiewit Corporation subsidiary, is making a significant commitment to hiring locally for Entergy Mississippi’s new infrastructure sites through a pre-apprenticeship construction program.
Since launching at the beginning of this year, TIC Reconnect, a four-week pre-apprenticeship program created in partnership with Mississippi Delta Community College and AccelerateMS, has already graduated nearly 100 workers across Entergy Mississippi’s service area and is keeping them in the industry at rates higher than the national average.
“This is how we want to grow: investing locally, recognizing untapped talent in our communities and building partnerships that create lasting positive impacts in our service areas,” said Entergy Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson. “TIC Reconnect demonstrates our commitment to building the energy infrastructure our customers need today while creating economic opportunity in the communities we serve. Together, we’re strengthening local economies and ensuring a more resilient, sustainable energy future for everyone.”
The idea for TIC Reconnect emerged from a clear problem: the construction of advanced power stations requires a stable, skilled workforce. Rather than importing workers from outside the region, Entergy and TIC decided to build their workforce locally, strengthening communities while ensuring project success.
TIC Reconnect began planning in 2025 and started enrolling workers in January 2026. The four-week program, operated through Mississippi Delta Community College in Greenville, Miss. and Hinds Community College in Vicksburg, Miss., trains 10 to 12 participants per cohort. Participants receive a stipend during training, personal protective equipment, a stocked toolbox and certifications in OSHA 10 Safety and National Center for Construction Education and Research Core principles.
Graduates are guaranteed interviews with TIC, and to date, every graduate interviewed has received a job offer. Some of the recent graduates have already been promoted, and others have entered TIC’s Accelerated Journeymen Development Program to become specialized in a chosen discipline, such as electrical or pipefitting. Approximately 70% of TIC Reconnect graduates continue working with TIC on Entergy projects.
“This program is changing the lives of young people who are searching for honest work and careers,” said Entergy Senior Manager of Delta Blues and Vicksburg Advanced Power Stations Ernest Rufus. “At a recent graduation for this program, a 31-year-old previous graduate expressed to the cohort that he had never been given an opportunity like this program before. The program not only changed his life, but it is also changing the lives of his friends and family. It is incredible to witness the legacy he is building in our community.”
Graduates participate in college-style signing ceremonies, where they receive certificates and photo opportunities with family and friends — marking a milestone moment in their careers.
TIC Reconnect funding combines state workforce development resources with partnerships including AccelerateMS, South Delta Planning and Development District, Washington County Economic Alliance, Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, Mississippi Department of Employment Security and local WIN Job Centers. The program was launched at Entergy Mississippi’s Delta Blues Advanced Power Station by coordinators Mitzi Woods, South Delta Planning and Development District, Jacqueline Hughes, AccelerateMS and Ron Duce, TIC craft workforce and HR director.
AccelerateMS supports the people and businesses of Mississippi by creating and implementing workforce strategies that link individuals to transformative, high-paying careers. Through strong partnerships and effective grants management, the organization promotes sustained individual, community and statewide economic growth.
The program has expanded to other Entergy and TIC sites, including Legend Advanced Power Station in Texas.
With nearly 100 graduates and expansion underway across additional sites, TIC Reconnect demonstrates that investing in local talent isn’t just good for communities — it’s a competitive advantage for building the Gulf South’s energy infrastructure.
