Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

At McNeely Plastics in Clinton, Mississippi, the hum of machinery is matched by the energy of eager students stepping into high-demand careers, thanks to a forward-thinking partnership with Hinds Community College and South Central Mississippi Works (SCMW). This partnership exemplifies how industry and workforce development initiatives can unite to solve skills gaps and build sustainable pipelines for critical roles in Mississippi’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Addressing a Skilled Labor Shortage

Like many manufacturers, McNeely Plastics has faced a persistent challenge: finding and keeping skilled maintenance technicians. “Up until recently, filling our needs in the maintenance department has always been a challenge,” said Scott Liffey, HR and training manager at McNeely. “But now, with the quality training through Hinds and internships funded by SCMW, we have three employees who began as interns and now have been with us almost a year and a half. We know they’re going to stay. Retention-wise, we now have people who are qualified and know the machines.”

These interns start in production, learning how the machines run before transitioning into maintenance. It’s a deliberate, hands-on approach that works. “Those who know how the machines work are the best at keeping them going,” Liffey added.

A Pipeline Powered by Passion and Partnership

The internships are funded by federal and state workforce funding. The STEP Up initiative, funded by Accelerate MS, supports high school students, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding supports community college students pursuing careers in mechatronics and electromechanical fields — areas where demand is outpacing supply. Through partnerships with Hinds CC and local high schools, McNeely hosts college and high school interns from programs aligned with these priority occupations.

Angel Matos, an electromechanical engineer at McNeely and a mentor to the interns, believes deeply in the program’s value. “Internships changed my life,” he said. “It’s not just about pushing buttons. We give students projects and let them interact with advanced technology from day one.”

That sentiment is echoed by Jane Foreman, industry engagement coordinator for SCMW. “We’re helping companies like McNeely not just fill jobs but develop long-term talent. It’s about matching students with careers that are meaningful, high-wage and high-demand.”

Career Coaching That Makes It Possible

Behind every successful intern at McNeely is a team of career coaches who helped get them there. High school and adult career coaches play a vital role in recruiting students into training programs and supporting them through the classroom phase, helping each participant stay engaged, overcome barriers and stay on track.

“Coaches are often the difference between a student completing training or giving up midway,” said Robin Parker, director of SCMW. “They provide guidance, motivation and real-world preparation — especially in those crucial weeks before internship placement.”

From creating Individual Employment Plans and registering students in workforce training programs to prepping them with resume reviews, mock interviews and discussions about workplace expectations, coaches ensured that students were not only ready for day one — they were ready to thrive. It’s that investment in wraparound support that helps turn training into transformation.

Beyond a Paycheck: Creating Career-Ready Professionals

Interns are supported every step of the way, from onboarding and training to mentorship and evaluation. Students work closely with McNeely's seasoned professionals and gain experience with advanced blow-film machinery — experience that’s tough to come by in a classroom alone. The company also emphasizes soft skills, work ethic, and technological literacy, including an introduction to software used in industrial settings.

“We want interns to be curious, to understand how systems work,” said Matos. “They don’t need to be software developers, but knowing one programming language opens the door to understanding others — and to working smarter with emerging tools like AI.”

Funding That Fuels Transformation

Programs like this are made possible through strategic funding from WIOA and Accelerate MS. That support isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential. “The funding for internship wages allows employers to provide meaningful internships without shouldering the financial burden,” said Parker. “It’s what makes these transitions from training to career possible.”

At McNeely, the return on investment is clear. Interns have contributed to major projects, saving the company time and money while learning on the job. “With guidance, they’ve helped complete real projects. They’re not just observing — they’re doing,” Liffey noted.

A Model Worth Replicating

Asked if they’d recommend the internship program to other employers, the answer from McNeely was an emphatic yes. “If you bring them in and engage them, it’s going to be work up front,” Liffey admitted. “But if they stay with you, it’s a win-win.”

Parker agrees. “Programs like this embody what Accelerate MS is all about: aligning students with strong career pathways and addressing workforce needs head-on.”

At McNeely Plastics, the message is clear. Mississippi’s future workforce isn’t waiting to be built. It’s already in training — and thriving.