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From Home Furnishing Business

Ashley Furniture & Pontontoc Schools Celebrate Ribbon Cutting for Mobile Skills Lab

September 19, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   

This state-of-the-art mobile classroom, equipped to offer advanced training in electronics, manufacturing processes, automation, and robotics, will start serving students during the 2024-2025 school year. The facility is designed to provide students with invaluable hands-on experience and cutting-edge skills to prepare them for the future.

“We are incredibly excited about the opportunities the Mobile Skills Lab will bring to our students,” stated Dr. Brock Puckett, Superintendent of Pontotoc County Schools. “This one-of-a-kind facility will offer hands-on experience and prepare our students for their future. By equipping our students with these vital skills, we are setting them up for success in an ever-evolving job market. The skilled workforce created through the Mobile Skills Lab will drive economic development in Pontotoc County, attracting businesses and fostering a thriving local economy.”

In 2018, Ashley invested over $3 million to create this custom-built Mobile Skills Lab, which offers more than 300 competency-based courses for high school credit. The available coursework covers a wide range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, including electrical wiring, motor controls, programming, print reading, mechanical fabrication, hydraulics, and computer-aided drafting. These courses are specifically designed to align with the vital skills needed in today's high-demand career fields.

Hosted at the Pontotoc Ridge Career and Technology Center, the Mobile Skills Lab aims to reach nearly 350 students annually. Additionally, participating students will have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

"Education is the foundation of Mississippi's future success, and it is through collaborative efforts between our schools and industry leaders that we can provide our students with the tools they need to thrive," stated Governor Tate Reeves. “Partnerships like the one between Pontotoc Schools and Ashley through the Mobile Skills Lab exemplify how we can create innovative educational opportunities that prepare our students for high-demand careers. This collaboration not only enhances educational outcomes but also strengthens our workforce and drives our state’s economic growth."

The Mobile Skills Lab has benefited over 1,000 students in Wisconsin through partnerships with K-12 and post-secondary schools since 2018. The previous host of the Mobile Skills Lab, the Whitehall School District, recently celebrated the opening of the Whitehall Regional Emerging Technology Laboratory, highlighting the importance of evolving educational opportunities for students.

“By bringing state-of-the-art technology and industry-relevant education directly to students, we are fostering a new generation of innovators and leaders who will drive progress and growth in their communities,” stated Ron Wanek, Founder and Chairman, Ashley Furniture Industries. 

As the Mobile Skills Lab embarks on its journey in Mississippi, it promises to cultivate a generation of well-prepared, innovative leaders. This partnership exemplifies the powerful impact of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and industry, driving both individual and economic growth and ensuring a prosperous future for students and the state of Mississippi. 

"The Mobile Skills Lab has a rich history of empowering students, and we expect the same as it resides in Mississippi. Our vision for the future is to continue expanding these opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the evolving job market,” stated Todd Wanek, President and CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries.