New Vietnamese-language job training at Mississippi community college

Finding himself working as both a teacher and translator in a Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Installation and Repair (HVAC) program was a surprise for Duc Nguyen.  An experienced HVAC professional, he said,  “I have always been a very hands-on type, and I never really liked the classroom. I have learned to appreciate the importance of the time spent there since teaching this class.”
 
Nguyen is teaching a Vietnamese-language HVAC class at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jefferson Davis Campus. Gulf Coast is offering the class in partnership with Asian Americans for Change through a Mississippi Department of Employment Security grant.  The 14 program participants in the 40-hour program will receive a Certificate of Completion from Gulf Coast when they successfully finish the course.

Photo caption: Tuan Nguyen does hands-on training in a Vietnamese-language Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Installation and Repair (HVAC) program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Jefferson Davis Campus.
 
“This offers many individuals who are looking for alternative careers the opportunity to learn a trade that could eventually lead to them running their own businesses,” Nguyen said.  “In the South, you can count on people always needing air-conditioning repair so despite economic conditions, the job is in demand.”
 
He said he is thrilled with how motivated the students are to learn.  “Most of the students in this class are nontraditional (older) students. They come to class wanting to learn.”
 
Wayne Kuntz, Gulf Coast’s Workforce Development director in Harrison and Stone counties, said additional Vietnamese-language training may be offered in HVAC and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs. The programs are offered at no cost to qualified participants.
 
“The college strives to offer programs and classes that meet the needs of both workforce and industry in our district.  Since there is a significant Asian-American population in South Mississippi, these programs are an outstanding opportunity for Gulf Coast to partner with the community to train individuals high-demand fields.”
 
To find out more about the programs, contact Kaitlin Truong, with Asian Americans for Change, 228-806-1384.