Gaines of Clinton chosen as apprentice in partnership program

Special to The Clinton Courier

Ryan Gaines of Clinton (front row, center) was recently selected as the first Registered Apprentice in an apprenticeship partnership between Taylor Power Systems of Clinton, Hinds Community College and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Taylor Power Systems has partnered with Hinds Community College and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) for a Production Technologist Registered Apprenticeship program.

Recently, an apprenticeship ceremony was held at the Taylor Power manufacturing facility in Clinton, during which Hinds Community College President Dr. Stephen Vacik presented General Manager of Taylor Power Adam Smith with a certificate from the DOL recognizing Taylor Power as an official apprenticeship partner.

Ryan Gaines, a Hinds Community College student and Clinton native, has been selected as the first Registered Apprentice and signed with Taylor Power during the event. Director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Anna Nutt was on hand for the ceremony and provided Gaines with a gift to celebrate his accomplishment. Incoming Clinton Mayor Will Purdie also attended the ceremony to congratulate Gaines and thanked Taylor Power for their investment in the community. Representatives from Entergy, Accelerate MS and the Mississippi Department of Employment Security were also in attendance to show their support.

Gaines will work underneath Taylor’s Research and Development /Production Support Manager Kelly Johnson, who is also a 2006 graduate of the diesel technology program at Hinds Community College. Taylor Power Systems’ officials welcomed Gaines to the team and expressed appreciation for their partnership with Hinds Community College and the City of Clinton.