Memphis Light, Gas & Water, AT&T and Comcast launch workforce pipeline partnership with Southwest

By Chris Caldwell

Representatives from MLGW, Comcast and AT&T pose with Southwest faculty and staff at the M.A.C. Launch Feb. 28, 2023 in the Farris Auditorium.
Representatives from MLGW, Comcast and AT&T pose with
Southwest faculty and staff at the M.A.C. Launch Feb. 28, 2023
in the Farris Auditorium.

A new workforce collaboration between Southwest, Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW), AT&T and Comcast kicked off at the M.A.C. Launch in the Farris Auditorium on Feb. 28, 2023. (M.A.C. stands for MLGW, AT&T and Comcast). 

Students, faculty, staff and guests in attendance got a first-hand look at Southwest's programs in electronics, mechanics, computer sciences, and many other fields that can prepare students for employment at MLGW, AT&T, Comcast and elsewhere. Through this collaboration, instructors from the three companies will regularly visit M.A.C. classes and share their expertise with Southwest students, providing them with training that can potentially lead to a job. 

"We are excited to be a part of this workforce collaboration with MLGW, AT&T, and Comcast, and thrilled for our students who will benefit from their customized training and direct connection to employment opportunities," Southwest Tennessee Community College President Tracy D. Hall said. "As the workforce solution for the Mid-South, we have the programs to build a skilled talent pool that will meet their industry needs and successfully take students from classroom coursework to competitive careers."

AT&T Tennessee Regional Director Kathy Sager said the M.A.C. initiative benefits students and the community. "The expert skills training from M.A.C. companies will provide real-life experience and develop future employees, increasing the talent pipeline in West Tennessee," she said.

"There is a wealth of opportunity available for students interested in following the M.A.C. career path," said MLGW President and C.E.O. Doug McGowen. "People who work in the skilled trades are in high demand nationwide." 

The event included a panel discussion and Q&A with MLGW Communications & Control Supervisor Mike Cameron, MLGW Senior Human Resources Representative Andrew Stanley, AT&T Senior Engineering Area Manager Kenny Jones and Comcast Senior Manager of Installation and Service Whitney Segers, who spoke about their respective training opportunities for students. 

"This collaborative event was an excellent showcase for our students to hear from local employers hiring in the area," said Dean of Business and Technologies Dr. Charles Baker. "The event provided an opportunity for these companies to connect with our students and for our students to obtain valuable information about rewarding careers. MLGW, AT&T, and Comcast are excellent long-standing companies devoted to the Greater Memphis area that Southwest is proud to partner with to help change our students' lives."

To learn more about the M.A.C. initiative, contact Aaron Jagers or call 901-333-4159.

L-R): MLGW Communications & Control Supervisor Mike Cameron, MLGW Senior Human Resources Representative Andrew Stanley, AT&T Senior Engineering Area Manager Kenny Jones and Comcast Senior Manager of Installation and Service Whitney Segers field questions during a panel discussion at the M.A.C. Launch.

L-R): MLGW Communications & Control Supervisor Mike Cameron, MLGW Senior Human Resources Representative Andrew Stanley, AT&T Senior Engineering Area Manager Kenny Jones and Comcast Senior Manager of Installation and Service Whitney Segers field questions during a panel discussion at the M.A.C. Launch.