A Major Milestone in Workforce Readiness for Alcorn County
Alcorn Career and Technology Center (ACTC) is proud to announce an extraordinary achievement by students in its Construction/Carpentry and Industrial Maintenance programs. Students from Alcorn Central, Biggersville, and Kossuth High Schools have earned national certifications through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)—a major step toward career readiness and success in skilled trades.
This year, ACTC’s Industrial Maintenance program reached a milestone achievement, with a 100% pass rate on all NCCER certification exams during the 2024–2025 school year.
8 out of 8 second-year students earned the NCCER Industrial Maintenance Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Level I certification.
14 out of 14 first-year students earned NCCER Core and Industrial Maintenance Level I certifications.
The Construction/Carpentry program also celebrated tremendous success:
11 out of 13 first-year students passed the NCCER Core, for an 85% pass rate.
100% of second-year students—5 out of 5—earned the NCCER Carpentry Level I certification.
These industry-recognized credentials validate students' skills in safety, construction methods, tools, blueprint reading, and more—providing a competitive edge for job placement and further training.
What is NCCER?
The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit foundation created to develop standardized curriculum and credentials for the construction, maintenance, and industrial trades. NCCER certifications are widely accepted by employers across the U.S. and offer a direct path into high-wage, high-demand careers. These credentials demonstrate that students meet rigorous national standards in both hands-on skills and academic knowledge.
Behind Every Great Student Is a Great Instructor
These achievements are a testament not only to the hard work of ACTC students but also to the expertise and dedication of their instructors.
Mr. Tim Bradley, instructor of Construction/Carpentry, is in his tenth year at ACTC. A licensed general contractor, electrician, and gas fitter, Bradley brings decades of hands-on experience to his classroom. Before teaching, he served as Vice President of BRADCO Construction and now owns and operates Bradley’s Handyman Service LLC. “This has been one of my best years as far as NCCER certification pass rate,” Bradley said. “These students have worked hard and have the real-world skills to back it up.”
Mr. Jesse Potts, instructor of Industrial Maintenance, is a 17-year teaching veteran who previously worked at Smith & Nephew in Memphis and Precision Machine in Tupelo. He continues to apply his expertise through welding and fabrication work outside the classroom. His program’s 100% pass rate speaks volumes about the rigorous training and high expectations he sets. Potts is passionate about safety, skill development, and preparing students for real-world success.
Setting the Standard for Alcorn County’s Future
ACTC's commitment to workforce development is evident in these achievements. These certifications provide students with a strong foundation for careers in construction, industrial systems, and maintenance—fields that are in high demand across Mississippi and beyond.
"These students are a reflection of what’s possible when we invest in career and technical education,” said John Anderson, ACTC Director. “We’re incredibly proud of them and of the instructors who pour their hearts into preparing the next generation.”
Congratulations to all of our NCCER-certified students! This success marks not only a proud moment for ACTC, but for all of Alcorn County as we continue to prepare students to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
Congratulations to the following NCCER-certified students:
Construction/Carpentry
NCCER Core: JJ Bowling, Caitlyn Brimingham, Cole Buncik, Alex Fuentes, Wyatt Hamlin, Tyler Harvey, Peyton Hicks, Joshua Mallard, Charles Rhoads, Jasper Harville, Anderson Morales
NCCER Carpentry Level I: Clayton Barnett, Skylar McPheters, Daniel Roach, Brady Bobo, Bryant Pittman
Industrial Maintenance I
NCCER Core: Landon Brooks, Braxton Cummings, Ronald Duckworth, Jayden Fisk, Reed Heavener, Colton Peters, Ryan Kyle, Seth Rogers, Kalin Shields, Nathaniel Brunner, Ethan Ervin, Jaden Hodge, Caden Martin, Mason Mills
Industrial Maintenance II
NCCER Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Level I: William Brimingham, Seth Carman, Madlyn Lilly, Wesley Nash, Robert Slaughter, Alex Tapp, Brandon (Reid) Collins, Alexis Ballard, Lenny Gomez
These students represent the future of Mississippi's workforce, and ACTC is honored to be part of their journey toward skilled, meaningful careers.