NATCHEZ &045;&045; A mobile learning lab now has a permanent status, EDA officials learned recently.

The lab, a trailer outfitted with computers and other teaching tools, has been a familiar sight behind the Natchez Convention Center since early 2004.

Winnie Kaiser, director of community development for the Natchez Adams Economic Development Authority, said those involved in the Train to Gain program provided at the lab have been impressed by the Natchez participation.

Success at Natchez prompted the purchase of a new unit that will not be shared with other counties served by the program through Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

&uot;Since we started the program in January 2004, we have 568 students registered in the database,&uot; Kaiser said. &uot;Now we’re the second community in the state to get a permanent lab completely equipped. It’s about a $75,000 investment totally free to us.&uot;

Three levels of computer classes have run every seven weeks since the program began. Among the 158 who have received certification in one of the four classes, 76 have found full-time jobs; six have found part-time jobs; and 16 have gone on to Co-Lin or Alcorn State University to further their education.

Along with Co-Lin, Win Job Center and EDA support, the Train to Gain program benefits from funds provided by the state Workforce Investment Act and from grants from companies such as Entergy and Almatis (Alcoa).

The Natchez Convention Center supplies utilities, parking space and restrooms. &uot;And with a two-hour notice, we can move it if it becomes necessary,&uot; Kaiser said.

Students take classes in computer training or customer service. Co-Lin instructors teach the classes. There is no charge for the instruction or for any materials, Kaiser said.

Typically, students are those who want to improve their chances for getting office jobs. Some have not completed high school.

&uot;One student said to me that she had finished only through eighth grade,&uot; Kaiser said. &uot;She asked me if I thought she could be successful in the program, and I assured her she could.&uot; And she was.

Woody Allen, chairman of the EDA board, said the program has been a good educational tool, especially for people who want to learn to use computers.

&uot;It has helped provide a service that was needed, and in a downtown location that is comfortable.&uot;

Prospective students must fill out applications at the Win Job Center, where Kaiser goes weekly to gather them. The names and information go into a database, and the applicants are called when new classes are formed.

&uot;We can take only 10 in a class at a time,&uot; Kaiser said. &uot;The classes are at the mobile lab from 9 to 12 in the morning and 1 to 4 in the afternoon and then at Co-Lin at night.&uot;

The next set of classes will begin Monday. Each course is six weeks. The courses are taught on beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Students may continue through all three levels.

&uot;This is work force development that we can do here,&uot; Kaiser said. &uot;Everything is provided for the students, who have been from 18 to 72 in age.&uot;