The demand for blue-collar jobs in Nevada is on the rise, with manufacturing job postings growing by 46 percent in 2023. This increase has prompted organizations across the state to develop programs that cater to the needs of the workforce and support the local economy. One such organization is Nevadaworks, which partners with employers in Northern Nevada to provide a skilled and diverse workforce.
According to Milton Stewart, CEO of Nevadaworks, developing a skilled workforce not only benefits the local economy but also attracts new businesses to the region. As of 2022, almost 22 percent of Nevada’s workforce is considered blue-collar workers, a significant jump from 10.3 percent in 2016.
While vocational high schools and colleges have long been an option in Nevada, four-year colleges are now beginning to offer programs that focus on careers outside of the traditional office setting. These programs delve into areas such as welding, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, automotive, and electrical work.
One notable development is the introduction of two new applied learning programs at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) that aim to support Nevada’s outdoor-based tourism industry. These programs, in partnership with the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, include a major emphasis in sustainable outdoor recreation management and a minor in outdoor adventure and leadership.
Andy Rost, director of the program at UNR, believes that there is a significant need for such programs, especially given the booming outdoor economy in Northern Nevada. The program was initially offered at Sierra Nevada University before being taken over by UNR in 2022. John Shintani, vice provost of undergraduate education at UNR, sees these programs as a great opportunity for students to find jobs after graduation and for the university to recruit a diverse range of students.
In addition to educational programs, organizations like Nevadaworks, the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), and the United States Department of Labor offer training and hands-on programs to meet the demand for skilled workers. DETR’s vocational training programs specialize in health care, skilled trades, and information technology, providing scholarships, transportation, child care, career coaches, and career assessment tools.
Ben Daseler, chief of workforce operations at DETR, notes the high demand for skilled workers in Nevada, especially in trades that were hit hard during the 2009 recession. To address this demand, Nevada’s Office of the Labor Commissioner recently received a grant to boost job training through programs like the Culinary Academy Las Vegas apprenticeship and the UNLV educator pathways programs.
The Culinary Academy program offers apprentices in underserved communities the opportunity to work with a certified chef instructor, receive training materials, and earn a competitive salary. Similarly, UNLV provides fast-track methods for individuals interested in becoming educators through its Paraprofessional Pathways Project and the Accelerated Alternative Route to Licensure.
Overall, the efforts to develop programs that cater to the growing demand for blue-collar jobs in Nevada are essential for supporting the local economy, attracting businesses, and providing opportunities for individuals to pursue fulfilling careers in various industries.