The demand for blue-collar jobs in Nevada is on the rise, with manufacturing job postings growing by 46% in 2023 across the U.S. Organizations in Nevada are stepping up to address this demand by developing programs that cater to the needs of the local workforce and attract new businesses to the region. 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 supports the local economy but also helps in attracting new businesses to the region.
As of 2022, almost 22% of Nevada’s workforce is considered „blue-collar“ workers, a significant increase from 10.3% 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 fields such as welding, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, automotive, and electrical work, providing students with a pathway to lucrative and in-demand careers.
The University of Nevada, Reno, has introduced two new applied learning programs aimed at supporting Nevada’s billion-dollar outdoor-based tourism industry. These programs, developed 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, believes that there is a significant need for such programs in Northern Nevada due to the booming outdoor economy in the region.
In addition to academic programs, vocational training and hands-on programs are also available through organizations like Nevadaworks, the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, and the U.S. Department of Labor. Nevadaworks‘ apprentice program, the Nevada Apprenticeship Initiative, aims to create equitable registered apprenticeship pathways by expanding pre-apprenticeship programs. DETR’s vocational training programs specialize in health care, skilled trades, and information technology, offering scholarships, transportation, child care, career coaches, and career assessment tools to participants.
The Office of the Labor Commissioner in Nevada recently received a grant from the Department of Labor to boost job training through programs like the Culinary Academy Las Vegas apprenticeship and the UNLV educator pathways programs. The Culinary Academy program provides apprentices in underserved communities with hands-on training and a competitive salary, leading to job offers from partnering Las Vegas resorts. UNLV offers fast-track methods for individuals interested in becoming educators through its Paraprofessional Pathways Project and the Accelerated Alternative Route to Licensure, allowing students to work and earn an income while completing their studies.
Overall, the efforts to develop programs that cater to the growing demand for blue-collar jobs in Nevada are crucial for the state’s economy and workforce development. By providing individuals with the skills and training needed for in-demand careers, these programs not only benefit the local economy but also open up new opportunities for students and job seekers in the region.