Nevada launches ambitious program to fill 1500 manufacturing jobs
November 14, 2024 | Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development, Governor , Constitutional Entities/Officers, Organizations, Executive, Nevada
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At the recent Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board Meeting on November 14, 2024, a significant proposal aimed at bolstering the state's workforce in advanced manufacturing was presented. The Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is seeking $1,029,884 from the GOED's wind fund to support its Lithium Loop Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program, which is part of a larger initiative costing nearly $3.45 million.
The program is designed to address the urgent workforce needs in Nevada's lithium manufacturing sector, which is experiencing a staggering growth rate of 17% compared to the national average of 3%. This initiative aims to fill approximately 1,500 jobs across various industry sectors, with key partnerships including Tesla and Panasonic Energy of North America.
Elaine Wynn, a representative from GOED, highlighted the critical nature of this proposal, stating that current workforce programs are insufficient to meet the accelerated demand for skilled labor in the lithium space. The program will not only provide students with hands-on training but also create accessible career pathways, offering high-wage job opportunities that align with the state's strategic priorities.
Dr. Kimberly Harrell from TMCC emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that Tesla alone needs to hire 1,800 operators over the next three years. The program will provide participants with 11 college credits of training, preparing them for roles as production operators while also supporting smaller manufacturing companies in Northern Nevada.
Tesla's Brian Hulse elaborated on the company's commitment to workforce development, sharing that Tesla has engaged over 650 Nevada students in 2024 and aims to expand its outreach further. The collaboration between TMCC and Tesla is set to enhance the training infrastructure necessary for meeting the growing demands of the advanced manufacturing sector.
The board's support for this apprenticeship program is seen as a pivotal step in positioning Nevada as a leader in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that the state's workforce is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
The program is designed to address the urgent workforce needs in Nevada's lithium manufacturing sector, which is experiencing a staggering growth rate of 17% compared to the national average of 3%. This initiative aims to fill approximately 1,500 jobs across various industry sectors, with key partnerships including Tesla and Panasonic Energy of North America.
Elaine Wynn, a representative from GOED, highlighted the critical nature of this proposal, stating that current workforce programs are insufficient to meet the accelerated demand for skilled labor in the lithium space. The program will not only provide students with hands-on training but also create accessible career pathways, offering high-wage job opportunities that align with the state's strategic priorities.
Dr. Kimberly Harrell from TMCC emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that Tesla alone needs to hire 1,800 operators over the next three years. The program will provide participants with 11 college credits of training, preparing them for roles as production operators while also supporting smaller manufacturing companies in Northern Nevada.
Tesla's Brian Hulse elaborated on the company's commitment to workforce development, sharing that Tesla has engaged over 650 Nevada students in 2024 and aims to expand its outreach further. The collaboration between TMCC and Tesla is set to enhance the training infrastructure necessary for meeting the growing demands of the advanced manufacturing sector.
The board's support for this apprenticeship program is seen as a pivotal step in positioning Nevada as a leader in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, ensuring that the state's workforce is equipped to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
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