Revving Up Nevada: The Surge of Blue-Collar Careers in 2023

As the pulse of American manufacturing beats stronger than ever, Nevada is embracing the momentum with open arms. In 2023, job postings in manufacturing soared by a staggering 46% across the U.S. This surge is not just a statistic; it’s a clarion call for Nevada's organizations to create innovative programs tailored to meet the growing demand for skilled blue-collar workers.

Building a Skilled Workforce

Milton Stewart, CEO of Nevadaworks, emphasizes the importance of nurturing a skilled and diverse workforce. “By developing a skilled and diverse workforce, we are not only supporting our local economy but also attracting new businesses to our region,” he stated. This commitment is vital as almost 22% of Nevada’s workforce is now classified as “blue-collar,” a marked increase from just 10.3% in 2016.

Education Meets Industry

While Nevada has long supported vocational education, there’s a noteworthy shift underway. Four-year colleges are stepping up by introducing programs that prepare students for hands-on careers beyond the traditional office setting. Fields such as:

• Welding
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Automotive Technology
• Electrical Work

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) has developed two new applied learning programs aimed at bolstering the state's billion-dollar outdoor tourism industry. These programs, crafted in partnership with the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, focus on sustainable outdoor recreation management and outdoor adventure leadership.

Responding to Local Needs

Andy Rost, director of the outdoor recreation program at UNR, remarked that this initiative is “a long time coming.” He noted, “There are similar programs in many Western state universities, and the outdoor economy in Northern Nevada is just booming.” The program, previously offered at Sierra Nevada University, was integrated into UNR in 2022, showcasing the university’s commitment to outdoor education.

Expanding Trade Skills

Great Basin College is also making strides, expanding its welding lab to cultivate skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen for the increasing workforce demands in rural Nevada. Additionally, organizations like Nevadaworks, the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), and the U.S. Department of Labor are offering training and hands-on programs to further enhance workforce skills.

Apprenticeship Programs on the Rise

The Nevada Apprenticeship Initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to create equitable pathways into registered apprenticeships. DETR specializes in vocational training across various sectors, including health care, skilled trades, and IT, offering resources like scholarships and career coaching to facilitate entry into these fields.

Ben Daseler, chief of workforce operations at DETR, highlighted the high demand from employers, stating, “A lot of people left the trades because they got hit so hard by the 2009 recession. Now, as things have improved, the demand for those occupations is back.”

Investing in Future Generations

Recently, Nevada’s Office of the Labor Commissioner received a grant of $721,602 from the Department of Labor’s State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula. This funding will enhance job training through programs such as the Culinary Academy Las Vegas apprenticeship and UNLV’s educator pathways initiatives.

Toni Giddens, Nevada’s state apprenticeship director, remarked, “This grant enables awardees to pursue a career and obtain financial stability without incurring debt.” The Culinary Academy program offers apprenticeships that pay participants from underserved communities to work alongside certified chefs, providing hands-on training and competitive salaries that often lead to job offers from partnering Las Vegas resorts.

Alternative Pathways in Education

UNLV is also contributing to this workforce development by offering alternative routes for those aspiring to become educators through its Paraprofessional Pathways Project and the Accelerated Alternative Route to Licensure. These fast-track programs allow students to earn while they learn, paving pathways to teaching careers.

What do you think?

• Are vocational training programs the key to solving Nevada's workforce shortage?
• Should more universities adopt hands-on programs to meet industry demands?
• Do you believe a focus on blue-collar jobs will shift societal perceptions of these careers?
• Is the investment in outdoor recreation education a smart move for Nevada’s economy