Significant talent shortages and skill gaps have been widely reported to slow employers’ efforts to expand, innovate, and excel. To better meet the region’s workforce needs, including productivity and profitability, Nevada’s Apprenticeship Project is expanding to provide highly skilled employees in emerging industries, including non-traditional fields.
The Registered Apprenticeship is experiencing a resurgence as the preferred “earn and learn” model of employment across the U.S., said Cheryl Olson, project director of Nevada’s Apprenticeship Project. “Apprenticeships have met the needs of America’s skilled workforce for more than 75 years but many still think of traditional trades such as construction, electrician and plumber as the ideal occupations for apprenticeship,” she added.
Nevada’s Apprenticeship Project, a grant-funded initiative of Truckee Meadows Community College, has broadened that scope to include non-traditional industry sectors such as health care, advanced manufacturing, information technology (IT) and service industries. “Businesses of all sizes can benefit from apprenticeship, and Nevada’s Apprenticeship Project seeks to make it straightforward and efficient to set up a program,” Olson said.
Apprenticeship programs offer employers the opportunity to strengthen and build their workforce providing a tailored high-quality talent pipeline. Companies can build a highly skilled workforce through on-the-job training combined with job-related education allowing talent-seeking employees to realize their full potential. Registered Apprenticeship programs often meet the needs of both employers and job-seekers in an effective and meaningful way.
“Apprenticeship programs are for ambitious people of all ages who want to earn a salary while they learn, gaining real skills and knowledge,” Olson said. “No previous experience is required and apprentices are paid to learn.” TMCC is currently recruiting applicants for available apprenticeship opportunities. TMCC programs include the following:
- CNC Machine Operator
- Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Additional programs are being developed and will be recruiting soon. Detailed program information is available on the Nevada's Apprenticeship Project website, NVApprenticeship.org/.
For employers, employees and students who would like more information, contact Olson by email at apprenticeship@tmcc.edu, or at 775-856-5304.
