Nevada Wins $13.8 million Workforce Development Grant

Gov. Steve Sisolak’s Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) received a $13.8 million federal grant to support short-term job training programs to help prepare unemployed and underemployed individuals for in-demand occupations in Nevada.

The funding will bring the opportunity to offer expanded, streamlined access to short-term courses, credentials and pathways in high-growth, high-wage sectors including manufacturing, health care, information technology, logistics and the skilled trades through partnerships with several state agencies, including the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Great Basin College (GBC), Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), and Western Nevada College (WNC).

This funding was made available through the Education Stabilization Fund of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide grants to relieve workforce burdens caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Providing Nevadans with an opportunity to pursue high-wage jobs in high-growth sectors is a cornerstone of my agenda as Governor, and it’s more important now than ever before,” said Governor Sisolak. “This grant affords us that opportunity through OWINN and partner agencies to do just that as we look to grow and diversify our economy. I applaud these agencies for working together, being proactive, and delivering on the promise to help Nevadans expand their skills after the hit to our economy that the pandemic has caused.”

NSHE Chancellor Melody Rose added, “During this economic downturn, NSHE’s institutions are prepared to retrain Nevada’s workforce for highly skilled jobs in growing industries, including health care, information technology, and manufacturing. NSHE remains committed to working with the Governor’s office to help rebuild our state’s economic base and workforce.”

Other state agencies involved in this work include OWINN,  Governor’s Workforce Development Board, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Nevada Department of Education’s CRALEO Office, Nevada Department of Employment, Rehabilitation and Training, Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records, Nevada Works, Workforce Connections, Las Vegas Metro of Commerce, Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada,  Elko Chamber of Commerce, Northern Nevada Development Authority, Western Nevada Development District, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, NV Business Information Network, Nevada Grow, Nevada Small Business Development Center, and others.

The State’s grant request was supported by members of the state and federal delegation.