June 16, 2020
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Directors today approved granting $2 million to the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) for an advanced manufacturing rapid response program.
“This program will expand skilled training offerings in southern Nevada, to support the advanced manufacturing industry and prepare workers for jobs in this industry,” said Michael Brown, GOED Director. “With our unemployment rate so high as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis, the State of Nevada will do everything possible to provide access to the workforce training opportunities that will get our citizens back on their feet.”
The funding comes out of the State of Nevada’s Workforce Innovations for the New Nevada (WINN) fund to support companies looking to expand or locate their business operation in Nevada with training programs that will equip workers with the skills needed by employers.
“We strongly back CSN’s application to the State to expand, enhance and accelerate the training programs that CSN is able to offer for advanced manufacturing and other technical skills,” wrote Peter Zierhut from Haas Automation, Inc., in a letter of support to GOED. “We are currently working with CSN on a plan to meet our training needs and the needs of the many companies that will support Haas Automation in the local Southern Nevada region.”
“We applaud and are grateful for GOED’s decision to use WINN funding to support this initiative and the endorsement we have received from our private sector partner, Haas Automation, Inc.”, said Dr. Federico Zaragoza, College of Southern Nevada President. “This effort bolsters CSN’s plan to develop a skilled workforce and support the state’s efforts to diversify Nevada’s economy.”
Dr. Zaragoza said these trainings will result in students being able to obtain Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) and National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) industry-recognized certifications, including: the MSSC Certified Production Technician; MSSC Certified Logistics Technician; and the NIMS CNC Machining Operator certification, which provides a pathway to Mechatronics and Robotics degrees.
CSN is partnering with the Haas Automation, Inc to expand Advanced Manufacturing workforce training offerings in southern Nevada. The WINN grant will enable the development of two new middle skill training programs in this growing industry where there are no programs: Production Technician and Machine Operator. This expansion will bridge entry level training currently available to developing longer term manufacturing training programs to facilitate rapid reemployment strategies. The funding will include more than a $1 million investment in equipment and infrastructure needed to conduct the training. The program is expected to begin enrolling trainees by January 2021 and aims to train at least 200 Nevadans each year.
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About the Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development. More information on the Governor’s Office of Economic Development can be viewed at goed.nv.gov.