Manufacturing workforce initiative launched

The Northern Nevada Development Authority last week launched an effort to build a larger cadre of skilled workers for jobs related to manufacturing.

NNDA will roll out a program developed by Manufacturing Institute of Washington, D.C., to educate students, transitioning workers and people leaving military service about career opportunities in manufacturing.

The institute is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers.

The program also is intended to recruit and train workers for related industries such as construction, mining and renewable energy.

Rob Hooper, executive director of the Carson City-based NNDA, said the continued development of a skilled workforce is a key element in the region's efforts to develop new jobs.

"Nevada has a strong manufacturing base, which will allow us to diversify our economy and bounce back from this recession faster and stronger than most areas of the West," he said. "By cultivating local talent to fill high-quality jobs, we will continue to prove to existing and prospective employers that Nevada is a great place to do business."

Manufacturing jobs in the state pay 18 percent more than positions in other sectors. The 2,000 manufacturing companies in Nevada employ about 40,000 people.

Along with efforts to recruit workers into skilled manufacturing positions, the initiative developed by the Manufacturing Institute provides assistance to schools to win state and federal funding for programs that combine education in applied science, technology, engineering and math with credentials that are recognized by the industry nationwide.

The project is a joint effort of educational and political leaders, economic development specialists and industry, said Collie Hutter, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Click Bond Inc., a Carson city manufacturer of bonded fasteners for the aerospace industry.

"As employers, we must invest in programs that develop the skill sets enabling workers to find opportunity and our businesses to expand," Hutter said.

He said a key element is certification of workers, a guarantee of their skills.

Western Nevada College expects to play a key role in helping its students learn about opportunities in manufacturing, then preparing and certifying them to fill those jobs.

"We will continue to respond to the needs of industry so that our students are world-class, high-performance employees," said Carol Lucey, president of the college.

The manufacturing program is the primary focus of the 41-member workforce and education committee of NNDA, Hooper said.