As the state of Nevada expands its manufacturing base, it also seeks to expand and enhance technical training opportunities for area residents. To that end, Western Nevada College has received a $150,000 Science and Technology grant to prepare residents for the new technical jobs.
With the grant, the college will build a Mechatronics Training Center. Mechatronics is a systems-based approach connecting mechanical, electrical and computerized technologies. WNC plans implementation of the Siemens curriculum and credentialing bringing international standards and enhanced cross-disciplinary curriculum to our region.
“The team is thrilled to bring this program to Northern Nevada, enhancing the skilled STEM workforce,” said Dr. Georgia White, Director of Career and Technical Education at Western Nevada College. “The advanced, integrated training will contribute to the economic development of the region.”
“The Siemen’s program is an internationally recognized training curriculum that will allow the college to train qualified workers ready to step into the high paying technical jobs that will be in demand by these companies,” said WNC President Chet Burton. “As manufacturing companies in Northern Nevada grow, coupled with companies building manufacturing facilities in this region such as Tesla, there will continue to be a need for a trained and skilled workforce.”
Burton thanked the Nevada Legislature, Gov. Brian Sandoval, and the Office of Science, Innovation and Technology for emphasizing STEM education and providing the funds for the grant.
“Western Nevada College is pleased that we have received this funding from the State as an investment in our manufacturing workforce development program,” he said.