LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The state’s workforce development agency is increasing its partnerships with schools and other agencies in an effort to connect more students with in-demand jobs.
One College of Southern Nevada student found work through a manufacturing training course.
From homemaker to quality control technician
Norby Ruiz-Rohiz came to Las Vegas from the Philippines and struggled to find work.
“I was unemployed. Homemaker,” Ruiz-Rohiz said.
She started with English as a Second Language classes at CSN, then learned about a free 16-week manufacturing training course.
“The moment I’m finishing the manufacturing. Oh, I finished it first and then I started applying. In less than a month, I got a job. In a beverage company as a quality control technician,” Ruiz-Rohiz said.
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Part of a broader state partnership
Her success story is part of the state’s ongoing partnerships with CSN, UNLV, Nevada State and Truckee Meadows Community College to train workers for high-wage, in-demand fields, from manufacturing to Nevada’s growing lithium industry.
Natalie Brown, assistant vice chancellor for Workforce Development and Community Colleges at NSHE, said the effort is not limited to one program or sector.
“The workforce development focus is, you know, not just tied to any one training program or one sector, but we’re really trying to tackle it at that macro level. And then how can we bring together the unique talents at our institutions,” Brown said.
Brown said the state’s workforce development agency, DETR, backs programs expected to serve more than 700 students statewide in the coming year.
“To meet their educational training goals. The system can be complicated, and we know that. And so, being able to braid different funding sources, which you’ll see with our CSN student, it’s really to support that experience and make it as simple as possible,” Brown said.
Statewide effort marks Workforce Development Month
The partnership is part of a broader effort by DETR and the Nevada System of Higher Education to connect college students with workforce resources, training and employers across Nevada during Workforce Development Month.
The work takes different forms across NSHE colleges and universities, from on-campus workforce services and career-center partnerships to training programs, employer recruitment and specialized support for veterans.
Through EmployNV, DETR career coaches are available at five NSHE institutions, including CSN, Western Nevada College, Truckee Meadows Community College, Great Basin College and UNLV, where they connect students with career guidance, training resources and employers.
Mentoring other students
Ruiz-Rohiz is now working part-time at the beverage company, mentoring other students as a CSN ambassador, and pursuing her associate degree.
“As a woman, you felt empowered, regardless which ethnicity or race you’re coming from. And even now, you can read somewhere, there’s a women in manufacturing industry. So, for me, that’s the… I can be proud of myself, you know,” Ruiz-Rohiz said.
CSN’s next round of manufacturing training kicks off Sept. 29. Officials say seats are open to anyone looking for a fresh start in a growing field. There are also scholarships available for some of the programs.
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