During the July 16 meeting of the Pershing County Commission, representatives from Nevadaworks delivered a presentation on the wide range of workforce development services available to counties across Northern Nevada, including Pershing.
Nevadaworks, the federally funded workforce development board for the region, partners with schools, employers, and training providers to connect people with the skills and support they need to succeed in today’s job market. Their programs are especially focused on preparing youth for employment, retraining displaced workers, and addressing critical labor shortages in rural areas.
Commissioners expressed interest in how Nevadaworks could support local priorities, such as improving job access for high school graduates, offering pathways into skilled trades, and connecting residents with certifications and apprenticeships.
A key point in the discussion was how Nevadaworks funding is flexible, allowing the organization to collaborate with local schools, libraries, and community groups to host job fairs, soft skills workshops, and industry-specific training.
“This is a great resource we haven’t tapped into nearly enough,” commissioner Connie Gottschalk said, encouraging county departments and local employers to engage with Nevadaworks in future planning.
With workforce development becoming an increasingly urgent issue in rural Nevada, especially with emerging industries like lithium recycling and advanced manufacturing on the rise, commissioners welcomed the opportunity to strengthen ties with the regional board.
Nevadaworks staff encouraged the county to consider appointing a liaison or representative to regularly engage with their programs, ensuring Pershing County remains eligible for funding and project support moving forward.
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