As new businesses contemplate expanding or relocating to northern Nevada, a common question is whether Nevada’s workforce is skilled and trained to meet their employment needs. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) Applied Technology Center is a key resource for both students and potential employers. The college works closely with economic development partners including the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to see the school’s programs up close and personal before making a decision to make the move to Nevada. The community college offers a variety of courses in four key areas: transportation, manufacturing, construction and design, and energy.
“Our role is to offer insight about our programs, so we regularly host tours for companies looking at moving to northern Nevada,” said Jim New, TMCC Technical Services Dean. “The tours provide a unique perspective about our programs, and when resources allow, we will work with new businesses to develop programs tailored to their specific needs, whether that’s a credited degree program, certificate, or specific course.”
Unlike traditional college courses, students at TMCC’s Applied Technology Center are offered hands-on, real world experience in their chosen field, giving them the edge and training they need to go directly into the workforce. To keep the content of each program relevant, the school has regular contact with business leaders, as well as an Industry Advisory Council that meets a least two times annually to advise curriculum for each respective division of the school.
“Perhaps more than any other track, our programs are geared for students to leave the classroom and head directly into the workforce,” adds New.
“TMCC is positioning Nevada to be on the forefront of industries that are exponentially growing, like manufacturing,” said Jeff Brigger, Opportunity Nevada spokesperson. “Their programs help jumpstart work force development by fulfilling education needs in our region.”
For more information about TMCC’s Applied Technology Center or to set-up a tour, visit: http://www.tmcc.edu/appliedtech/.