Nevada Works is a state agency dispersing federal grants through the Workforce Development Act to local training programs.
Humboldt County Commissioner Jim French serves on the Nevada Works board and asked Nevada Works CEO John Thurman to come to Winnemucca March 3 to update commissioners on changes within the program.
"The intent of the system is to integrate workforce development into a one-stop system," said Thurman.
He explained that means bringing all the mandated partners and training providers together for a seamless system of workforce development that serves employers and potential employees.
An important element is having all the information in one place so individuals know what programs and training are available so they can access the training they want or need.
Thurman noted briefly that several years ago, the summer youth employment programs were eliminated. He said Nevada Works can still fund youth programs but those programs have to be year-round, with more emphasis on education and development of the individual than on just summertime employment.
Another change is a requirement that 51 percent of those on the Nevada Works board come from the private sector, including employers who will help direct training programs and determine which will be funded.
Nevada Works' service area includes Humboldt, Lander, Pershing, Churchill, Douglas, Elko, Eureka, Lyon, Mineral, Storey, Washoe and White Pine counties and Carson City - over 70,000 square miles - an area larger than 34 individual states. It is one of the largest coverage areas of any workforce investment board in the United States.
A similar agency in southern Nevada (called Workforce Connections) covers Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln and Nye counties. There was some consideration last year, according to French, of combining the two programs and administering from southern Nevada. Keeping Nevada Works as a separate program administered in northern Nevada was a good outcome, according to French.
"The Nevada Works staff is very frugal and works really hard for northern Nevada," French said.
Thurman pointed out Nevada Works is purely administrative - they are prevented by law from providing workforce development services to clients directly; rather they put out requests for bids from outside training providers. They are in that process right now.
French serves on the committee that awards grants and pointed out that those successful in getting Nevada Works grants.
"If a grant is given and it doesn't result in training and employment for individuals, it won't be renewed," said French, citing a charter school in Washoe County that will provide job training in diesel mechanics in place of elective class time. At the end of the class, students who do well will be eligible for a training certificate and should be employable.
Contact Joyce Sheen at j.sheen@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
