Carson City, NV– Western Nevada College (WNC) and Tesla have partnered to provide training to 62 Tesla employees through WNC’s Manufacturing Technician program. This program is funded by Project SANDI and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation (GOWINN).
A total of 47 of the students received grant funding for the Technology Level 1 (MT1) certification program and 15 received funding for the Mechatronics Technology program at WNC. Both programs help Tesla employees with training to expand their experience and career knowledge in mechanical technology and engineering. These programs are not specific to Tesla trainings and can be utilized by all individuals in this workforce area.
“The MT1 course has helped to provide basic theory knowledge to my Junior technicians so they can understand automation processes and develop methodical troubleshooting methods; while the Mech Tech course has propelled some of our veteran technicians to sharpen their troubleshooting skills and find greater career paths at Tesla,” said Nicholas Schafer, Tesla Production Engineering Supervisor. “Whether new to the technician role or having spent years in the automation industry, taking part in the MT1 and Mech Tech courses is value added to any career path and will ensure a bright future at Tesla.”
Marcus Mathis, a SANDI grantee and MT1 certified student, says the MT1 course has had a massive impact on his day-to-day role at Tesla.
“Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting has been one of my natural skills, yet I find myself referring back to class and lab applications when troubleshooting and installing. I would highly recommend this course to anyone that takes what they do seriously and is looking to go beyond the scope of their current position,” said Mathis. “I look forward to building upon these skills in the future with the other programs that are offered through the WNC and Tesla collaboration.”
Tesla’s partnership with WNC emphasizes the importance of continued education in Nevada’s workforce and job pipeline.
“We understand that providing continued education and supportive resources for our employees directly influences the morale of our team and the future of Tesla,” said Nicholas Schafer, Tesla Production Engineering Supervisor. “We want to see our team members succeed and strive to level-up in their positions and we have seen positive results of this occur directly from the courses offered at WNC.”
The plan for the SANDI grant is to invest in 1,700 Nevadans by next fall. The WNC and Tesla partnership is one of the several organizations across the state to receive SANDI grant funding to help those who were adversely affected by the pandemic, modernize Nevada’s workforce system, and expand remote access to short-term training for in-demand occupations using a digital platform.
WNC wants to support additional manufacturing partners in training their employees in the state. Tesla’s partnership with WNC emphasizes the importance of continued education in Nevada’s workforce and job pipeline.
“Western Nevada College and Tesla’s partnership is a prime example of just how important Project SANDI has been to the workforce of Nevada,” said Kristen Dwyer, grants and programs manager for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation. “Being able to support and enhance the knowledge of those seeking career success in some of our most in-demand jobs is pivotal for a happy, healthy and successful workforce pipeline.”
Other courses and trainings at WNC available to be funded through Project SANDI include Certification Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Welding, Machine Tool Technology, Data Analyst, Computer Programming and Cybersecurity, Certified Network Defender, Python Developer, Automotive Engine Repair, Electric Technician and Engine Performance Technician.
For more information about Western Nevada College programs being funded through Project SANDI or to find a career path meant for you, email Carrie Manley at carrie.manley@wnc.edu.
About Project “SANDI”
Nevada is 1 of 8 States to be awarded the Supporting and Advancing Nevada’s Dislocated Individuals (SANDI) project from the U.S. Department of Education. This investment toward expanding short-term education and training opportunities increases Nevadans access to career pathways in Nevada’s priority sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, logistics, information technology (IT) and skilled trades to meet the needs of students, employers, and their local community. Project SANDI has supported more than 500 Nevadans from across the State in partnership with Great Basin College, College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College and other training providers.
About Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation
GOWINN helps drive a skilled, diverse, and aligned workforce in the State of Nevada by promoting cooperation and collaboration among all entities focused on workforce development. Its chief objectives are to prepare all K-12 students for college and career success, increase the number of Nevadans with postsecondary credentials and increase labor force participation.
