Truckee Meadows Community College will expand its diesel technician training with a $636,637 workforce award from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, according to a May 27 announcement.
The funding was approved by the GOED Board through the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada Fund and will support TMCC’s Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technician Workforce Capacity Expansion. The investment aims to strengthen hands-on training in diesel and heavy equipment maintenance, providing students with more experience using industry tools and systems.
“We appreciate GOED’s continued partnership and investment in workforce programs that respond to Nevada’s needs,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “This funding will help expand training that connects students to good careers while supporting the employers and industries that keep our state moving. It is exactly the kind of practical work our community colleges are built to do.”
The award comes as Nevada experiences ongoing job growth. According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Nevada ranked first in the nation for job creation for nine consecutive months as of March, adding 28,700 jobs from March 2025 to March 2026.
“Nevada’s economy is growing, and NSHE has a responsibility to help students access the training and skills needed to be part of that growth,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “This investment helps TMCC expand capacity in a field where employers have made it clear they need more skilled technicians. It also shows what is possible when higher education, state partners, and industry work together around real workforce needs.”
Diesel and heavy equipment technicians are essential for keeping mining, transportation, logistics, construction, and public works operating safely in Nevada. Employer partners such as McCandless Truck Center, Empire Southwest LLC and Coeur Rochester identified a need for more trained technicians in the state.
“TMCC is proud to help prepare students for technical careers that support essential industries in Northern Nevada and across the state,” said TMCC President Jeffrey Alexander. “This funding will allow us to strengthen hands-on training, expand opportunities for students, and continue working closely with employers who need skilled heavy equipment and diesel technicians.”
The grant will fund updated training equipment including hydraulic systems, diagnostic tools, instructional materials, as well as facility improvements designed to align learning environments with current industry standards.
“Investing in a Heavy Equipment Diesel Technology program is an investment in Nevada’s workforce, infrastructure, and economic future,” said Elaine Silverstone of GOED. “As our construction, mining, transportation, and public works industries continue to grow, the demand for highly skilled diesel technicians has never been greater. This program will create direct pathways to high-quality, in-demand careers while helping employers across Northern Nevada build and retain talent they need to keep our economy moving forward.”
The expansion supports Board of Regents’ priorities by strengthening career-connected education at one of NSHE’s leading community colleges. It forms part of broader efforts by NSHE to connect Nevada students to skills for high-demand jobs and support key sectors driving the state’s economy. Truckee Meadows Community College contributes more than $678 million annually to the regional economy and prepares students for local industries with 95 percent of graduates remaining in Nevada; it serves nearly 20 thousand students each year through credit and non-credit programs across four educational sites and over 20 community locations, and aims to promote accessible, innovative educational opportunities according to the official website.
