Since 2017, Tesla and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) have worked together to provide skills and education in advanced manufacturing for Nevada residents. This partnership has developed into one of the largest apprenticeship collaborations in the country, with more than 700 apprentices participating in a single year.
The Tesla Manufacturing Development Program (MDP), which is licensed and nationally recognized, allows new Tesla production associates to earn 11 college credits at TMCC over four weeks while receiving pay from Tesla. Participants gain practical experience in robotics, automation, machining, and logistics before starting work at the Gigafactory.
“This is a licensed apprenticeship program for our production associates,” said Aimee Frugoli, Senior Recruiter for the Tesla Manufacturing Program. “We send them here to TMCC on a grant for four weeks, where they earn 11 credits in advanced manufacturing. It’s very intense—but without the partnership of TMCC, we wouldn’t be producing students with the knowledge that we are right now.”
Jason Klonicke, Director of Applied Technology at TMCC, highlighted the alignment between industry needs and education as central to the program’s success. “There’s a very specific alignment between industry needs and education,” he said. “We took TMCC’s flexibility and Tesla’s workforce needs and created this program. It’s tuition–free for students—Tesla pays them to learn—and they finish with a solid foundation in advanced manufacturing before they ever set foot in the Gigafactory.”
Since its start, more than 848 apprentices have completed the MDP program within less than two years—a figure that surpasses typical numbers seen elsewhere. “In the apprenticeship world, 25 students a year is great,” Klonicke noted. “Even with large companies, 100 is amazing. To quadruple that in such a short time is just unbelievable.”
Both organizations attribute their progress to effective communication. “The partnership works so well because of really good communication between both programs,” said Frugoli. “There’s a shared desire to send these students to school to get the education they need for our workforce. There’s a lot of passion about Nevada—seeing these students learn here, stay here, and work here is really positive for all of us.”
Growth has been rapid: while 85 apprentices completed the program in 2023, more than 700 have already participated this year with additional cohorts planned soon. Frugoli stated: “We’re working on more cohorts, more space, and more instructors—but really, the sky’s the limit. The partnership with TMCC is invaluable.”
Klonicke noted that participants come from varied backgrounds including recent high school graduates not seeking four-year degrees; people changing careers; or individuals rebuilding after challenges such as addiction or incarceration: “Some come straight out of high school and don’t see a four–year degree in their future. Others are looking for a new career,” Klonicke said. “And then there are those who have faced major challenges—addiction, incarceration, or simply needing a second chance. For them, this four–week program is life–changing. They leave with college credits, a career, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
With advancements like artificial intelligence influencing manufacturing practices further each year at facilities like those run by Tesla and others, TMCC adapts its curriculum accordingly: “AI is already being utilized in these companies,” Klonicke explained.”Our goal now is to integrate AI and robotics more deeply into advanced manufacturing training.The next phase is combining machining and automation—training entry-level employees to program and maintain high-tech systems that drive modern production.”
Frugoli described what makes this collaboration distinctive: “I don’t think there are many partnerships like this in the country,” she said.”TMCC has been a great partner for so many reasons—especially their flexibility and willingness to make coursework directly relevant…It’s created something really special for our students.”
Truckee Meadows Community College serves nearly 20,000 students annually through credit-earning programs across multiple locations in Reno as well as non-credit options supporting local industries by preparing graduates for employment in Nevada. The college contributes over $678 million each year to regional economic activity and maintains operations across several sites.
Contact information for applying or learning about MDP can be found through TMCC’s Applied Technology Division.
