Truckee Meadows Community College will expand its diesel technician training program after receiving a $636,637 workforce award from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, according to a May 22 announcement by the Nevada System of Higher Education.
The funding aims to address the growing demand for skilled workers in Nevada as job growth continues across key industries. The award was approved through the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada Fund and will support TMCC’s Heavy Equipment and Diesel Technician Workforce Capacity Expansion, enhancing hands-on training in diesel and heavy equipment maintenance.
“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.”
Nevada has seen strong job growth, ranking first in the nation for job creation for nine consecutive months as of March, adding nearly 28,700 jobs between March 2025 and March 2026. This trend highlights the need for more skilled technicians in fields such as mining, transportation, logistics, construction, and public works. Employer partners including McCandless Truck Center, Empire Southwest LLC, and Coeur Rochester have identified a shortage of trained technicians within Nevada.
“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.”
The new funding will provide updated equipment such as instructional tools as well as hydraulic and diagnostic systems along with facility improvements at TMCC. “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.
Elaine Silverstone, Director of Workforce Development at GOED said: “Investing in a Heavy Equipment Diesel Technology program is an investment in Nevada’s workforce, infrastructure, and economic future… This program will create direct pathways to high-quality, high-wage, in-demand careers while helping employers across Northern Nevada build and retain the talent they need to keep our economy moving forward.”
The expansion aligns with broader efforts by NSHE—including two doctoral-granting universities among its institutions—to strengthen career-connected learning opportunities statewide through policies directed by its Board of Regents consisting of thirteen elected members according to the official website.
