Nevada Tech Hub has awarded $3.9 million to strengthen workforce development efforts tied to the state’s growing lithium and critical materials economy, with funding aimed at expanding apprenticeships, increasing recruitment and providing support services for skilled trades workers.
The funding supports partnerships with the Northern Nevada Building & Construction Trades Council Development Corp. and the Northern Nevada Member Assistance Program, organizations that play a central role in training and retaining skilled labor needed for major infrastructure and energy projects across the region.
The NNBCTC Development Corp. currently supports approximately 4,900 apprentices, with about 98% employed. That number is expected to climb significantly as additional lithium, battery and infrastructure projects move forward across northern Nevada.
At Lithium Americas’ Thacker Pass project alone, 518 union members are currently working onsite, including 58 apprentices. To help meet increasing labor demand, Nevada Tech Hub awarded $1.5125 million to expand the Development Corp.’s training capacity for electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers and other skilled trades. The funding will also support marketing and outreach efforts designed to improve recruitment and retention. Over the next five years, the initiative aims to place at least 100 new apprentices annually.
In addition to training investments, Northern Nevada MAP received $2.4244 million to expand services that address barriers faced by apprentices and workers. The funding will help provide access to essential resources such as boots, tools, transportation assistance, food support and help with utility costs.
MAP will also increase staffing for workforce support programs, including leadership development, food pantry operations and case management services addressing challenges such as mental health needs, child care and family stability.
“As the lithium and critical materials economy continues to grow, this partnership with Nevada Tech Hub allows us to create a positive impact today while also ensuring there is long-term workforce availability down the road,” said Rob Benner, secretary-treasurer for NNBCTC Development Corp. “This funding allows us to expand our reach and strengthen existing partnerships across the lithium loop ecosystem.”
NNBCTC Development Corp. focuses on facilitating and promoting workforce training programs across northern Nevada, while Northern Nevada MAP, founded in 2022, works to improve quality of life for workers and their families by connecting them with critical support services.
Nevada Tech Hub, designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration as one of 31 Tech Hubs nationwide, received $21 million to advance Nevada’s lithium battery and electric vehicle materials economy, with workforce development serving as a primary focus.
In 2025 alone, Nevada Tech Hub has distributed more than $15.5 million to fund 17 projects related to lithium battery development, critical minerals and the expansion of a domestic supply chain.
For more information, visit unr.edu/tech-hub, bctnn.org and nnvmap.org.
Originally reported by University of Nevada, Reno in NNBW.
