Las Vegas — As Nevada’s construction sector shows signs of contraction, the first graduating class of Southern Nevada Trades High School is preparing to enter a workforce marked by both opportunity and uncertainty.
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According to the state’s Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, Nevada recorded nearly 11,000 fewer construction jobs in December 2025 compared to the previous year. The decline comes at a critical moment for approximately 70 seniors set to graduate from the trade-focused high school, many of whom are planning careers in construction.
Industry professionals say fluctuations are not unusual. Kyle Hamilton, a territory manager for EFCO, described the downturn as part of a broader cycle.
"Maybe it's just a small little hesitation that Vegas is experiencing right now, but I don't see it happening all over the place," Hamilton said.
Despite the dip in job numbers, students like Ricardo Renteria remain committed to entering the field. Inspired by family members already working in construction, Renteria plans to follow a similar path.
"I always looked up to them and they taught me a lot of things," Renteria said.
Still, he acknowledged concerns about immediate employment opportunities.
"As soon as I get that experience, I can always advance. I start the journey, and then I go forward, so the only concern is not being able to get there sooner," Renteria said. "I want to be an electrician in the future, and I feel like this school is helping me get closer to that."
Fellow student Jose Salas expressed a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as graduation approaches.
"Since it is a new chapter in my life, I'm feeling a little nervous, a little excited as well, because I get to experience new things," he said.
School leaders say their curriculum is designed to prepare students for precisely this type of market variability. Principal Candi Wadsworth emphasized the importance of cross-training in multiple trades.
"We try to make sure our students have experience in different areas, so if there's a downfall in maybe one field, like electrical, maybe they can switch over to plumbing or HVAC or homebuilding," Wadsworth said.
The school also works to connect students directly with employers. On-campus job fairs feature a mix of union and non-union companies, giving students exposure to different segments of the construction industry.
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"A lot of our affiliates are not part of the union. They're private companies, so I think that helps a little bit too. The unions show a lot of fluctuation, but a lot of our homebuilders and affiliates are not necessarily unionized, so we try to expose them to both, like the union aspect and the private company aspect so they can get a taste of both," Wadsworth said.
Hands-on training is another cornerstone of the program. Students recently constructed three sheds as part of their coursework, which will be auctioned to fund future school projects. Educators say this type of practical experience helps graduates transition more smoothly into the workforce.
While the current job market presents challenges, industry leaders and educators remain cautiously optimistic. For construction owners and contractors, the emergence of a trained workforce pipeline may help address long-term labor shortages, even as short-term hiring slows.
As Southern Nevada’s construction sector continues to adjust to economic conditions, the success of programs like Southern Nevada Trades High School could play a key role in stabilizing and strengthening the region’s workforce.
This article was originally reported by Justin Hinton for KTNV 13 Action News. Read the original story here: https://www.ktnv.com/news/southern-nevada-trades-high-schools-first-graduating-class-prepares-for-fluctuating-job-market
