By Robert Perea
Western Nevada College (WNC) has been awarded almost $600,000 to help establish a state-of-the-art workforce training hub in Fernley’s Victory Logistics District — a project expected to expand career opportunities for residents in Fernley, Fallon, and surrounding rural communities.
The funding comes through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) program, which awarded roughly $2.7 million statewide to expand industry-led training programs in mining, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
“This investment represents a strategic partnership that directly addresses Nevada's workforce challenges,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “These expanded training programs will not only help fill critical skills gaps in mining, manufacturing, and healthcare, but will also create pathways for Nevadans to access high-wage careers right here at home.”
The new WNC center will be part of what Mark IV Development is calling the Center of Excellence at the Victory Logistics District.
Mark IV Senior Vice President Rick Nelson said Mark IV has donated 40,000 square feet of brand new industrial space lease free for 10 years as their contribution to establish a workforce development program. He said the company is working with WNC to set up academic workforce training curriculums aimed at the variety of new businesses coming to Northern Nevada.
Nelson said Mark IV has also completed engineering designs for the academic space and is ready to start construction, with the goal of having them complete by January of 2026. He said these funds will support that effort.
The workforce training center will focus on advanced manufacturing and logistics training, targeting regional labor shortages and providing programs for dual enrollment high school students, adult learners, and English language learners. Participants will have the opportunity to earn certifications that lead to high-wage, high-demand jobs in the growing manufacturing sector.
“Western Nevada College will conduct vocational training for several skills needed in the Northern Nevada region,” Nelson said. “Additionally, as the new businesses come to Victory, Western Nevada College will support the creation of new Programs of Instruction dedicated to the skills required in these businesses.”
Other WINN grant recipients include:
- Great Basin College – NORCAT Mine Skills Training Expansion: Over $500,000 to train 500 workers in mine safety, technical roles, and certifications to meet the needs of regional employers like KG Mining, Barrick, and Lithium Americas.
- College of Southern Nevada – Westside Education & Training Center: More than $1.5 million to provide accelerated training in manufacturing, welding, IT, healthcare, and other in-demand fields, as well as adult basic education and GED programs, in one of Southern Nevada’s most underserved communities.
- Truckee Meadows Community College – Logistics Program: About $60,000 to continue supporting logistics sector training and increase enrollment in related programs.
“These investments help to make sure Nevadans have access to the skills needed for careers that support our state’s economic growth,” said Board of Regents Workforce Committee Chair Heather Brown.
Chancellor Matt McNair added, “These programs give students in high-demand fields the tools they need to succeed, whether they’re just starting out or advancing their careers.”
GOED’s director of workforce development, Elaine Silverstone, called WINN “one of the most impactful tools we have at GOED towards economic diversification,” noting that the goal is to create more high-wage career pathways so that Nevadans can find good jobs without leaving the state.
For more information about the Fernley Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, contact Western Nevada College or visit www.wnc.edu.
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