FERNLEY — After years of collaboration and planning, workforce leaders, educators, and community partners gathered this week to celebrate the grand opening of a new EmployNV hub in Fernley—marking a major step forward in bringing job and training resources closer to rural residents.
“This is a long time coming,” said Michael Hardesty, manager of the Fernley EmployNV office, addressing a crowd of local officials, educators, and community members during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We’re not just opening a building today—we’re opening a hub of opportunity.”
The new office is designed to serve both job seekers and employers, offering services such as resume assistance, job search support, hiring events, and connections to workforce training—all in one centralized location.
Previously, residents often had to travel to nearby Fallon or Reno, or rely on limited outreach services held at libraries or city offices.
“We were going out to the Fernley library, city offices, partner offices—wherever we could to meet people where they were,” Hardesty said. “Now we have somewhere local. Instead of driving 40 to 50 minutes, people can come here and get the help they need.”
The hub is already making an impact in local schools, according to Taleah Hinkey, workforce learning coordinator for Lyon County School District.
Hinkey said EmployNV staff have participated in nine career fairs across the district this school year, including events at elementary and middle schools—something she noted is uncommon among industry partners.
“A lot of times, our industry partners focus on juniors and seniors,” she said. “So for EmployNV to show up and make those connections with our younger students really says a lot.”
The new facility will give students direct access to resources many don’t have at home, including computers, printers, and guidance on resumes and job searches.
“You’d be surprised—some students don’t even have a printer,” Hinkey said. “Having a place where they can come in, type up a resume, print it, and connect with opportunities is huge.”
She also highlighted the availability of vocational rehabilitation services on-site, which will support students with individualized education plans as they transition into the workforce.
State and regional leaders emphasized that the Fernley hub is the result of years of coordinated effort between local and state agencies.
Troy Jordan, the deputy director of programs for the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), said the idea began more than two years ago with a simple question: why Lyon County—one of the state’s most populous counties—didn’t have a workforce hub of its own.
“We said, ‘Why don’t we have a hub anywhere in Lyon County?’” Jordan said. “And now we’ve done that.”
He credited partnerships with Nevada Works, local government, the school district, and private sector organizations for making the project possible.
“These hubs are great for workers, but also for business owners,” he added. “We can provide training, upskilling, and help match employers with workers.”
Chris Sewell, director of DETR, called the opening an important milestone for expanding opportunity across rural Nevada.
“Workforce development is economic development,” Sewell said. “This is a place that helps close skill gaps, strengthens our economy, and builds a future-ready workforce.”
For regional workforce leaders, the Fernley hub represents more than just a new office—it reflects a commitment to ensuring rural communities have access to the same resources as larger urban areas.
Milt Stewart, Chief Executive Officer at Nevadaworks, said earlier efforts to serve Fernley out of a smaller office quickly proved insufficient.
“It just didn’t meet the needs of the community,” Stewart said. “So when DETR director Troy [Jordan] asked, ‘Can we build something here?’ The answer was immediately yes.”
He emphasized that the project was driven not by branding or jurisdiction, but by necessity.
“It’s not for a regional logo or ego,” Stewart said. “It's because communities need these resources and we want to make sure that we're providing them.”
As the ribbon was officially cut and attendees gathered for photos, speakers expressed optimism that the new hub will continue to grow alongside the community it serves.
For Fernley residents, that means fewer barriers—and more opportunities—close to home.
“This is just the beginning,” Jorgensen said. “It’s the start of stronger partnerships and expanded services for this community.”
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