Nevada’s new gold rush: Skilled workers in high demand

By Nevada News and Views Staff

College isn’t the only way to a good life anymore; as tuition prices skyrocket and student debt climbs higher than Mount Charleston, more people across the state are turning to a different path: skilled trades.

We’re talking welding, plumbing, electrical work, and other hands-on jobs that actually build something — and pay well too.

Trade Jobs Are Back in Demand

All across Nevada, the need for skilled workers is growing fast. Our economy is booming thanks in part to big infrastructure projects and high-tech investments, but we need local workers to fill those jobs.

From housing and mining to construction and logistics, companies are looking for folks who can get the job done. That’s where trade schools and apprenticeships come in.

Want to make good money without drowning in debt? A power distributor in Nevada can pull in over $110,000 a year. Solar installer jobs are growing fast too, with 16 percent more expected in the next few years. And all you need is a high school diploma and some training.

Real Programs. Real Results.

Nevada isn’t just talking the talk; the state is investing in these trades.

At Southern Nevada Trades High School, students learn real-world construction skills while still in class. They work with groups like the Nevada Subcontractors Association and Toll Brothers, so they’re job-ready right after graduation.

College of Southern Nevada (CSN) has programs in welding and other trades where students can earn an associate’s degree while learning on the job. Plus, a new training center is coming to the Historic Westside. It’s a 15,000-square-foot space teaching everything from healthcare to construction.

In northern Nevada, Northern Nevada Apprenticeship Coordinators Association (NNACA) is doing similar work with paid apprenticeships in crane operation, engineering, and other high-tech fields. Students earn while they learn and they’re not stuck with student loan bills afterward.

Women are stepping up too. The group Nevada Women in Trades (NVWIT) helps women get into careers that used to be mostly for men. They run a 190-hour training course that teaches everything from math and science to safety skills.

And the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (EJATC) has been around since 1947, training electricians with a mix of classroom time and job site work.

Why Conservatives Are Cheering

Hard work, self-reliance, and practical skills go hand in hand with conservative ideals. Trade jobs check every box.

Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars on a college degree that may or may not lead to a job, young people can start earning money right away. Union-backed apprenticeships do offer some real benefits (healthcare, retirement, and steady work) without the financial burden.

Of course, nothing’s perfect. Some union programs in Nevada (like IBEW Local 357 and UA 525) are known for offering solid apprenticeship opportunities in trades like welding and electrical work, but not every trade has the same demand. In fields like HVAC, it can be harder to find open spots, depending on the season or workload.

That said, there are still ways to get started. Non-union options like ABC offer alternative paths, and many people begin by working as helpers to gain experience and move up. It just takes persistence and a willingness to put in the work.

Building Nevada’s Future

Nevada is proving that traditional college isn’t the only way forward. With smart investments and strong training programs, trade careers are making a comeback.

These jobs don’t just build roads and buildings; they build lives. For Nevadans tired of debt and looking for real opportunity, that’s a future worth investing in.