RENO, Nev. – Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) and Panasonic Energy of North America announced a new workforce development program set to offer training in advanced manufacturing, production, automation, and robotics and further create opportunities for skilled employment in the northern Nevada job market. Together, TMCC and Panasonic Energy aim to support economic development in Nevada and help trainees gain entry into the growing electric vehicle (EV) industry.
The Panasonic Energy of North America (PENA) battery manufacturing facility workforce includes entry level and advanced-skill operators and maintenance technicians. Beginning in Fall 2023, PENA and TMCC are partnering to provide introductory training for students looking to enter the in-demand fields of advanced manufacturing, production systems, automation, and robotics. Students who complete the program may be eligible for hire in entry-level roles for competitive hourly rates.
Students interested in getting started with short-term training will begin courses at the TMCC William N. Pennington Applied Technology Center on Edison Way. Four courses are available for Fall 2023, including ELM 140 (Industrial Robotics I), MPT 101 (Basics of Operations and Maintenance), MPT 135 (Material Handling), and OSH 222 (General Industry Safety). Two of the courses are available to complete online to provide flexibility participating in the program. PENA is collaborating with TMCC on an Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (ATM Center) where these training courses will be held in the future.
“Panasonic Energy is committed to being an employer of choice in Nevada and investing in education and talent development is a top priority,” said Allan Swan, President of Panasonic Energy of North America. “TMCC has been a phenomenal partner since we’ve been in the community and together we are dedicated to developing an American workforce and creating opportunities that help meet production demand, build a domestic supply chain, and make EVs more accessible.”
This program is possible due to monetary contributions from the TMCC Foundation and Panasonic Energy for tuition and funding from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development (GOED) through the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) Fund and the Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) for a full-time TMCC instructor.
“The TMCC Foundation is providing general tuition support for participants who are not employed, and Panasonic has committed to providing tuition reimbursement for their current employees and for those who are hired at the completion of the program,” said TMCC Foundation Executive Director Gretchen Sawyer. “Other companies are being approached to provide tuition reimbursement as well. We are excited about the opportunity to support students as they train for these positions.”
With a focus on supporting students through Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and career success classes, TMCC and the AMT Center will meet its trainees’ needs for career preparation, job attainment and sustainability. This community-based center will add a vital access point to students and employers alike.
Interested students can contact Pat Jarvis, Grant Manager, at the TMCC Applied Technology Center at pjarvis@tmcc.edu or 775-674-7690.
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