CARSON CITY/LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) is hosting a series of Student Success Ceremonies in celebration of its Project SANDI (Supporting and Advancing Nevada’s Dislocated Individuals) students throughout April and May. The ceremonies recognize the achievements of over 1,900 grant recipients who are striving to enhance their skills across in-demand sectors and contribute to diversifying Nevada’s workforce. The ceremonies are being held at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Great Basin College of Elko and Pahrump, Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), and Western Nevada College.
In recognition of their achievements, each Project SANDI graduate will receive a certificate of completion. These awards emphasize the ongoing commitment to supporting workforce development and success, along with lifelong skills in Nevada.
“As we celebrate the achievements of Project SANDI students, we are reminded of the power of community, collaboration, and commitment to workforce development in Nevada,” said Scott Hammond, Executive Director of Office of Workforce Innovation. “Our goal at OWINN is to continue to forge paths for Nevadans, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive in our evolving job market. We are proud of our Project SANDI graduates and excited for the future they are building for themselves and for the great state of Nevada.”
Project SANDI is designed to foster workforce development, provide diverse training opportunities, and modernize various workforce sectors throughout the Silver State. With a focus on aiding dislocated and underemployed workers, along with new job seekers impacted by the pandemic, Project SANDI offers funding to workforce training programs in critical industry sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Health Care, Information Technology, and Skilled Trades.
To ensure diverse training and development opportunities, OWINN directly partners with several state and community organizations. These partners have included Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of Southern Nevada, Goodwill of Southern Nevada, High Sierra Area Health Education Center, NCLab, Nevada Department of Veterans Services, New Horizons Computer Learning Center, Northern Nevada Electrical Training Center, Professional Institute of Technology, Inc., Tech Impact, and V School.
“Project SANDI represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to not only meet the immediate needs of Nevada’s workforce but to anticipate and shape its future. Each participant who has walked through our doors came with a unique story and left with new skills, confidence, and job opportunities,” said Antonio Villalobos, Project SANDI Grant Manager. “Through Project SANDI, we’ve seen firsthand how targeted training and support can transform lives and fuel our state’s economy.”
Christopher Sewell, Director of Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR), added, “We are happy to see students further their careers and turn dreams into reality. We know their achievements will contribute to the growth of Nevada’s economy and we are thrilled to celebrate the successes of SANDI.”
Grant funding for individuals who are interested in pursuing career certifications through Project SANDI is still available through September of this year. To learn more about Project SANDI or to apply for grant funding, please visit https://gowinn.nv.gov/.
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About Office of Workforce Innovation:
The Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) helps drive a skilled, diverse, and aligned workforce in the State of Nevada by promoting cooperation and collaboration among all entities focused on workforce development. Its chief objectives are to prepare all K-12 students for college and career success, increase the number of Nevadans with postsecondary credentials and increase labor force participation.
About the Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation:
The Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) is the state’s lead workforce development agency. It consists of divisions that offer workforce related services, job placement and training, services for people with disabilities, investigation of claims of discrimination, unemployment insurance benefits, labor market data and more. Many of these services are provided through EmployNV Career and Business Hubs and in cooperation with its community partners.