The program, dubbed LearnNV, will initially focus on helping young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 to gain the skills needed for in-demand jobs. Not only will this expand access to higher-wage jobs for Nevadans, officials say, but it will also help strengthen the state’s workforce in what is referred to in the announcement as a diversifying economy.
As of April 2023, Nevada had both the highest unemployment rate and the largest percent increase in employment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The workforce is changing, and as 92 percent of jobs now require digital skills, government agencies are increasingly pairing digital skills training with workforce readiness training, as seen in places such as Pennsylvania and New York.
The first phase of the program is currently in effect in Clark County, with the goal of expanding access statewide by the end of 2023.
“New demands of emerging industries require people to be constantly learning, this program will allow people to earn credit and certifications that will allow them to succeed,” said DETR Director Christopher Sewell in the announcement.
The program will offer participants access to 6,000 courses and credentials from the world’s top universities and industry experts in areas including communication and data literacy. Career-focused credentials will help enhance participant qualifications for the job market.
In addition, the program includes over 35 industry microcredentials, designed by major companies in the tech space such as Microsoft, Google and IBM. These aim to help prepare those without a traditional higher education degree for digital jobs in roles such as data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, UX designer, application developer and social media marketer.
Some of these microcredentials have ACE credit recommendation, making learners eligible to receive college credit upon completion. Essentially, this allows learners to get academic credit for specific courses on the platform, ranging from one to 18 credits.
The program will include hands-on projects and interactive assessments to allow learners to apply their skills in practice.
“We’re excited to partner with DETR to help tens of thousands of Nevadans, particularly young adults, develop industry skills and earn microcredentials that can help them break into high-paying digital jobs and address talent shortages across the state,” stated Jeff Maggioncalda, Coursera CEO, in the announcement.
