Joe Lombardo, Governor of Nevada, announced on X that a new virtual reality-based platform will support career development in critical industries across the state.
“Nevadans have a new career tool with the Individual Career Mapping model provided by Diversify Nevada,” said Lombardo, Nevada State Executive – Governor (R). “This model uses virtual reality for hands-on learning in healthcare, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.”
Nevada has intensified its workforce development efforts through programs like Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN), which supports employer-led training in key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and IT. According to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), new initiatives launched in 2024 aim to assist underserved populations using a $1.56 million T-Mobile settlement to fund training, skill assessments, and employer connections. GOED is also collaborating with libraries to offer virtual career experiences and has initiated workforce programming for incarcerated women to improve reintegration outcomes. These efforts are intended to diversify the economy and expand access to career pathways.
The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) reported that the state’s labor force reached a record 1.62 million people by December 2023, with unemployment at 5.4%. DETR data indicate that Nevada’s manufacturing sector employs nearly 67,700 workers and contributes over $11 billion to the state’s GDP. Additionally, the National Association of Manufacturers noted average annual earnings in Nevada manufacturing at $93,770—significantly higher than the non-farm average of $67,474—underscoring the sector’s strong economic impact.
Virtual reality is increasingly being utilized in vocational training across the U.S., with Nevada emerging as a significant example. Library Journal reported that Nevada libraries launched a VR-based workforce development initiative in 2024, providing immersive career exposure and skill-building tools, particularly for underserved groups. Nationally, VR is being employed in sectors like healthcare and emergency response. Grand View Research projects that the global VR market will grow at an annual rate of 27.5%, reflecting its expanding role in education and job training.
Joe Lombardo became the 31st Governor of Nevada on January 2, 2023, following a career in law enforcement and military service. According to the official Nevada Governor’s Office, Lombardo served in the U.S. Army before joining the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department where he rose to Sheriff and managed a $1.3 billion budget. A Republican, he holds engineering and crisis management degrees from UNLV and focuses on public safety, workforce development, and economic diversification.
