On October 9, 2025, employers, educators, and community partners came together at the Nevadaworks office for the inaugural meeting of the Lithium Battery Lifecycle Industry Sector Partnership (ISP) — a collaborative effort to strengthen Nevada’s growing role in the clean energy economy.
Facilitated by Ryan Hogan of Nevadaworks, the 90-minute, employer-led session marked the launch of a next-generation partnership model focused on aligning workforce strategies across the lithium battery supply chain — from mining to manufacturing to recycling. The representatives from the Nevada Battery Coalition listed below provided key industry insights on the discussion:
- Tim Crowley – Lithium Americas
- Chelsey Champa – Lithium Americas
- Heidi Crain – American Battery Technology Company
- Michelle Upton – Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
- Sara Sadrolsadat – Dragonfly Energy
- Tyson Faulk – Ioneer
Training Innovation and Employer Leadership
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) highlighted new, employer-informed training options designed for flexibility — including mobile and on-site programs, short-cycle credentials, and curriculum shaped directly by industry input.
Dragonfly Energy shared early results from a training pilot with TMCC, which focused on improving communication and efficiency among manufacturing teams. This model of co-developed upskilling was cited as a potential blueprint for other employers in the sector.
Building the Next Generation Talent Pipeline
A major focus of the meeting was the youth workforce pipeline. Partners discussed the need for earlier, repeated engagement with K-12 students and families to demystify modern mining and advanced manufacturing — industries increasingly defined by technology, sustainability, and high-skill careers.
Suggestions included expanding dual-credit opportunities, equipping teachers and counselors with ready-to-use materials, and increasing direct employer participation in classrooms and career events.
Nevadaworks also announced plans to collaborate with the Nevada Tech Hub on a statewide marketing campaign showcasing careers in the critical materials industry — set to launch in Spring 2026.
Enabling the Ecosystem
Beyond training and recruitment, participants emphasized that workforce growth depends on ecosystem readiness. Affordable housing, emergency services, broadband connectivity, and support for local entrepreneurship — especially in rural and tribal communities — are all vital enablers of sustainable workforce development.
From Insight to Action
As the meeting concluded, Nevadaworks reaffirmed its commitment to translate partner input into concrete action. The Lithium Battery Lifecycle ISP represents more than just a new initiative — it’s a model for how Nevada’s clean energy ecosystem can collaborate to build a stronger workforce for the future.