WC Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Two paths, one mission, and a system quietly transforming lives across Nevada. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, Nevada Labor Commissioner Brett Harris and Apprenticeship Council Director Toni Giddens reveal how registered apprenticeships are opening doors to high-paying careers without debt. It’s a powerful look at how earning while learning is reshaping the future of work. 

Apprenticeship Week No-Debt Career Fair (April 28 & May 1):
https://labor.nv.gov/Apprenticeship_Council/No_Debt_Career_Fair/

Nevada Labor Commissioner’s Office:
https://labor.nv.gov/

Dr. Amber Lopez Lasater, interim president of Nevada State University, leads a powerful story shaped by service, education, and a defining moment for Nevada’s future. In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, she shares how her journey through public service, labor, and higher education led her to one of Southern Nevada’s fastest-growing institutions. She highlights efforts to expand access, strengthen workforce pipelines, launch Nevada State’s first-ever athletics program, and build a new North Las Vegas campus, showing how saying yes, showing up, and staying curious can transform both a career and a community.

Nevada State University:
https://nevadastate.edu/

Nevada State Athletics:
https://nevadastate.edu/athletics

In the final episode ever recorded in the original WC studio, host Jaime Cruz sits down with entrepreneur Jason Briggs, who went from a garage in Chino to building and selling multimillion-dollar companies. Their conversation unfolds like a real-life comeback story as Jason reveals how raw talent, relentless drive, and a deep shift in purpose carried him from a young technician to a leader shaping the future of AI and mental wellness. It is a gripping look at transformation, ambition, and the power of choosing who you want to become.

ControlWorks BAS:
ControlWorks

Tamara Atkinson, President and CEO of Workforce Solutions Capital Area, joins the show to talk about her upbringing in North Texas and what lead her to a fulfilling career in workforce development for the last 20 years. She discusses the benefits of having childcare assistance funds in the American Job Centers supporting the community in getting back to work. She highlights her new role as president of the Workforce Development Council and the priorities that she has made to grow and improve workforce development.

Workforce Solutions Capital Area:
Workforce Solutions Capital Area — Connecting People to Jobs (wfscapitalarea.com)

Kevin Schiller, Clark County Manager, joins the show to talk about his journey to his current role as the County Manager. He discusses his passion for serving people and the innovation and evolution of workforce development. He highlights the myriad of job opportunities in various occupations available to the community in Clark County.

 Clark County:
Employment (clarkcountynv.gov)

Kerry Bubolz, President of the Golden Knights, joins the show today to discuss his career journey to Las Vegas in sports. He talks about the growth of professional sports in Las Vegas and how they are the “golden thread” that unites our community. 

Las Vegas Golden Knights:
Official Vegas Golden Knights Website | NHL.com

John Cannito, President at The PENTA Building Group, joins the show today to share his journey in construction from Buffalo, New York, to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he calls home. He talks about his contributions to various organizations as a board member and how the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is working to mitigate the labor shortages in the construction industry in the Las Vegas Valley.

 The Penta Building Group:
PENTA Building Group | General Contractor | Nevada, California, Arizona (pentabldggroup.com)

PENTA C.A.R.E.S.:
PENTA Cares Foundation

Mike Barton, Chief College, Career, and Equity Officer at Clark County School District, joins the show to discuss his journey from teacher to his current role.  Mr. Barton discusses his passions: spending time with family and friends, enjoying live music, and hunting for treasures at antique and second-hand stores.  He shares how the partnership and creative collaboration with Workforce Connections intertwine workforce development within the CCSD School district to provide students with future career opportunities. 

Clark County School District:
Clark County School District (ccsd.net)

Mike Olson, President, of Olson Precast Company, and Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) Board member, joins the show to talk about the impact his father made with his business and bringing it to Las Vegas. He highlights his 24-year coaching passion for youth football and the impact he wants for the future of the Las Vegas Valley as a member of the LVGEA.

Olson Precast Company:
Olson Precast Company

Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA):
LVGEA - Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

Special guest host Ricardo Villalobos, Ph.D., Chief Program Officer at Workforce Connections, welcomes Manny Lamarre, Senior Advisor for the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Division. Mr. Lamarre talks about how his current role focuses on the resources surrounding registered apprenticeships at the national level. He also discusses how equity, job quality, partnerships, and awareness are essential in thriving registered apprenticeship programs that will add to the workforce.

US Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship

 US Department of Labor announces Apprenticeship Building America program, $113M in available funds to strengthen, modernize Registered Apprenticeships | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)

Grant Opportunities:
www.dol.gov/grants