In March 2026, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) in partnership with NevadaWorks and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), hosted an action-oriented workshop in Las Vegas in March 2026. The workshop focused on the electric vehicle (EV) industry cluster and the workforce systems needed to support the full ecosystem—from critical mineral extraction and the lithium battery lifecycle to vehicle manufacturing, retail, and maintenance.
A select group of workforce, industry, and education leaders from ten states and Puerto Rico convened for this day-long program, supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America initiative. The workshop was designed for workforce board leaders ready to move beyond buzzwords and take meaningful action on EV workforce development.
To see these leaders in action and get a first-hand look at the event, check out this video summary of the day.
Labor market data shows a nationwide shortage of workers with relevant EV skills, particularly in occupations that require industry credentials rather than traditional college degrees. Registered Apprenticeships offer workers the opportunity to earn competitive wages while developing in-demand skills. “When you think about how technical some of these jobs are and how expensive postsecondary education can be, having an opportunity to earn and learn at the same time is incredibly valuable,” said Drew Bercich, CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). “It benefits not only the employee—who may avoid significant student loan debt—but also the employer, who can train workers specifically for their operational needs.”
Navigating the EV Labor Market The workshop featured a deep dive into the EV labor market based on a study completed by Lightcast. The study examined both labor demand and training supply across the EV mobility sector
Lightcast defines the Total Mobility Sector as a comprehensive ecosystem encompassing the full value chain of modern transportation and automotive innovation, with an emphasis on electric and next-generation mobility technologies. EV Subsectors include:
The Lightcast study further analyzed workforce demand by experience level, education, employers, and skill requirements, including non-degree skills, industry credentials, and academic degrees. Read our full blog post breaking down the Lightcast EV Labor Market Assessment.
The Role of Workforce Boards in EV Apprenticeships A core focus of the workshop was translating this labor market data into actionable training models. Workforce boards are uniquely positioned to serve as conveners, sponsors, and intermediaries in the Registered Apprenticeship space. To help local boards navigate this, NAWB has released several resources detailing strategies and frameworks for success:
Throughout the session, participants engaged in focused discussions and collaborative learning activities. A highlight of the workshop was a field experience featuring the Tesla Loop, where participants observed emerging transportation technology in action.
The day also highlighted Northern Nevada’s growing role in the EV supply chain. Nevada is home to North America’s largest known lithium deposit and is quickly emerging as a major hub for EV and battery manufacturing. Investments from automakers, energy companies, and public funding are accelerating the state’s role in the national EV economy. “We’re excited to share the work being done—particularly in Northern Nevada—around EVs,” said Milt Stewart, CEO of Nevadaworks, the region’s local workforce development board. “The lithium lifecycle is rapidly expanding here, including mining, processing, manufacturing, and recycling.”
Turning Ideas into Action: The EV Workforce Pitch Competition To culminate the day’s collaborative efforts, participants took the stage for a live, NAWB-sponsored Pitch Competition. Workforce leaders presented actionable, regional strategies for EV apprenticeship programs designed to tackle specific local challenges. After a series of compelling presentations, three standout pitches were awarded top honors:
1st Place: Sherri Mantanona Lead of Industry Sector Partnerships, Workforce Connections (Southern Nevada) In Southern Nevada, an emerging EV sector boasts about 1,500 jobs and strong entry-level Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. However, Mantanona identified a critical bottleneck at the mid-level and journey-worker stages. Because state regulations require a 1-to-1 ratio for electrician apprenticeships, upward movement has stalled, effectively blocking CTE graduates from entering the pipeline. To solve this, Mantanona pitched an “EV Workforce Mobility Pilot” focused on incumbent worker advancement. By leveraging Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) funds to upskill current employees through apprenticeships, employers gain immediate value, the mid-level bottleneck is cleared, and new entry-level opportunities open up for incoming students.
2nd Place: Megan Boddy Talent Pipeline Manager, UP Michigan Works! (Upper Peninsula, Michigan) Representing a 15-county rural region, Boddy noted that while the Upper Peninsula operates behind the national curve in EV adoption, it is deeply connected to the EV transition via advanced manufacturing, grid infrastructure, and a massive outdoor recreation economy. She pitched the “Rural Electrification and Electric Recreation Apprenticeship Accelerator.” This innovative model integrates charging installation, battery systems, grid modernization, and electric Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) diagnostics into existing electrician and industrial maintenance apprenticeships. The strategy also includes a shared pre-apprenticeship program to seamlessly transition youth and dislocated workers into these registered apprenticeships.
3rd Place: Steve Saunier Director of Apprenticeships, ASPYR Workforce Innovation (Columbus, Ohio). Serving as a registered apprenticeship hub in Central Ohio, ASPYR found that local employers often shy away from the liability and administrative burden of owning an apprenticeship program outright. With a recognized knowledge gap regarding the specific training needs for EV fleets, Saunier pitched a localized, collaborative solution. Over a six-month timeline, ASPYR will convene major stakeholders including “JobsOhio,” “One Columbus,” and local training providers to accurately map EV employer needs and training capacity. Following this discovery phase, ASPYR will launch a targeted operating plan and hold a group sponsorship specifically for EV apprenticeships, removing the administrative burden from employers so that vital workforce training can actually begin.
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