With high unemployment levels, critical workforce shortages still exist in Nevada

Posted on September 26, 2008
Filed Under Job Growth, War for Talent, Mining |

Although Nevada has reached the highest unemployment level (7.1%) in over 20 years, critical workforce shortages still exist in particular industries such as health care, engineering and mining.

During economic slowdowns the mining industry booms as the value of gold and silver continue to increase. In Nevada, mining is the third largest industry, only following gaming and construction.

Nevada Mining Jobs So what are the Mining Jobs in Nevada? Nevada needs mining engineers, geologists and safety professionals.

And just like the nursing shortage, there is no end in site. The United States needs 350 new mining specialists each year and the educational infrastructure is only providing an average of 130. And just as the nursing profession, the mining professors are retiring at an alarming rate. The average age of a miner is over 50 years old.

Also similar to the nursing shortage, the mining shortage is a global shortage. Australia has over 80,000 vacancies including not only engineers and geologists, but bolters, truck drivers and other mining specialities.