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When Lithium Americas opened registration for a second session of our Process Plant Fundamentals Training, the response was immediate. All 16 spots, open to members of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe and the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley Indian Reservation filled within a week, with several interested Tribal members on the waitlist for the next opportunity. The Tribal training opportunities are a part of Lithium Americas’ Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with our nearest Tribal neighbors.

The high demand for this training speaks volumes and LAC is already planning a third session to accommodate all those interested in preparing for the high quality jobs we're creating.

The course at the Great Basin College (GBC) Industrial Technical Center in Winnemucca was spearheaded by Maria Anderson, LAC Community Relations Director, in partnership with GBC, and Nevadaworks. 

“This training represents LAC’s commitment to ensuring local community members have the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue future careers at Thacker Pass,” Anderson said. “We're building pathways to opportunity.”

Abby Loya, Instrumentation and Electrical Systems Instructor at Great Basin College led instruction for Lithium Americas’ Process Plant Training Course.

This session brings a new cohort of Tribe members through the same hands-on curriculum that earned strong reviews in January. Abby Loya, Instrumentation and Electrical Systems Instructor at GBC led the training, which walks participants through mineral processing fundamentals custom-designed for operations at Thacker Pass.

“It's been incredibly rewarding to lead this training, now for a second cohort. Seeing curious participants quickly grasp these mineral processing concepts confirms how much value this partnership brings to the community,” said Instructor Loya. “This is exactly the kind of work GBC is here to do: connecting education directly to opportunity, and serving the communities we’re a part of.” 

Participants also had the opportunity to see the real thing: a tour of the Thacker Pass construction site connected classroom concepts to the project taking shape in their backyard.

To ensure accessibility, Lithium Americas provided transportation for Tribe members traveling to and from Fort McDermitt and provided lunch and snacks throughout the week.

Nevadaworks, through its partnership with the Office of Workforce Innovation (OWINN) partnered with Lithium Americas and Great Basin College to once again expand access to workforce training that prepares Tribal community members for careers in Nevada's growing clean energy economy. Through Project CEJA (Clean Energy Jobs Academy), a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, eligible participants may receive supportive services, including training stipends to reduce financial barriers to participation and successfully complete training connected to high-demand careers. 

After a lesson in electrical theory, learning the fundamentals of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), Process Operator Training participants put their knowledge into practice, safely wiring lights, fans, and more.

As part of the Process Plant Fundamentals Training course, a tour of Thacker Pass was provided.

“Successful workforce development happens when employers, educators, Tribal communities, and public workforce partners work together,” said Thurman Roberts, Tribal Navigator for Nevadaworks. “Our role is to ensure Nevadans have equitable access to training that leads to quality careers. This partnership removes barriers, strengthens workforce participation, and creates pathways to family-sustaining employment close to home.” 

Participant feedback suggests the training's impact extends beyond individual career development. 

This initiative reflects LAC’s commitment to local employment. Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe members were among the first local hires at Thacker Pass, joining as heavy equipment operators through Sawtooth Mining, LAC’s mining partner. 

“At LAC, we're proud of our commitment to employing locally to the greatest extent possible,” Anderson said. “The new employment opportunities at Thacker Pass allow Tribe members to earn a good living with benefits that will provide for their families and help support their elders, without having to leave home.”

For information on future Process Plant Fundamentals Training opportunities, contact Maria Anderson, LAC Community Relations Director, at maria.anderson@lithiumamericas.com. 

For more information about Great Basin College’s academic programs visit, GBCNV.edu.

For more information about Nevadaworks, visit nevadaworks.com/.