A government-backed on-the-job training program at the Vegas Chamber is helping local businesses offset hiring costs, with Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling visiting the EmployNV Business Hub to highlight its impact on June 18.
The Vegas Chamber’s EmployNV Business Hub is drawing national attention for its approach to workforce development, as Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling visited the downtown Las Vegas center on Tuesday to spotlight its government-funded on-the-job training program. The initiative is designed to help local businesses cover the cost of training new hires, a challenge for many small employers in the region’s competitive hospitality and service sectors.
Sonderling toured the EmployNV Business Hub, which operates as an American Job Center inside the Vegas Chamber’s downtown office. During his visit, he met with local business owners who have used the hub’s hiring and training services, including Gritz Cafe owner Trina Jiles. Jiles, a retired firefighter and Las Vegas native, currently employs two workers through the on-the-job training program, which reimburses a portion of their wages while they learn essential skills tailored to her restaurant’s needs.
How the Program Supports Local Employers
The EmployNV Business Hub connects employers with a range of workforce services, including the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program. OJT provides wage subsidies for businesses as they train new employees, allowing owners like Jiles to focus on developing skills such as customer service and point-of-sale operations without absorbing the full financial burden. According to Jiles, the flexibility of the program means she can train staff at the pace required for her business, making it easier to bring in workers who may be new to the hospitality industry.
Both of Jiles’ current trainees are middle-aged adults transitioning into hospitality roles, reflecting the program’s reach beyond entry-level or youth employment. The support helps businesses like Gritz Cafe manage the costs associated with onboarding and training, which can be a barrier to hiring in a tight labor market.
Innovative Model for Workforce Development
Launched in 2020, the Vegas Chamber became the first chamber of commerce in the U.S. to host an employer-focused American Job Center. This model gives businesses direct access to hiring and workforce services at no cost, streamlining the process of connecting employers with job seekers and government programs. Sonderling noted that, unlike traditional American Job Centers often located in federal buildings, the Vegas Chamber’s approach removes barriers between the private sector and workforce resources. “There’s literally not a wall separating the two,” he said, suggesting the Las Vegas model could serve as a template for other cities.
The hub’s integration with the business community has made it easier for employers to discover and utilize government-funded workforce programs they might not otherwise access. Sonderling emphasized that involving employers directly in workforce initiatives helps ensure training aligns with the actual skills needed in the local job market.
Las Vegas Hospitality and Workforce Trends
The EmployNV Business Hub’s focus on practical, employer-driven training comes as Las Vegas continues to adapt to shifting workforce needs in hospitality, dining, and tourism. The city’s ongoing recovery and growth have increased demand for skilled workers, making programs that offset training costs especially valuable for small businesses and independent operators.
Las Vegas has seen a wave of new hospitality offerings and visitor experiences in recent years, including expanded rewards programs at major resorts. For example, Fontainebleau Las Vegas recently introduced a new initiative allowing guests to redeem points for local attractions, as detailed in this report on Fontainebleau’s Experience Collection. These developments highlight the city’s broader efforts to support both employers and employees in a dynamic tourism economy.
What’s Next for the Vegas Chamber Hub
Sonderling’s visit signals growing federal interest in Las Vegas’ approach to workforce development. As the EmployNV Business Hub continues to connect local employers with job seekers and training resources, its model may influence how other cities structure their own workforce programs. For Las Vegas businesses, especially those in hospitality and dining, the hub offers a practical way to manage hiring costs while building a skilled workforce tailored to the city’s unique needs.
