National Technical Institute Expands Training Program to Reno-Sparks to Ease Trade Worker Shortage 

National Technical Institute

National Technical Institute (NTI), a leading vocational trade school founded in 2003 and headquartered in Las Vegas, announced it’s expanding with a new campus in Reno-Sparks, Nevada. Beginning in Fall 2026, NTI’s new 8,000 sq. ft. campus in The Oddie District will have capacity to train 400 technicians annually in HVAC, plumbing, and electrical skills, filling a local workforce gap.

NTI signed a 10-year lease and has already begun renovating its space in a former big box store located at 2450 Oddie Blvd. in Sparks. Over the next three months, NTI will develop purpose-built classrooms equipped with cutting-edge trade technology, individual training stations, and dynamic curriculum with hands-on programming to get students career-ready upon graduation. Applications open in September with the first classes starting in November. 

“NTI has provided skilled training for over 5,000 students and the demand keeps growing,” said Ryan Woodward, Chief Executive Officer, National Technical Institute. “The Reno-Sparks area has a significant workforce shortage and as a Nevada business, we’re strategically positioned to provide accelerated programs to jumpstart careers, develop a pipeline to the trades, and build a stronger Northern Nevada community.”

Nevadaworks

Local business leaders at Nevadaworks reached out to Woodward and the NTI team after identifying Reno-Sparks as one of the region’s fastest-growing cities with a widening gap between the demand for skilled trade workers and the existing training pipeline. After reviewing several locations, NTI selected The Oddie District for its community-driven culture aimed at attracting a diverse mix of businesses where NTI students can engage daily with professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. 

“The Oddie District is built on the idea that innovation and community go hand in hand,” said Doug Wiele, CEO and Founding Partner, Foothill Partners, the creators of the Oddie District. “NTI fits that vision perfectly, bringing students into a space where they train alongside artists, technologists, and entrepreneurs who are all working toward something bigger than themselves.”

NTI’s newest expansion in Washoe County, Nevada marks the company’s fifth location, with campuses operating in Las Vegas, Houston and Phoenix. Experienced contractors train and mentor students to become HVAC, plumbing, and electrical technicians using contractor-driven, hands-on curriculum with options for hybrid learning through the Fusion Training program. NTI also partners with contracting companies to build specialized training programs that refine employee expertise.

Students earn certifications in 12 to 16 weeks and can receive dedicated support from a personal Career Services Advisor who keeps them engaged throughout the program and connects them to job placement opportunities upon graduation. 

Trained HVAC, plumbing and electrical technicians are in demand in residential and commercial industries nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports HVAC technicians earn a median wage of $59,000 a year and predicts employment will grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, well above average. Growth for plumbers and electricians are equally high, with plumbers and electrical workers earning a median pay over $62,000. 

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