LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — PENTA Building Group is on a mission to bring more people into the construction industry in the Las Vegas area.
As new development in the valley booms, contractors worry there will soon be too much work and not enough people to do it.
PENTA Executive Director Marisa Palomo says the company is focusing on building talent for this trade, and they are starting with our youth.
"Our perspective is that we have to create awareness in high schools so that they know there is opportunity," said Palomo. Then we can connect them with the opportunity."
Palomo says through internships and new programs they hope to fill the gap.
WATCH PART 1: CONSTRUCTION WORKER SHORTAGE
In addition to PENTA's efforts, The Nevada Women in Trades organization is doing their part to help the labor shortage.
Founder Evelyn Pacheco is a pioneer in the field of Nevada's skilled trades and the first black women in the state's history to get a plumber's license.
She's now on a mission to pass her experience to the next female and close the gap between women in the trade industry.
Pacheco created a program to train women to take the math test to get into all the trades -- including construction. She's is aiming to boost female enrollment and provide an opportunity for all women interested in the field.
To learn more about the opportunities and the program at Nevada Women in Trades visit nevadawit.org.
To learn more about the opportunities at PENTA visit pentabldggroup.com.
