Nevada’s leisure and hospitality sectors remain key drivers of the state’s economy; however, labor shortages are prompting more workforce solutions. A new white paper released this month by the MGM Public Policy Institute at the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs explores a program which aims to increase pathways to the middle class. 

In its white paper, “Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Nevada through Industry Partnerships,” UNLV researchers analyzed a 2024 pilot program for culinary arts students organized by MGM Resorts International in partnership with the Clark County School District (CCSD).

Out of 123 schools in CCSD, 41 offer a Culinary Arts CTE program. CTE programs gives students an opportunity to be better prepared for the workforce before they leave high school. 

In 2024, MGM Resorts International, in collaboration with CCSD, hosted a three-day culinary event for 29 students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Students explored career opportunities at MGM Resorts, showcased their culinary skills, and interviewed with MGM Resorts chefs. MGM Resorts hired 25 of the students who participated.

“As the largest private employer in the state, MGM Resorts is invested in nurturing workforce development opportunities that will benefit the local community and the company,” said Amy Lee, director of workforce development at MGM Resorts. “We are grateful for this research, which shows the importance of collaboration and leveraging cross-sector partnerships in order to open doors for recent high school graduates.”

According to the researchers, 80% of CCSD students represent underserved backgrounds and immediately enter the workforce after high school. The median salary for cooks at MGM Resorts is $59,582, which falls in the middle-income category according to the Pew Research Center. 

“Through our partnership with MGM Resorts International, we created a distinctive opportunity that allows our students and their families to customize their education according to their individual needs,” said Jhone Ebert, superintendent of the Clark County School District. “Going from curriculum to career shows our students how their education translates into the job of their dreams, and we look forward to expanding these opportunities for students.”

Researchers say this program provides graduates of CTE an opportunity to the middle class by offering immediate job placements, financial stability, and opportunities for advancement in higher education and careers.

“This research addresses solutions for an adaptable workforce,” said Robert R. Ulmer, dean of the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. “The MGM Public Policy Institute is committed to finding solutions for our community to enhance career opportunity and advancement.”

Key takeaways from the white paper: 

• Researchers say there is a need for stronger partnership between employers and CTE schools so that CTE schools have relevant curriculum to meet the needs of employers and improve long-term employment outcomes for students. 
• Employers report that CTE programs produce a larger talent pool with individuals who are better prepared for the workforce, have greater job-specific technical skills, possess more adaptable skill sets, and demonstrate more robust real-world skills. 
• Nevada should leverage its strong CTE culinary arts programs to address workforce challenges.

Authors say that more research is needed to study the outcomes of the collaboration between MGM Resorts and CCSD. They advise follow-up studies with CTE graduates who have been hired through this partnership, to understand how effective their training prepared them for their current roles. They also encourage hiring managers to evaluate the program’s success by analyzing departmental operations, staffing efficiency, and employee performance. 

Publication Details 

"Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Nevada through Industry Partnerships" was published in April and authored by UNLV School of Public Policy and Leadership doctoral student Sheetal Survase and assistant professor Milia Heen. The publication, and other research, can be found on the MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute’s website.

About the MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute at UNLV

The MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute at UNLV pursues case-based research, brings together expert viewpoints, curates compelling content and spotlights promising projects that are addressing fundamental questions about the future of work. Learn more about the MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute.