A slew of recruitment centers and programs are opening up, seeking professionals in fields from casinos to health care.

Most recruitment firms scour the country to bring in fresh faces. That's the main focus of Recruiting Nevada, which runs the area's largest network of Web sites for job postings.

"The people that we need still don't live here, so we still have to go out of market," said Doug Geinzer, chief executive of the company. "Our educational infrastructure has yet to provide the skills and people we really need."

Although Geinzer aims for the retired or near-retired jobseekers from out of state, he also has started some new programs that tap individuals linked to the local area. For example, Recruiting Nevada is expanding its "trailing spouses" job board for teachers to its nurse recruiting efforts.

It has also been hired to redesign career centers for kids in the Clark County School District. Job information will be on an easy-to-use computer system, as opposed to running on old DOS format or using three-ring binders.

The systems will be put in near the beginning of 2007.

"With that you can start building career ladders, showing students what are the hottest jobs out here," he said. "If you want to be a nurse, that's hot. If you want to be a teacher, that's hot. And at the end of the day, we have a void of 4,000 construction workers (who make good money)."

Here are some of the valley's other new strategies:

• A $3.5 million employment center for six Harrah's Entertainment properties opened on Nov. 9. The center is set up at 3645 Las Vegas Boulevard, just behind Bally's.

Inside are 36 computers set up to take applications, and there's a seating area for 40 people. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

The company hires 150 people each week, and it processes 18,000 applications every month. Potential employees can also still apply online at www.harrahs.com.

• University Medical Center also launched a project on Nov. 9. The Employee Education and Development Complex and Employment Services Center is located at 901 Rancho Lane, Suite 160 — less than a block away from the hospital.

Jobseekers can learn about careers and fill out applications online at kiosks. Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; and the phone numbers are (702) 383-2230 and (800) 228-2354.

The center will also handle training for the hospital's employees.

UMC says this will set them apart from other health care providers seeking staffers. "As a public entity we are conscious of how expensive it can be for our employees to travel for conferences and other training, so we are bringing the training to them," said John Espinoza, chief human resources officer.

• Youngsters were the focus of the 22nd Annual Career Day Program hosted by the Latin Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14. More than 350 high schoolers were up early, eating breakfast at 6:30 a.m. at Texas Station Casino, then learning about opportunities from 125 executives or other company representatives.

Attendees were also encouraged to apply for the Latin Chamber's college scholarships. For more information, call the chamber at (702) 385-7367.

• The Nevada Department of Employment, Rehabilitation and Training has hired a new coordinator for its "Hire Vets First" program, and it is also ramping up recruitment efforts.

Roy Brown is the new state veterans coordinator, and he will be reaching out to companies explaining why hiring veterans is advantageous. Besides the benefits of hiring disciplined, skilled individuals, companies also may receive grants for on-the-job training.

The "Hire Vets First" program is a network of businesses that give preference to qualified veterans. To join the program or get more information, call Brown at (702) 486-6512.

"As a veteran myself, I understand the challenges faced by men and women completing their service or possibly returning from a war zone," Brown said. "It is often difficult for them to find jobs on their own that fit their skill level."

• Sheet Metal Workers Local 88 is promoting its apprentice program, which can help graduates earn $37.14 per hour.

The program requires 1,012 hours in the classroom and 8,000 hours in the field. Students learn to shape sheet metal for structures like countertops or for heating, ventilation and air conditioning uses.

To get accepted, students must pass math tests and interviews. More information is at (702) 632-3014.

• Link Technologies of Las Vegas is pitching a new type of recruiting service called Recruitment Process Outsourcing. The company, run by Debbie Banko, deals with information technology job openings.

She sets up a recruiter, or a team of recruiters, work out of a client's office, which helps with communication.

Link puts together a strategy, posts the opening, does advertising and/or job fairs, interviews candidates and then presents their client with packets on good job candidate — including typed-out answers from the initial interview.

The company promotes itself as experts in fields that a general human resources officer is not. For details, call Banko at (702) 233-8703.

• Recruiting Nevada is partnering with the Greenspun Media Group, The News and In Business Las Vegas to throw four job fairs each year.

The partners on Sept. 20 put on The News Fall Career Fair 2006, which attracted 1,200 jobseekers, including almost 150 out-of-towners. The next one will be the afternoon of Jan. 18 at South Point Casino.

Interested individuals can register for the fair online at RecruitingNevada.com.

"Imagine what will happen after those folks tell their friends and families about the opportunities Nevada has to offer," Geinzer said.