Thursday, May 15, 2025 / Categories: Department News NMDWS expands career pathways with major pre-apprenticeship programs in aerospace, STEM, and infrastructure The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has awarded $750,000 in contracts to seven leading organizations to establish and deliver Pre-apprenticeship Opportunity Programs (POPs) in clean energy and infrastructure development, providing hands-on training, related instruction, mentorship, and clear pathways to Registered Apprenticeship Programs or direct employment in high-demand industries.Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 2 (SAEF2) grant and administered by the NMDWS Building, Energizing, and Connecting through Apprenticeships (BECA) program, the selected contractors will implement their POPs within a year, while ensuring opportunity for all New Mexicans.“Pre-apprenticeship has become one of our most successful initiatives, with over 700 participants coming through the program in two years,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “The BECA contracts will supercharge our partnerships with private industry and public educators to build even more pre-apprenticeship programs in the sectors our state has prioritized. We all share the goal of making sure New Mexico youth are aware of the amazing career paths they can take without leaving our beautiful state."NMDWS will administer and support each of these initiatives as part of the department’s broader work-based learning efforts.Awarded Contractors and Focus Areas:NewSpace Nexus - Semiconductor ManufacturingNorthern New Mexico College - CarpentryAssociated General Contractors of New Mexico (AGC NM) – ConstructionAssociated Builders and Contractors Inc. NM Chapter (ABC NM) - ConstructionSanta Fe Community College - BroadbandSanta Fe Community College - Clean EnergySTEM Boomerang LLC - High Performance Computing “NewSpace Nexus is excited to launch the Pathways to the Stars Pre-Apprenticeship Program with support from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions,” said Casey Anglada DeRaad, Founder and CEO at NewSpace Nexus. “This program connects rural and underserved students to career pathways in semiconductor and solar manufacturing, industries that drive the growth of New Mexico’s space economy.”“We’re proud to partner with NewSpace Nexus and support a program that connects New Mexico students with real, hands-on experience in space technology,” said Brad Clevenger, Vice President, Rocket Lab Space Systems. “Pathways to the Stars is helping build the skilled workforce needed to power the next generation of space systems—starting right here in New Mexico.”"Northern New Mexico College is extremely grateful to Secretary Nair and the Department of Workforce Solutions for the opportunity to expand high-demand career opportunities to students in rural northern New Mexico," said Northern New Mexico College President Hector Balderas. "The State's investment in pre-apprenticeship programs is key to expanding our students' access to meaningful career pathways, and Northern is proud to be a higher education partner working with the Department to advance economic security for our communities."“Santa Fe Community College is honored to receive two contracts from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions to deliver pre-apprenticeship programs that lead to in-demand, well-paying careers,” said Becky Rowley, Ph.D., President, Santa Fe Community College. “These programs—focused on broadband infrastructure and home energy auditing—offer accelerated, hands-on training to meet the urgent workforce needs of New Mexico’s growing and emerging industries. Most importantly, they empower our students with the skills and certifications needed to improve their lives and contribute to the state’s future.”“Our pre-apprenticeship program will focus on preparing participants for in-demand careers in traditional construction trades as well as emerging sectors like clean energy and broadband infrastructure,” said Kelly Roepke-Orth, CEO, Associated General Contractors NM. “By the end of 2025, we will have developed a comprehensive program ready to serve individuals annually, creating new pathways to economic opportunity and long-term career success in New Mexico’s construction sector.”“Pre-apprenticeship programs play a vital role in strengthening New Mexico’s workforce pipeline, especially in high-demand industries like construction, manufacturing, and energy. These programs offer individuals — particularly youth, women, and underrepresented communities — a critical entry point into skilled trades by providing foundational training, exposure to industry expectations, and clear pathways into registered apprenticeships,” said Carla Kugler, President & CEO of ABC New Mexico. “Pre-apprenticeship programs are not just about preparing workers; they’re about expanding opportunity. By investing in these initiatives, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive workforce that meets the needs of our state’s growing economy.”"As the field of high-performance computing continues to grow in our region, so does the need for an engaged and well-prepared talent pipeline," said Monica Sandoval-Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of STEM Boomerang. "This award allows us to provide students with the experience, employability skills, and mentorship they need to pursue high-demand STEM careers right here in New Mexico. We deeply appreciate the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions for their commitment to expanding STEM career opportunities and for partnering with community-based initiatives like ours to create lasting impact in workforce development across the state."More information about BECA is available on the NMDWS website. Previous Article First Signing Day for New Mexico held at Valley High School bridging students and skilled workforce