Wednesday, February 26, 2025 / Categories: Department News Apprenticeship Day at the New Mexico Legislature The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) and the State Apprenticeship Council welcomes state legislators, community leaders and the public to attend Apprenticeship Day at the state capitol on Thursday, February 27 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Over 19 sponsor attendees will be there ready to discuss the positive effects that apprenticeship has on New Mexico’s economy and how it impacts communities statewide. “Registered Apprenticeship Programs and pre-apprenticeships create pathways to high-quality careers, strengthen the workforce, and promote economic development,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “They help businesses grow and innovate while also providing individuals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive and make career development accessible and sustainable through the earn-while-you-learn model.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average starting wage after completing a Registered Apprenticeship Program is $80,000 per year and 94% of apprentices retain employment after completing an apprenticeship program. “Registered Apprenticeship Programs are a proven pathway to career success—combining hands-on learning with classroom instruction to equip individuals with real-world skills and confidence for the future,” said AGC NM Chief Executive Officer Kelly Roepke-Orth. “AGC NM is a proud multi-trade program sponsor, we support these initiatives that not only build a highly skilled workforce but also drive economic growth and strengthen our communities.”“Apprenticeships have for generations provided opportunities for individuals to earn while they learn, leading to lifelong careers, that provide health care and retirement benefits for workers and their families,” said Matthew Suarez, Representative for Western States Regional council of Carpenters. “They are the nucleus of on-the-job training, building the skilled and trained workforce of New Mexico's building and construction trades, for tomorrow and the years to come.”There are more than 60 Registered Apprenticeship Programs across New Mexico with 2,595 apprentices participating in obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning wages for financial security. Last year, DWS announced a $5.9 million, three-year federal award under the State Apprenticeship Expansion competitive grant, which will go towards the Building, Energizing and Connecting through Apprenticeships (BECA) Program.More information on apprenticeship opportunities, including pre-apprenticeship, is available on the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Website https://www.dws.state.nm.us/apprenticeship. Rate this article: No rating Please login or register to post comments.