Stacy Johnston / Friday, May 02, 2025 / Categories: Department News First Signing Day for New Mexico held at Valley High School bridging students and skilled workforce Twelve Valley High School welding graduates will secure their futures in New Mexico’s skilled trades workforce at the inaugural Engineering the Future Stole Ceremony and Signing Day on May 5, joined by state workforce development officials celebrating this direct pathway from classroom to career.“On behalf of our department we congratulate these students on their momentous achievement and for choosing a career path that will continue to grow their skills, and build a stronger New Mexico,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “This is a shining example of how high schools, workforce agencies, businesses, and training programs can work together through pre-apprenticeship to launch careers.”Led by welding fabrication teacher Shawn Coffey at Valley High School, students are equipped with hands-on experiences that have prepared them for immediate employment. The Signing Day event mirrors the style of athletic signing ceremonies, recognizing students as they commit to full-time positions with industry employers.Participating employers and unions include Yearout Mechanical, Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 49, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 412, B & D Industries, Cupertino Electrical, Local Union IBEW 611, Futures Mechanical, and Local 1319 Carpenters Union. Through partnerships with America’s Job Center New Mexico and Local Union 412, several students will begin pre-apprenticeship programs that put them on paths toward long-term skilled trade careers. "Collaboration is the cornerstone of building a brighter future for our young people,” said Local 412 Director of Outreach, Joan Baker. “By uniting schools, employers, apprenticeships, and local unions, we create a powerful network that supports and guides our youth in their career paths. Together, we can ensure they have access to valuable resources, training, and opportunities that will lead to successful and sustainable careers." Pre-apprenticeship programs provide individuals aged 16-24 with hands-on training, equipping participants with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce and leading them on a pathway to a registered apprenticeship and ultimately placement in a high-demand career. Students at Valley High School also had the opportunity to tour the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop where they could experience technical careers and skilled trades through simulators and virtual reality experiences. MEDIA INVITATIONMembers of the media are invited to attend the ceremony at Valley High School. WHEN: May 5, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.WHERE: Valley High School Performing Arts Center, 1505 Candelaria Rd. NW Albuquerque, NM 87107 Print 30 Rate this article: No rating Please login or register to post comments.