Monday, November 13, 2023 / Categories: Department News New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions celebrates the 9th annual National Apprenticeship Week New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has issued a proclamation recognizing November 13–19, 2023 as National Apprenticeship Week, commending the proven, industry-driven training model providing a critical talent pipeline that can train and build up our workforce. More than 50 Registered Apprenticeship programs are available across New Mexico with 2,590 apprentices participating in obtaining the skills they need to succeed while earning wages for financial security. 92% of apprentices who complete an apprenticeship program retain their employment with an average annual salary of $51,584. “Registered apprenticeships are some of the best tools to develop New Mexico’s pipeline of workers, because they enable participants to earn while they learn. The partnerships among career technical education programs, community colleges, unions, and businesses have been critical to the success of registered apprenticeship in the state, which has more than doubled during Governor Lujan-Grisham’s time in office,” said NMDWS Secretary Sarita Nair. “Our Department is taking it one step further with pre-apprenticeships that provide stipends and pathways for youth interested in technical and trades careers while paying for up to 400 hours of meaningful work experience.”National Apprenticeship Week highlights Registered Apprenticeship as a proven and industry-driven training model for overcoming a variety of workforce and education challenges, and addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. It is a key strategy to improving job quality and creating access to good-paying jobs for all, including populations historically underrepresented – women, people of color, and individuals with a disability – and underserved populations, such as youth and young adults. It addresses some of our nation’s pressing workforce shortages in teaching, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, cybersecurity, and other high-priority sectors.“Experience-based education through registered apprenticeships as well as certificate and degree programs at community colleges are an excellent path for many New Mexicans to build essential skills. Apprenticeships position New Mexicans to gain experience, earn family-sustaining wages, and serve their communities in a variety of high-need fields. With tuition-free career education through the Opportunity Scholarship, state apprenticeship programs, and free child care, New Mexico is working from all angles to build and maintain the skilled workforce we need,” said Acting Higher Education Secretary Patricia Trujillo, Ph.D. NMDWS will be hosting the State Apprenticeship Council meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Albuquerque at 401 Broadway NE, 2–5 p.m. with a ceremony highlighting ‘Women in Apprenticeship’. Members of the public are welcome to attend. New Mexico Workforce Connection center staff statewide are also available to engage with New Mexican job seekers and employers to help them explore apprenticeship training models and develop apprenticeship training programs that open opportunities to teach specific skills and retain employees right here in New Mexico. Apprentices are empowered to be hands-on from day one, while also earning a paycheck and engaging in the workplace. The goal is to prepare individuals for skilled occupations while equipping them with the practical experience that employers seek in applicants. As a result, employers often ensure that program completers retain employment at an increased wage. More information can be found on the NMDWS website https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Appretniceship on how to become and apprentice, current apprenticeship career pathway programs, how veterans can use their GI Bill for an apprenticeship, and information for employers. Additional information about apprenticeship programs is available on our official YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/NMDWS). ### The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community through special recruitment, analyzing hard to fill jobs, layoffs, job fairs, and skills assessments for hiring; and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities with job search, job referrals and placement, and customized skill development such as interviewing skills and resume writing. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information.The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is 85% Federally funded with ($106,960,200), and 15% ($18,543,600) financed by non-federal sources in state fiscal year 2024.