Economic Transition Program

New Mexico is poised to be at the forefront of the new industries that are emerging in the nation and the world. From fusion to quantum technology to biotech, New Mexico is launching and attracting the cornerstones of the emerging 21^st century economy. At the same time, like the rest of the world, we are seeing some industries subside, creating a gap in skills and education. Equitable economic growth will only be possible through concerted, coordinated efforts to build and retrain a workforce capable of supporting these industries. The Department of Workforce Solutions’ experience in working with nearly 600 displaced workers after the closure of the San Juan Generating Station and Westmoreland Coal Mine and our collaboration with the University of New Mexico and community groups inspired the Economic Transition Services project.

The Economic Transition Program will engage in proactive outreach, planning and direct employment and training services to workers across the state who are needed to meet the workforce needs of our newer industries, and who are expected to face dislocation as a result of changes in the economy. Using a data-driven approach, the project will concentrate outreach, job training and apprenticeship resources in geographic areas with both high poverty and high unemployment that are experiencing population. The program will also offer a stipend while participants are in training, which has proven to be a key component for New Mexicans who cannot afford the loss of income that comes with going back to school. Where participants are eligible for financial support through the Opportunity Scholarship or programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), they will be directed to those programs, with this Program filling any gaps in services and resources. This program will also enable the Department to provide support and resources to people who are not eligible for WIOA programs.

The portion of the Economic Transition Program funded with Community Benefit Fund money is tackling the transition to the future energy and climate-ready economy. From renewable energy resources to methane monitoring technology, from managing our forests for the effects of climate change to modernizing our transportation infrastructure, the opportunities to create a sustainable economy abound. Our initial focus with CBF funding will focus on workers in the Permian and San Juan Basins that most need the skills to participate in the clean energy and climate-ready future. This component of the Economic Transition Program is a powerful investment of taxpayer dollars because it is grounded in thorough analysis and will leverage the statewide workforce system, external and interagency partnerships, other sources of funding, and community momentum. Existing funds include a $1.7 million grant from the Families and Workers Fund for the Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers program to develop sector strategy, $5.9 million in federal funds supporting the Building, Energizing and Connecting through Apprenticeship (BECA), and federal and state retraining programs in the Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources Department and Environment Department.

Direct Training Program

The Direct Training Program would offer payment for training, stipends, and wrap-around services. Through a combination of WIOA funding for those people and programs that are eligible and CBF funding for those who are not, the Department will pay for up to two years of instruction to complete a training program.

Programs can include associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, master’s degree programs, certificate programs, or short-term occupational training that results in an industry-recognized credential.
Participants must enroll in a New Mexico college, university or training program unless they can demonstrate that no equivalent program exists within the state. li>
The Department will collaborate with the Higher Education Department (HED) Adult Education (WIOA Title II) to meet any worker needs related to strengthening basic literacy skills, including numeracy and digital literacy; obtaining a High School Equivalency (HSE) credential; or English Language Acquisition (ELA).
The Department will pay for required tuition, registration, books, academic fees, tools, and supplies in full, up to $11,000 per year.
Participants will use the Opportunity Scholarship to the extent available before applying these funds.
To the greatest extent possible, training costs would be reimbursed or paid directly to the training or educational institution. The equivalent of these funds can also be paid to educational institutions to develop customized training as long as such training is offered to direct training program participants at no cost.

Individuals enrolled in the Direct Training Program will be eligible for a living stipend. Living stipend payments would begin upon commencement of a training program and continue through the completion of training, not to exceed 18 months total. Payments will end on the last week of classroom or online class attendance (completion or withdrawal); partial months will be prorated by the day. The living stipend will be $500 per month and will exhaust upon the earlier of 18 months of payments or the date on which training is completed or the participant leaves training. Wrap-around services such as career counseling, tutoring, success workshops, translation or interpretation, and connections to resources like child care and food assistance are critical to participant success. The Department will partner with educational and training institutions to provide support services for all participants in the Direct Training Program. In order to serve non-WIOA-eligible participants, the Department will engage career transition specialists who are funded with only state funds. These specialists can navigate the unemployment insurance and employment services systems. They have proved especially critical for rapid responses to mass layoffs, creating a seamless transition from UI to re-employment.

Green Career Specialists

The pathways into climate-ready and infrastructure careers are evolving constantly. In order for career counselors to guide participants through the maze of educational requirements, specialized programs, and job placement, they must have specialized training. Using Community Benefit Fund resources, the Department has created a Green Career Specialist training, partnering with New Mexico State University Global’s micro-credentialing services. The training will be available to anyone in the workforce system, including high school and community college career counselors and other WIOA programs. CBF funding will also help to support Green Career Specialists across New Mexico.

Global Talent Acquisition

Credential evaluation is the process of comparing academic and professional degrees earned in one country to those earned in the US. Immigrants can use credential evaluations to gain recognition for study completed outside the country and qualify for American jobs. By adding this to the suite of services available in the Economic Transition Program, the Department will be able to serve foreign-trained individuals who may be working in the fossil fuel industries despite having credentials in other professions.