Economic Transition Program

New Mexico is tackling the transition away from a heavily fossil-fuel-dependent economy. From replacement energy resources in the northwest part of the state to methane monitoring technology in the Permian basin, to renewables and energy efficiency efforts across the state, the opportunities to create a sustainable economy abound. However, equitable economic growth will only be possible through concerted, coordinated efforts to build and retrain a workforce capable of supporting these industries. Unfortunately, our state was behind the curve as the major coal-fired power plant closed its doors in the San Juan County. The Department of Workforce Solutions’ experience in working with these nearly 600 displaced workers and our collaboration with the University of New Mexico and community groups inspired the Economic Transition Services project.

The Economic Transition Services project will engage in proactive outreach, planning and direct employment and training services to workers across the state who are expected to face dislocation as a result of changes in the fossil fuel industries. 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 decline, including the Permian and San Juan Basins that are most dependent on the fossil fuel industries for employment. The Department will focus direct outreach and funding for job training and related expenses will be focused on both the populations and the industries needed for a successful energy transition. Where participants are eligible for federal support through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), they will be directed to those programs. However, WIOA does not meet the needs of many populations, and the Department is anticipating drastic federal cuts to WIOA funding. This funding will also enable the Department to provide support and resources to people who are not eligible for WIOA programs.

The project 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 $1.2 million in state funding for the Pre-apprenticeship Opportunities Program (POP), a $1.7 million grant from the Families and Workers Fund for the Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers program, $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: $2 million

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: $730,000

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. The Department will create 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: $30,000

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.