Thursday, November 21, 2024 / Categories: Department News NMDWS’s budget prioritizes youth and workforce initiatives The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is calling on lawmakers to approve $4.6 million, focused on assisting young people who are at risk to successfully transition into the workforce, enhanced case management services, and labor force participation rate research.“Our department’s budget request to New Mexico lawmakers is part of our larger continuing efforts to get more New Mexicans into rewarding jobs that enable them to take care of their families,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “From empowering young people to understanding the state’s labor force and streamlining services, these initiatives will ensure that we can continue to provide workforce services that meet the needs of the businesses and the public we serve.”Key initiatives in the budget proposal:$500,000 to provide intensive case management to assist 400 youth facing significant challenges such as poverty, unstable housing, and academic barriers. This funding will strengthen individualized support programs that help students graduate high school, acquire vital career skills, and secure meaningful employment. $2 million supporting local journalism by providing a source of sustained, multi-year funding for a news fellowship that fosters emerging journalists, allowing them to receive on-the-job newsroom experience and further their careers. $750,000 for a research study on labor force participation rates, which will provide data-driven insights into shaping workforce policies and strategies. $750,000 for the development of an Aligned Case Management system to streamline support for individuals and families facing systemic challenges so that state partners in social services, education and workforce development can track and monitor the status, resolution, and follow up on referrals by case managers.$600,000 to sustain and expand pre-apprenticeship programs that provide individuals aged 18-24 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. NMDWS and their partners will build on these initiatives to develop strategies with a strong impact on youth, job seekers, career changers, employers, veterans, and the overall general public.In support of the request for additional pre-apprenticeship funding, True Kids 1 Executive Director Sandy Campbell stated, “We know this type of opportunity is of extreme importance for the present and future of our students. For impoverished rural communities like Taos County, this type of program is an incredible lifeline to gaining innovative, 21st century skills.”“Through our partnership with the DWS pre-apprenticeship program, we have seen firsthand the transformative impact it has on participants,” said Katharsis Media INC Executive Director Candice Neu. “The program equips individuals with foundational skills and hands-on experience, preparing them for successful careers in the film and television industry and beyond.”Several participants from Katharsis Media INC’s pre-apprenticeship program have successfully transitioned into its newly established Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), including Allegra Lopez, Melissa Lux, Joseph Covington, and Shiloh Alderete. Their progression highlights the value of creating pathways that enable participants to advance from pre-apprenticeships to full apprenticeships and eventually to professional roles within their chosen fields.”“Fire departments in New Mexico and many around the U.S. face similar challenges regarding recruiting qualified candidates for careers in the fire service,” said Albuquerque Fire Rescue Recruiting (AFR), Training Lieutenant John McGee. “The most impactful and tangible initiative we have employed was partnering with NMDWS on the pre-apprenticeship program. The pre-apprenticeship program provides immersive, vocational experience that allows students to not only receive hands-on training, but also a first-hand look at what these careers actually entail. From there, they can make an educated decision on which direction they want to pursue.”“The Eastern Area Workforce Development Board (EAWDB) is excited to be part of piloting the new Aligned Case management system in NM,” said EAWDB Executive Director Beth Elias. “This is a great step toward creating a workforce development system that functions more seamlessly for job seekers and employers.”"A strong local news ecosystem is critical to the health of New Mexico's democracy by providing high quality, accurate information that strengthens communities and builds trust. In a time when disinformation and misinformation are running rampant, trusted sources of local news are more important than ever,” said Rashad Mahmood of the New Mexico Local News Fund. “With expanded funding, the local news fellowship program can support journalism training in high schools and community colleges, strengthen journalism in rural parts of the state that need it the most, and support innovation and growth for local news throughout New Mexico." Previous Article New Mexico's Unemployment Rate was 4.3% in October 2024 Next Article Unemployment Insurance Operations Center closed Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving