Tuesday, July 09, 2024 / Categories: Department News State agencies partner to build New Pipeline Program Industry Credential Pipeline Program to help support NMDOT The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) are collaborating to support NMDOT’s Industry Credential Pipeline Program by connecting job seekers to career opportunities within the transportation industry.The NMDOT is responsible for building and maintaining New Mexico’s roads and infrastructure, it faces workforce shortages in key areas such as planning, engineering, finance, budgeting, economics, commercial driver licensing (CDL), and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).To address these gaps, the agency proposes a series of pipeline programs that prepare individuals for high-demand roles and integrate on-the-job learning and industry credentialing to build the pipeline from an early stage. In partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS), NMDOT will introduce high school and postsecondary students to the diverse set of NMDOT occupations and provide opportunities to become part of the industry.NMDOT has created the Industry Credential Pipeline Program to prepare individuals for high-demand roles and integrate on-the-job learning and industry credentialing to build the transportation industry pipeline from an early stage.Under a 4-year Memorandum of Understanding, DOT will provide Program information to DWS and partner staff, who will connect job seekers, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) participants to the Program. DWS will also determine eligibility for DWS and core partner programs that may provide education supports, wrap-around services, or other resources to assist Program participants to be successful in the Program.“The partnership between DWS and DOT is an exciting step towards developing the infrastructure workforce, a priority sector identified in the 2024-2027 WIOA State Workforce Plan,” said NMDWS Secretary Sarita Nair. “Through the work of the Local Workforce Development Boards and New Mexico Workforce Connection staff, the MOU paves the road to economic growth, support of workforce needs, and providing training and skills development to New Mexicans for high demand careers.”“The Industry Credential Pipeline Program will strengthen New Mexico’s transportation workforce, create sustainable career pathways, and ensure a skilled talent pool for NMDOT’s future,” said Ricky Serna, NMDOT Cabinet Secretary.DWS will conduct information sessions for Program training providers referred by DOT on the process of Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) registration. Registering on the ETPL will allow Program participants to qualify for WIOA funding.In addition to training providers, connections to pre-apprenticeship or registered apprenticeship programs are also possibilities leading to workforce development and employment at DOT.WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Individuals may contact any New Mexico Workforce Connection to learn more, a list of office locations is available at https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Office-Locations.###The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities by bridging the link between employer needs and the skilled workforce. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information.Multimodal transportation choices invigorate the economy and connect people in small towns and cities and facilitate transportation of goods and people to other states and nations. NMDOT focuses on the following modes of travel: transit, rail, aviation, and highways. We’ve strengthened our commitment to traffic safety, environmental excellence, and complete planning, design, and engineering services. Previous Article NMDWS Secretary to attend Governor’s Cabinet in Your Community in Clovis and Portales Next Article Rio Arriba and San Juan added to counties eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance