Department of Workforce Solutions
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Workforce Development Strategy
The 2024-2027 New Mexico Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) combined state plan outlines the department’s vision, goals, and strategies emphasizing the immediate needs of New Mexico communities while aligning with the state’s forward-looking economic development plans. This includes prioritization of clean energy jobs that align with the the state’s economic plan.
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State Pipeline Program
The New Mexico Department of Transportation 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, the Department of Transportation will provide Program information to the Department of Workforce Solutions 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.
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$6 million to Expand Clean Energy Apprenticeships
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions received $5.95 million in a competitive State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 2 (SAEF2) competitive grant from U.S. Department of Labor to establish the Energizing, Building and Connecting Through Apprenticeship Program. The program will expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeships across New Mexico while creating and strengthening career pathways to skilled jobs with competitive wages in areas that will support clean energy and infrastructure development.
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$1.5 million Grant for Energy Transition Workforce Equity
The Energy Transition Workforce Equity project will support the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions’ efforts to develop and expand New Mexico’s qualified clean energy workforce capacity. The new project will include systemic, coordinated, and regular convenings of a diverse, comprehensive, representative partnership of employers, educational institutions, community-based organizations, state agencies and policymakers. The goals are to develop and expand training programs that equip individuals with skills needed for clean energy infrastructure jobs and related industries, and to prioritize diversity and inclusion by creating pathways for underrepresented groups.
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Energy Transition Act
The Energy Transition Act (ETA) Displaced Worker Assistance Fund was established for a New Mexico resident who was terminated from employment, or whose contract was terminated due to the abandonment of a New Mexico facility producing electricity that resulted in the displacement of at least 40 workers. To learn more, go to https://www.dws.state.nm.us/ETA.
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NM Clean Energy Workforce Development Study
New Mexico’s potential for clean or green energy is among the nation’s best. The state’s consistent and intense sunshine, wide open spaces, and consistently strong winds have made New Mexico an elite state in renewable energy potential. Tapping these natural advantages will create jobs in green construction, solar installation, wind turbine maintenance and other “new” professions, while also calling for new skills and competencies in more traditional trades. Click here for the full study.