JTIP Grants $2.2 Million for Employee Training in New Mexico’s Growing Industries

In December 2024, the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) board approved $2.2 million in funding to support the training of up to 122 new trainees and interns, according to New Mexico Economic Development (EDD) Cabinet Secretary-Designate Rob Black.

The JTIP board meets each month to review applications from businesses looking to expand operations or provide training opportunities for their current employees. In 2024, JTIP approved training funds for 1,467 full-time positions and 30 interns, with additional assistance provided through Step Up funding to help 177 employees gain promotions within their companies.

“JTIP plays a crucial role in helping businesses grow their workforce or upskill existing employees in New Mexico,” Secretary-Designate Black said. “In 2024, 84 businesses benefited from JTIP assistance, supporting high-paying jobs in key industries across the state.”

Renee Heath, senior HR director at Arcosa Wind Towers, noted, “More than 75 of our new employees have participated in training funded by JTIP. This program has not only created high-quality jobs but also provided local workers with valuable, long-term skills.”

Also Read – Government Shutdown Looms: Impact on New Mexico Disaster Relief and Benefits

The December JTIP awards went to the following companies:

• AerSale, Inc., Roswell: 32 trainees at an average wage of $24 and 5 interns at an average wage of $20. Award: $564,904. AerSale supports the aviation industry, focusing on aircraft maintenance and modifications. The company has implemented an apprenticeship program, offering extensive classroom and hands-on training, as well as scholarships for program completers.
• Arcosa Wind Towers, Belen: 42 trainees at an average wage of $23. Award: $520,511. Arcosa manufactures wind turbine towers and other infrastructure products, focusing on meeting specific project and customer needs.
• BlackVe, Inc., Albuquerque: 15 trainees at an average wage of $61. Award: $525,208. BlackVe is a national security space company specializing in the design and manufacture of satellites.
• Broken Arrow Glass Recycling, Cuyamungue: 3 trainees at an average wage of $30. Award: $60,513. BAGR provides glass recycling services, turning residential curbside glass into eco-friendly materials for construction, landscaping, and art.

Also Read – Border Connector Highway: New Mexico-El Paso Route Approved

• Century Sign Builders, Albuquerque: 1 trainee at a wage of $49. Award: $29,438. The company designs, manufactures, and installs signage nationwide, handling projects from design to installation.
• Gridworks, Inc., Albuquerque: Step Up award: $17,715. Gridworks provides solar and energy storage solutions for developers and utility clients, utilizing proprietary technologies to streamline the engineering, procurement, and construction process.
• Kairos Power LLC, Albuquerque: 10 trainees at an average wage of $60. Award: $344,378. Kairos Power focuses on the development of advanced, clean nuclear energy technologies.
• Knight Scientific Systems, LLC, Albuquerque: 2 trainees at an average wage of $43 and 2 interns at an average wage of $34. Award: $85,677. Knight develops multispectral Object Detection tools for drone-based imaging and 3D reconstruction, specializing in systems engineering and software development for the Department of Defense.
• Mindscape Ventures, LLC, Hobbs: 10 trainees at an average wage of $17. Award: $77,673. Mindscape Ventures provides a variety of high-quality cannabis products and aims to create a welcoming environment for its customers. This is the company’s first JTIP application.

JTIP continues to help New Mexico businesses by providing essential training funding to develop skilled workforces and foster economic growth across the state.

source