Expanded 'Integrated Education & Training' model will help hundreds more
New Mexicans earn certifications for high-demand fields of work
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Higher Education Department has approved dozens of education and workforce training programs as part of a significantly enhanced effort to get more New Mexicans certified in high-demand fields like nursing and early childhood development.
The 45 Integrated Education & Training (IET) programs spread across the state will provide adult learners with the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials and receive specialized workforce training while simultaneously achieving their high school equivalency and/or improving their English-language proficiency.
The IETs — situated within adult education programs statewide, most of which are part of community colleges or branch campuses — will launch during this fall semester. New Mexicans interested in learning more about a nearby IET program are encouraged to visit this webpage.
"Our emphasis on these education and training programs will help hundreds more New Mexicans get the skills, training and credentials they need to build fulfilling careers right here in New Mexico, all in a streamlined fashion and in the highest-quality educational settings," said New Mexico Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez.
The expansion is made possible by a recurring appropriation of $2 million each year over the next three fiscal years. The appropriation was part of the state budget signed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham earlier this year.
The workforce credentials New Mexicans can earn through IETs are aimed at high-demand fields of work, including early childhood development, emergency medical services, certified nursing assistants and wildland firefighting.
"The New Mexico Higher Education Department is now able to create and maintain a more formal approval process for IET programs, which will help ensure not only that there are more programs than ever before but that each of them are providing high-quality workforce training across the board," said Dr. Amber Gallup, Director of the Adult Education Division. "We have a great opportunity to work with different state agencies to help fill the gaps in various fields with more highly trained New Mexicans who have completed these programs."
Some of the new IET programs will provide certifications in emerging fields. The University of New Mexico branch campus in Los Alamos, for example, will begin offering this semester a Broadband-5G certificate, which will train students for careers in telecommunications through courses on electronics and circuitry.
To learn more about IET programs near you, visit hed.nm.gov or contact the Adult Education Division at 1 (833) 675-1437.