Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) is joining forces with key Northern Partners to invigorate trade education. In a recent meeting on September 27, NNMC welcomed Matthew Suarez from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, alongside Omar Talamantes and Gilbert Lopez from Carpenters Local Union 1319, signaling a robust collaboration aimed at launching a pioneering Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Carpentry Trades program. This strategic partnership underscores the commitment of northern partners to bolster local workforce development and provide students with pathways to thriving careers.
This groundbreaking initiative, currently undergoing final approvals, is meticulously designed to equip students with the essential skills demanded by the modern carpentry industry. Housed within NNMC’s Branch Community College Department of Technical Trades, the AAS program will leverage the esteemed Carpentry Union Curriculum. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared for both carpentry apprenticeships and direct employment opportunities within the broader construction sector.
The program’s development has garnered strong support from NNMC leadership, including President Hector Balderas, Board of Regents President Michael A. Martin, Vice President Erica Rita Velarde, Technical Trades Chair Joe Padilla, and Director of Career & Technical Education Frank Loera. Their collective enthusiasm highlights NNMC’s proactive stance on expanding technical education and cultivating a skilled workforce that directly addresses the evolving needs of the regional economy. This united front among northern partners emphasizes a shared vision for community growth and student success.
Further solidifying their commitment, NNMC is actively developing a cutting-edge Carpentry Training Center. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a central hub for hands-on learning and advanced skill refinement, offering students an immersive environment to hone their carpentry expertise. With the steadfast backing of the Carpenters Union and other northern partners, the center is poised to become a cornerstone for attracting students and nurturing a highly competent carpentry community. This collaborative effort between northern partners is designed to be a catalyst for economic advancement in Northern New Mexico.
“We are incredibly excited about this collaboration,” stated President Balderas. “It represents a significant stride in strengthening our technical trades programs and ensuring our graduates are job-ready from day one.” This sentiment resonates across all northern partners involved, highlighting a unified dedication to creating tangible opportunities for students and contributing to the region’s prosperity.
The unwavering support from Matthew Suarez, Omar Talamantes, and Gilbert Lopez further cements NNMC’s dedication to crafting a program that not only elevates students’ career prospects but also meaningfully contributes to local workforce enrichment. Together, NNMC and its northern partners are investing in the future, fostering a skilled and diverse carpentry workforce that will underpin the region’s sustainable growth for generations to come.
Stay connected for upcoming announcements regarding the progress of this promising new program. Join us in celebrating the impactful alliance between Northern New Mexico College and its northern partners in the Carpenters Union as they collaboratively build a brighter future for aspiring carpentry professionals.
