In Year One, Job Training Albuquerque Helped 40 Workers at 30 Companies Build Skills

Feb. 12, 2021

In its first year of operation, the City of Albuquerque’s Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) workforce development program helped 31 companies and 43 employees build high-demand workforce skills through a variety of online courses. Participating companies ranged in size from one to more than 200 employees and represent a broad set of industries, including food service, creative industries, health care, law, and marketing.

“This easily accessible program is helping us meet the needs of Albuquerque’s workers to grow their careers, which is especially powerful during these times when employment can be tenuous,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our partnership is a high-quality, no-cost opportunity for workers and for businesses to build resilience in our changing economy.”

Launched in January of 2020 in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to boost a strong local business sector, JTA helps workers ‘skill up’ and businesses scale up. The program provides free courses in high-demand skill areas and offers industry-specific credentials.

The program is a direct initiative of the Keller administration’s economic development strategy. A core objective of this plan—Increment of One—addresses creating jobs one, two, and three at a time by supporting business expansion and workforce development locally. By participating in JTA, employers agree to add one job to their operation within one year, thereby spurring small business growth through job creation, and building a deeper pool of workforce talent for existing and potential companies.

M. Billy, an employee at Indian Pueblos Marketing who participated in the Accounting for Non-Financial Managers class, said she found great value in the program. “I wanted to grow my depth of understanding so that I could become more valuable in my position, and to the organization,” Billy said. “My boss was happy to support me and the application process was very easy.”

In addition to accounting, the JTA lineup features continuous and rotating courses that meet training needs across a wide variety of industries. Some of the most popular courses include digital marketing, project management, commercial driver’s license training, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and sales and branding programs.

“This program truly supports an economy that works for everyone,” said Synthia Jaramillo, Director of Economic Development. “By helping these Albuquerque businesses hire one more employee, the impact starts and stays local, and continuously improves career outcomes for our community.”

Courses offered by JTA are directly related to areas identified as crucial to business growth and improving bottom lines. Programs currently in progress include Social Media Marketing, CompTIA Network+ Certification Training, Commercial Driver’s License Class A Accelerated Training Program, and Deep Dive courses in Data Science, Digital Media, Fullstack, and Java + Android.

“The Job Training Albuquerque program is a tremendous asset for Albuquerque businesses and their employees, as well as our overall economy,” CNM President Tracy Hartzler said. “We’re very proud to be supporting the City of Albuquerque on this terrific workforce development effort and we’re looking forward to helping more Albuquerque businesses and employees thrive.”

Upcoming programs for the first quarter in 2021 include Beginning Adobe Photoshop, Marketing Content Strategy and Branding, Deep Dive UX/UI, Deep Dive IoT Coding and Hardware Design, Accounting for Non-Financial Managers, Search and Display Advertising, Emotional Intelligence 2.0, Effective Communication & Professional Writing, Electric Lineworker with CDL, Positive Coaching & Continuous Feedback, CompTIA A+ Certification Training, LPI Linux Essentials Certification Training, Difficult Conversation Strategies, Email Marketing, and Improve Your Sales, Branding and Presentations.

JTA is a partnership between the City of Albuquerque and Central New Mexico Community College. Program funding is provided by the City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department and the program is administered by CNM Ingenuity, a workforce training arm of the college.

In response to COVID-19, all JTA programming has transitioned to an online format. JTA is currently accepting applications for 2021 courses. Business owners can apply at https://jobtrainingabq.org/application/.

More information about these programs and JTA can be found at https://jobtrainingabq.org/.