CNM Partners with Austin Firm on Trades Event

One New Mexico community college is looking to close the demand for trained manufacturing technicians in the state.

On July 19, CNM and Unmudlat CNM’s Advanced Technology Center. The event focused on connecting employers with more technician talent.

Unmudl, an Austin-based company founded in 2018, partners with community colleges and employers to help equip learners with skills so they can get hired into hands-on industries and technician jobs. CNM is a founding member of Unmudl, and in conjunction with CNM and Amazon has developed courses on mechatronics that can be finished within 10 weeks, according toDaniel Gillespie, marketing strategist for Unmudl.

“We know a number of these employers will host internships for our learners and will give them interviews upon completion, so we really wanted to be able to connect employers with learners,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler.

At the expo, a panel featured representatives from Amazon, Intel, Maxeon and General Mills. They spoke on the need for these technicians in their companies as well as the responsibilities, schedule and pay the jobs provide.

“We’re all competing for the same people, so we’re having a hard time finding skilled employees,” said Intel Area Manager Connie Alda-Lopez.

The expo also highlighted a need for greater understanding when it comes to trade positions and two-year universities.

“Generation Z is interested in these hands-on jobs and trades, but I think some of the parents who have gone through a traditional four-year university, might need some more convincing about the prospects of these jobs.” Gillespie said.

The expo also highlighted the wave of artificial intelligence and automation in the trades, creating windows of opportunity for aspiring technicians.

“Things are obviously changing, jobs are changing, but as far as artificial general intelligence coming in, taking every job tomorrow — that’s not going to happen. There’s still this window,” Gillespie said.

The expo is part of CNM’s ongoing mission to provide a skilled workforce, having been partners with Intel and General Mills for decades, according to Hartzler. The community college offers about 200 academic and workforce training programs.  

CNM also partnered with Rio Rancho Public Schools in 2022 to create a hub for career technical training, according to Hartzler. As part of this partnership CNM plans to build and relocate its automotive and electric vehicle program to a 25-acre campus at 7001 Zenith Court in Rio Rancho.

The opening of the Career Technical Education Center is expected to occur in fall 2025, after delays pushed it back. The center will accommodate 600 high school and college students, where upon graduation students will earn a certificate to find employment in their chosen fields.

“We see how important the role CNM can have in training and educating the next round of our workforce and our community.” Hartzler said.