July Techs of Tomorrow - Presented by CNM

1. Employer Engagement

The expo featured a panel discussion with representatives from leading companies, including Amazon, Intel, Maxeon, and General Mills. These industry leaders shared insights into the critical need for skilled technicians within their organizations and discussed job responsibilities, scheduling, and compensation.

Connie Alda-Lopez, Area Manager at Intel, emphasized the competitive landscape for skilled employees, stating, "We’re all competing for the same people, so we’re having a hard time finding skilled employees."

2. Educational Pathways

CNM President Tracy Hartzler highlighted the institution's commitment to providing a skilled workforce through partnerships with industry leaders. CNM offers approximately 200 academic and workforce training programs and has collaborated with companies like Intel and General Mills for decades. Additionally, CNM has partnered with Rio Rancho Public Schools to create a hub for career technical training, with plans to open the Career Technical Education Center in fall 2025.

3. Addressing Misconceptions

The event also aimed to change perceptions about trade positions and two-year colleges.

Daniel Gillespie, Marketing Strategist for Unmudl, noted, "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."

4. Future of Work

Discussions at the expo addressed the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on trade professions, highlighting emerging opportunities for aspiring technicians.

Gillespie remarked, "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."

Final Thoughts

The Techs of Tomorrow Expo successfully connected learners with potential employers, underscoring the importance of skilled technicians in today’s evolving job market. CNM and Unmudl continue to play pivotal roles in preparing the workforce for the future, ensuring that education aligns with industry needs.