SANTA FE, NM – New Mexico is set to witness a significant boost in broadband workforce development thanks to two groundbreaking bills recently signed by the governor. House Bill 5 and House Bill 303 are poised to revolutionize the landscape of workforce training and apprenticeships, paving the way for a more robust and skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the digital age.
House Bill 5 establishes a groundbreaking $30 million trust fund aimed at fostering workforce development initiatives across the state. The interest accrued from this fund, totaling approximately $1.5 million, will be strategically allocated to support various programs under the purview of the Department of Workforce Solutions. Notably, these funds will be instrumental in expanding apprenticeship opportunities, particularly in emerging sectors such as broadband fiber splicing and installation.
House Bill 303 introduces a pioneering pilot program designed to provide essential stipends for adults enrolled in specific workforce training programs. These stipends will offer vital financial support, assisting participants with transportation, housing, and other necessary expenses as they undergo training, particularly in the critical field of broadband installation.
'By providing increased funding for app renticeships, incentivizing employers and alleviating financial barriers, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of our economy but also laying the groundwork for sustained broadband expansion,' said Drew Lovelace, Acting Director for the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE.)
Together, House Bill 5 and House Bill 303 mark a significant milestone in New Mexico's commitment to cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce capable of driving technological advancement and economic growth. By prioritizing investments in broadband infrastructure and workforce development, the state is poised to seize opportunities for innovation and prosperity in the digital era.