The industry, particularly construction, has been saying for years that it needs more workers. Community colleges and unions are doing their best to make that happen, but funding ebbs and flows.
The bill, which easily passed the House last week, would stabilize funding for apprenticeship and training programs in the state.
This is consistent with the widespread public perception that college is not for everyone and the legislative intent to strengthen vocational education. Last month, the House and Senate Education Committees prioritized Career Technical Education (CTE).
House Bill 5 would appropriate $30 million to create the Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Trust Fund. A state investment officer would invest the funds, with proceeds of $2.5 million a year for his first two years and $1.5 million a year thereafter, to be distributed to the Public Works Apprenticeship Training Fund and the Office of Workforce Solutions. The goal is to get New Mexicans into high-paying trade jobs.
“Increasing the technical skills and work experience of employees is good for workers and good for companies,” said lead sponsor Rep. Joy Garratt, D-Albuquerque. “Investing in our registered apprenticeship program is an essential part of developing our talent pipeline.”
Apprenticeship programs of one to five years include paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction, according to the legal analysis. The Office of Workforce Solutions funnels federal funding to more than 50 programs across the state. More funding would allow us to increase apprenticeship enrollment, expand programs to new subjects, and reimburse employers at higher levels.
Associated Builders and Contractors of New Mexico operates the state's largest apprenticeship program, and President and CEO Carla Kugler said the program is growing. “Now it's not just construction, it's many other industries as well,” he told the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. She said, “Funding is essential to retain instructors and expand our business across the state.”
Joan Baker of UA 412 Plumbers and Pipefitters said applications for the apprenticeship program have doubled in the past two years.
That's the general trend. Workforce Solutions reported that in fiscal year 2022, it had 1,883 apprentices and in fiscal year 2023, it rose to 2,273, an increase of 21%.
House Minority Leader Ryan Lane (R-Azteca) told the Albuquerque Journal last month that lawmakers want to approve more funding for CTE programs. He said this would address the shortage of trade workers and enable young people as young as 18 to enter employment or apprenticeship programmes. It's also a way to prevent young people from leaving the state.
Republicans are not entirely in favor. Three of the four Republicans on the First Committee voted against HB 5. In the House, he passed on a lopsided 63-5 vote with five R's against him. Rep. Randall Pettigrew (R-Lovington) repeatedly objected during House Appropriations Committee hearings, demanding to know the number of union and nonunion programs. Workforce Solutions Secretary Sarita Naar said one-third were non-union and two-thirds were union. Mr. Pettigrew ultimately voted in favor of the bill in committee, but opposed in the House vote.
The other ballot measure is SB 67 by Sens. Craig Blunt and Joshua Hernandez, both Rio Rancho Republicans. It will create a Career Development Success pilot program. The Department of Public Instruction may offer financial incentives to school districts for students who complete industry certification programs or on-the-job training programs. However, SG 67 has not made it past the first committee.
As of this writing, HB 5 appears to be the only CTE bill in play.
Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) said after the House appropriations bill passed. This is likely the largest investment in apprenticeships in the state's history. ”
HB 5 is now before the Senate and will face scrutiny from the Senate Finance Committee, in addition to competing with other worthy budget items.
Sherry Robinson is an award-winning author and journalist. She is the author of several books. She lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
