~ JTIP to support up to 87 jobs in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Taos ~
The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has kicked off 2024 Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) awards by approving over $1.3 million in funding to support the workforce training of 87 New Mexicans in various aspects of the program, Acting Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper announced today.
Five companies applied for JTIP assistance, both through the trainee program and the Step Up program, which provides upskill training for current employees to support higher wages and promotions. The program approved funding for 34 JTIP trainees, 1 intern, and up to 52 Step Up trainees, all in the high-wage category.
JTIP funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, after all training is completed. The program is specifically structured to reward companies that are in rural or Tribal areas, hire New Mexico graduates, and offer high wages. This month saw companies from Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and Taos.
“In 2023, JTIP assisted 67 businesses in 16 New Mexico counties with training funds for over 1,200 positions,” Acting EDD Secretary Roper said. “We know JTIP is helping businesses develop a better skilled and higher-paid workforce – and with that a more sustainable statewide economy.”
The five companies approved for funding are:
Electronic Caregiver, Inc (ECG), Las Cruces, 37 Step Up trainees with a total award of $101,500. ECG’s mission is to design and deliver innovative, impactful telehealth products and services such as remote patient monitoring, chronic care management, and virtual visits that bridge the chasm between the doctor’s office and patient’s home to improve outcomes, expand access, and deliver value-based care.
Higher Cultures LLC, Las Cruces, 5 JTIP trainees at an average wage of $21.38 with a total award of $33,656.40. Higher Cultures has cannabis processing and cultivation operations as well as retail and wholesale entities. The company currently employees 60 individuals year round and provides seasonal jobs for an additional 40+ employees based on cultivation needs. Higher Cultures New Mexico operations are focused on manufacturing.
Knight Scientific Systems, LLC, Los Ranchos/Albuquerque, 2 JTIP trainees (average wage of $45) and 1 intern (wage of $37.50), with a total award of $64,730. Knight is developing multi-spectral Object Detection (OD) tools to bring the power of machine learning to all imaging wavebands. The company provides expert engineering services to the Department of Defense, specializing in systems engineering and software development.
Paradise Power Company, Inc. (PPC Solar), Taos, 15 Step Up trainees with a total award of $27,944. PPC Solar specializes in the development, design, and installation of commercial, utility, and residential Photovoltaic systems. The company has been serving the grid-tied and off-grid community of New Mexico and Southern Colorado since 1979. Recently, PPC Solar has expanded their customer base from primarily residential to commercial, utility and cooperative, and schools.
Securin, Inc., (formerly Cyber Security Works, LLC), Albuquerque, 27 JTIP trainees at an average wage of $70.41 with a total award of $1,089,872. In 2022, Cyber Security Works (CSW) acquired Securin, Inc., a leading provider of tech-enabled cybersecurity solutions. The company’s products and services are powered by accurate vulnerability intelligence, human expertise, and automation, enabling enterprises to make critical security decisions to manage their expanding attack surfaces.
EDD’s mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by training our workforce, providing infrastructure that supports business growth, and helping every community create a thriving economy. For more information about the New Mexico Economic Development Department visit EDD.NewMexico.gov.
Contact:
Bruce Krasnow
Bruce.Krasnow@edd.nm.gov
(505) 795-0119
