A very tall crane lowers a portion of the roof onto a prefabricated metal building.
October funding exceeds the previous three months combined, driving high-wage job creation across key industries
SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has approved up to $4.6 million in funding through the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) to assist 12 companies in training 252 workers across the state.
October’s awards represent a record single-month total, surpassing the combined funding of the previous three months, and reflect growing employer demand for skilled, higher-wage positions, particularly in science, manufacturing, aerospace, and interactive media.
The statewide average hourly wage for FY 26 is $26.61, while the October cohort’s average is $35.51, with job wages ranging from $19 to $61 per hour.
“This month’s applications are a great snapshot of the breadth of our industries in New Mexico,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “We’re supporting jobs in every corner of the economy — from science to agriculture — and helping businesses build the workforce they need to compete and grow.”
JTIP reimburses a portion of a trainee’s salary, incentivizing business growth or relocation in New Mexico. The program enables companies to tailor training to their needs and may grant eligibility for additional incentives, such as the High‐Wage Job Tax Credit and the Rural Job Tax Credit.
For an in-depth look at how JTIP works, read the recent interview with JTIP Manager Patrick Gannon in the EDD’s Pathfinder newsletter. [Link: edd.newmexico.gov/stories/interview-with-jtip-manager-patrick-gannon]
Selected October 2025 JTIP Awardees
Large Innovation / High Wage Employers
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The Boeing Company (Albuquerque): 56 trainees, average wage $59/hr, award up to $1,846,953.
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Pacific Fusion Corporation (Albuquerque): 46 trainees, average wage $61/hr, award up to $1,476,806 – a first time JTIP participant in fusion energy.
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Stampede Culinary Partners Inc. (Sunland Park): 82 trainees, average wage $16/hr, award up to $596,572 – production of ready-to-eat and processed foods.
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thyssenkrupp Materials NA Inc. (Santa Teresa): 28 trainees, average wage $24/hr, award up to $304,726 – electrical distribution equipment manufacturing.
Small & Mid-Size Employers / Emerging Sectors
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Vitality Works Inc. (Albuquerque): 19 trainees, $19/hr, award up to $97,833 – herbal supplement manufacturing.
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Passages International Inc. (Albuquerque): 8 trainees, $21/hr, award up to $51,754 – eco-friendly funeral urns and caskets.
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Humble Brands Inc. (Taos): 2 trainees, $26/hr, award up to $35,603 – sustainably-sourced personal care manufacturing.
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MINDSET Integrated Inc. (Albuquerque): 2 trainees, $26/hr, award up to $26,200 – AI and neuroscience-based imaging analytics (first JTIP award).
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GridFlow Inc. (Albuquerque): 1 trainee, $46/hr, award up to $27,654 + $14,165 Step Up funding – advanced lithium-sulfur flow battery technology.
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Sage Botanicals (Santa Fe): 1 trainee, $27/hr, award up to $14,210 – cactus and botanical product manufacturing.
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DeadEye Creative LLC (Santa Fe): 3 trainees, $26/hr, award up to $41,668 – post-production & visual design services for media (first JTIP award).
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B PUBLIC Prefab PBC (Santa Fe): 4 trainees, $33/hr, award up to $69,426 – woman-owned public benefit corp in architecture/prefab (first JTIP award).
Empowering New Mexico’s Future Workforce
The EDD’s mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by expanding economic opportunities and providing a supportive environment for business growth. Programs such as JTIP play a direct role in building workforce capacity, promoting innovation, and strengthening communities across the state.
For more details on JTIP and other EDD programs, visit EDD.NewMexico.gov.
