Nearly $1 Million Committed to Workforce Training
SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has approved nearly $1 million in Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funding to support workforce development across the state, advancing training for up to 46 high-wage positions at seven New Mexico companies.
The newly approved jobs offer wages ranging from $26 to $87 per hour, with most positions surpassing the national average hourly wage of $31.48. Through JTIP, participating businesses receive reimbursement for a portion of trainee wages, helping them hire, train, and retain skilled workers while strengthening New Mexico’s economic competitiveness.
In November 2025, EDD awarded $969,000 through JTIP to support 45 new trainees and one intern.
“The Job Training Incentive Program consistently helps businesses hire New Mexicans at wages that often exceed the national average. When companies can hire and grow, it lifts the whole state,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black.
Program Incentives Target High-Wage Job Growth
JTIP reimburses at least 50% of trainee wages, with additional incentives for high-wage positions:
- Urban areas: Extra 5% reimbursement for jobs paying above $28.85/hour
- Rural areas: Extra 5% reimbursement for jobs paying above $19.23/hour
In November, six of the seven approved companies qualified for this enhanced reimbursement, highlighting continued demand for high-skill, high-paying roles.
During FY2025, JTIP supported 60 New Mexico companies, providing training assistance for up to 1,238 new hiresearning an average wage of $25.28 per hour.
Companies Approved for JTIP Funding in November 2025
Apaluma Inc., Albuquerque
- Award: $50,751
- Positions: 1 trainee
- Hourly wage: $87
Apaluma provides a unified intelligence platform for government data. This marks the company’s first JTIP award.
General Airframe Support, Inc., Roswell
- Award: $92,820
- Positions: 2 trainees
- Average wage: $64/hour
General Airframe Support delivers commercial and military aircraft maintenance, modifications, and inspections. Founded in 2013 and relocated to Roswell in 2017, the company has now received seven JTIP awards since 2021.
HarvestIQ, Albuquerque
- Award: $92,770
- Positions: 2 trainees
- Average wage: $80/hour
HarvestIQ offers advanced software tools for livestock producers and insurance professionals to manage USDA livestock insurance and CME futures/options. This is the company’s first JTIP request.
Jaguar Precision Machine (JPM) Corporation, Albuquerque
- Award: $593,684
- Positions: 35 trainees
- Average wage: $34/hour
Veteran-owned JPM specializes in high-precision manufacturing, engineering services, assembly, and testing for the aerospace, defense, and government sectors.
Knight Scientific Systems, LLC, Los Ranchos/Albuquerque
- Award: $49,350
- Positions: 1 trainee and 1 intern
- Hourly wages: $44 (trainee), $38 (intern)
The company provides scientific and engineering solutions for complex national security and commercial challenges.
MINDSET Integrated Co., Albuquerque
- Award: $81,741
- Positions: 3 trainees
- Average wage: $48/hour
MINDSET specializes in brain MRI quantitative analysis, forensic neuroscience coordination, and AI-enabled software.
Passages International, Inc., Albuquerque
- Award: $8,320
- Positions: 1 trainee
- Hourly wage: $26
The company manufactures biodegradable and eco-friendly funeral urns and caskets for global distribution.
About the Job Training Incentive Program
JTIP is one of New Mexico’s most influential economic development tools, reimbursing companies for a portion of trainee wages to accelerate hiring and skill development. The program continues to attract and retain high-growth businesses across sectors including aerospace, defense, software, manufacturing, biotechnology, and sustainable products.
