Northern Partners with Carpenters Union to Launch Carpentry Program

At the recent Board of Regents meeting held on September 27, Northern New Mexico College (NNMC) welcomed distinguished guests Matthew Suarez from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, along with Omar Talamantes and Gilbert Lopez from Carpenters Local Union 1319. Their presence signified a vital partnership between the college and local unions as NNMC advances with a groundbreaking initiative—the development of an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Carpentry Trades.

This innovative program, which is currently in the approval process, is set to equip students with critical skills essential for success in the carpentry industry. The program will be offered through NNMC’s Branch Community College Department of Technical Trades and will use the Carpentry Union Curriculum. This comprehensive training will prepare students for carpentry apprenticeships as well as direct-hire positions in non-union roles.

The discussion about this new program featured prominent voices from NNMC, including President Hector Balderas, Board of Regents President Michael A. Martin, Vice President Erica Rita Velarde, Technical Trades Chair Joe Padilla, and Director of Career & Technical Education Frank Loera. Their enthusiastic support underscored NNMC's commitment to expanding technical education and building a workforce ready to meet the demands of the local economy.

In addition to the development of the AAS program, NNMC is working on building a state-of-the-art Carpentry Training Center. This facility will serve as a hub for hands-on training and skill development, offering students an immersive environment to practice and refine their carpentry expertise. With backing from the Carpenters Union, the center is expected to play a pivotal role in recruiting students and creating a skilled carpentry community that will contribute to the economic growth of Northern New Mexico.

“We are incredibly excited about this collaboration," said President Balderas. "It represents a powerful step in strengthening our technical trades programs and ensuring that our students are ready to enter the job market upon graduation."

The support from Matthew Suarez, Omar Talamantes, and Gilbert Lopez further solidifies NNMC’s mission to develop a program that not only enhances career opportunities for students but also contributes to local workforce development. Together, NNMC and its partners are committed to fostering a skilled and diverse carpentry workforce that will support the region’s growth for years to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on the development of this promising new program, and join us in celebrating the partnership between Northern New Mexico College and the Carpenters Union. Together, we're building a brighter future for aspiring carpenters!