Skills2Compete-New Mexico.
In partnership with National Skills Coalition, the Skills2Compete-New Mexico campaign seeks to raise awareness of the need to train New Mexico residents for middle-skill jobs, which require more than high school but less than a four-year degree. These jobs make up the largest portion of New Mexico's labor market. Prior to the recession, New Mexico was already experiencing shortages of middle-skill workers in crucial industries. With high unemployment throughout the nation, this is precisely the time to ensure New Mexico is training the middle-skill workforce that will be critical to economic recovery and long-term success.
Key Partners
Association of Commerce and Industry
Associated General Contractors
Central New Mexico Community College
Clovis Community College
Doña Ana Community College
Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
New Mexico Business Roundtable
New Mexico Community Foundation
New Mexico Voices for Children
Office of Philanthropic Outreach
Santa Fe Community College
SER - Jobs for Progress
The State of New Mexico Higher Education Department
The State of New Mexico Lieutenant Governor's Office
The State of New Mexico Office of Education Accountability
The State of New Mexico Public Education Department
Major Efforts
New Mexico's Lt. Governor's office held a Workforce and Education Strategy Academy in May on preparing more New Mexico workers for middle-skill jobs. Lt. Governor Diane Denish, with a number of cabinet secretaries, discussed middle-skill jobs, citing New Mexico’s Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs report and a possible goal of increasing the number of New Mexicans with a two-year degree, credential or equivalent education by 20 percent by 2020.
Released report, New Mexico's Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs, in April 2010, generating widespread media coverage.
Publications and Resources
Publications:
Platform of Priorities
National Skills Coaliton and S2C-New Mexico Campaign
November 2010
New Mexico's Forgotten Middle-Jobs
National Skills Coalition, April 2010
Audio Briefings:
Listen to audio clips from a press conference about the release of New Mexico's Forgotten Middle-Skill Jobs report.
- Introduction and Report Overview | Zach Silk, National Skills Coalition
- Campaign Lead | Ian Esquibel, Office for Philanthropic Outreach
- Employer Perspective | Sally Adams, President of Clear Channel Outdoor New Mexico and Chair of the Albuquerque Economic Development Board
- Community College Perspective | Becky Rowley, Executive Vice President at Clovis Community College
Media List
- Aim for the middle | Albuquerque Journal, 06.06.2010
- A welcome effort towards 'middle skills' | Santa Fe New Mexican, 05.02.2010
- Study urges focus on 'middle-skill' jobs for economic growth | Santa Fe New Mexican, 04.27.2010
- NM growth will come in ‘middle skills’ jobs | New Mexico Business Weekly, 04.27.2010
