workforce development

Touro University, a New York-based nonprofit education institution, will expand its dental medicine program to Albuquerque next year. This comes as New Mexico experiences severe shortages in dental professionals, especially in rural communities.

The workforce shortage in New Mexico has been a growing issue as the state recovers from the pandemic. That includes skilled trades like electricians. A new program focuses on helping high school students get into that field and build the workforce.

In a presentation at the New Mexico Workforce Conference on Thursday, a community-based organization that advocates to protect and expand the rights of immigrants in New Mexico addressed the challenges undocumented people face in the workplace and how it is working to make more equitable opportunities available.

New Mexico has a shortage of tradespeople who help build infrastructure like roads, energy facilities and broadband. Two bills awaiting the governor’s signature aim to address that by funding more apprenticeship programs.

While the national nursing shortage may be easing, vacancies still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic numbers, according to a study from Nursing Solutions Inc. In New Mexico, the most recent data showed 9,000 RN job postings in the state as of last summer. The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center has announced it’s set to receive millions in federal funds to address the gap, particularly in rural areas.

While New Mexico’s unemployment rate dropped in June, the state still has an issue with low workforce participation. That’s according to a recent legislative report. But a new $6.4 million federal grant from the American Rescue Plan may help more people access training and better paying jobs.

Let's Talk New Mexico 11/16 8a: New Mexico is one of dozens of states and communities vying for Amazon’s second headquarters. Many places are promising…