Hometown News

OBAE has contracted with Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), which will provide lab equipment, workbooks, tools and all teaching equipment. All courses are held monthly and will consist of five days of hands-on training. The courses will be held across the state.

Prospective broadband students can receive training certifications in classes and workshops in the following areas:

• Introductory installation  
• Optical fiber installation
• Copper-based cabling installation
• Technician training
  

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham directed state agencies in 2024 to address the critical need for infrastructure development in New Mexico and ensure that the workforce is prepared to modernize transportation, telecommunications, water and energy systems.

In response, OBAE has teamed up with the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) to create a program to train New Mexico’s workforce to construct and maintain broadband networks and other advanced telecommunications infrastructure.

“Broadband is constantly evolving and supports innovative jobs in science and technology in New Mexico. This certified broadband training is invaluable for New Mexico workers to understand and master fiber optics,” Jeff Lopez, OBAE’s director said. “This program will serve as a model to support the next generation of technicians building New Mexico’s future.”

“The state workforce development plan identifies broadband expansion as a priority sector because the industry is critical to New Mexico’s future and offers good jobs with strong career ladders,” DWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair said. “With historic broadband investments underway, this partnership and training program, together with our other broadband workforce initiatives across the state, are preparing New Mexicans for the jobs needed to build equitable broadband access statewide.”  

The 3-year broadband workforce program is the result of a $1.99 million federal grant secured by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Lujan and Martin Heinrich in the Fiscal Year 2024 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act.

“Expanding broadband access across our communities is essential for accessing health care, job opportunities, and education. That’s why I’m proud to have helped secure $2 million in funding for the New Mexico Office of Broadband Workforce Development Program,” Sen. Ben Ray Luján said. “This program will help train New Mexicans for good-paying jobs, strengthen our workforce, and connect our state to affordable, reliable internet.”

“I’m proud to have secured $2 million to create a broadband workforce training program that will prepare New Mexicans in rural communities for in-demand and high-quality careers they can build their families around,” said Sen. Martin Heinrich. “As New Mexico’s senior senator, I will continue fighting to provide New Mexicans with the tools they need to succeed in their careers and grow our rural economies.”

For class and contact information, visit here.