UNM-Valencia hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate years of planning and the construction of the Workforce Training Center (WTC).
The WTC will house vocational and computer labs, classrooms, offices, indoor/outdoor common areas and the Small Business Development Center. Faculty and staff will effectively train the local workforce to meet the demands of the economic development in Valencia County, by preparing students with the professional and technical skills to meet employers’ needs.
“Our new Workforce Center in Los Lunas will provide business and industry training for the Valencia County community for years to come,” said Alice Letteney, UNM-Valencia chancellor.
The WTC will provide technical and managerial assistance for small businesses, as it promotes growth, innovation, productivity and revenue for small businesses in the county. Non-degree programs and credential-focused course offerings will focus on building soft skills and enhancing work readiness.
“Many of our courses and programs, particularly in career technical education, lead to an industry credential that will prepare students for a specific field and strengthen their skillsets as they prepare for first careers or seek to re-train for new opportunities,” said Laura Musselwhite, dean of instruction.
The Workforce Training Center will be able to adapt and grow with the ever-changing needs of today’s higher education students.
The center is expected to be complete in November.