In today’s dynamic job market, Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs are more vital than ever, providing individuals with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to thrive in high-demand industries. New Mexico, with its growing economy and strategic industries, offers a diverse landscape of CTE opportunities designed to propel individuals towards successful and fulfilling careers. This article explores the landscape of CTE programs in New Mexico, highlighting how these programs are building pathways to exciting professions, using the inspiring story of one graduate who reached for the stars.
Victor Lopez, a graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell (ENMU-Roswell), exemplifies the transformative power of CTE. His journey, starting in automotive mechanics and culminating in his role as a “Space Wrench” at Virgin Galactic, showcases how focused training in New Mexico can lead to extraordinary career achievements.
Lopez’s story began with a desire to elevate his career beyond automotive mechanics. After researching various Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) programs, he selected ENMU-Roswell due to its accelerated 14.5-month completion timeframe. This intensive program allowed him to quickly gain the credentials necessary to enter the aviation industry. Lopez credits the rigorous training and dedicated instructors at ENMU-Roswell for his preparedness. He emphasizes the program’s effectiveness, stating, “When you go to school, you only get out of it what you put into it. I wouldn’t go anywhere else if I had to redo it honestly. I wouldn’t do it any other way.” His experience underscores the value of hands-on, focused CTE programs in providing graduates with the expertise sought after by employers.
Unlike typical A&P mechanic roles focused on routine aircraft maintenance, Lopez’s position at Virgin Galactic offers unique and varied daily tasks. Based in Deming, New Mexico, he commutes to Spaceport America, Virgin Galactic’s hub for human spaceflight operations. As a floor lead on the night shift, Lopez and his team play a critical role in preparing spaceships for flight, including fueling and runway operations. He was directly involved in New Mexico’s inaugural power launch and describes the successful suborbital flight of SpaceShip Two VSS Unity on July 11th as a “surreal” and unforgettable moment. He highlights the intense preparation leading up to launches, stating, “You spend a lot of time and a lot of effort just to get it launched. It’s pretty sweet.” Lopez’s enthusiasm for his work and the opportunities for growth at Virgin Galactic are palpable, “We are still at the beginning stages, so we’re not like an airline yet. There is still a lot of structure that needs to happen with everyone’s input.”
Lopez’s experience is a testament to the quality of CTE programs available in New Mexico and the diverse career pathways they unlock. While the exact number of CTE programs in New Mexico fluctuates as institutions adapt to industry needs, the state boasts a robust network of educational institutions offering a wide array of programs. These programs span various sectors crucial to New Mexico’s economy, including:
- Aerospace and Aviation: Building upon the success of programs like ENMU-Roswell’s AMT, New Mexico offers further avenues into aviation maintenance, aerospace engineering technology, and related fields, capitalizing on the state’s growing space industry presence.
- Healthcare: With a consistent demand for healthcare professionals, CTE programs in New Mexico provide training for nursing assistants, medical technicians, emergency medical services, and other essential healthcare roles.
- Information Technology: In an increasingly digital world, New Mexico’s CTE programs in IT equip individuals with skills in software development, cybersecurity, network administration, and data science, preparing them for roles in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
- Renewable Energy: Aligned with global sustainability initiatives and New Mexico’s abundant natural resources, CTE programs focus on solar technology, wind energy, and sustainable building practices, fostering a workforce for the green economy.
- Advanced Manufacturing and Trades: From welding and machining to construction and automotive technology, CTE programs in the trades provide hands-on training for essential infrastructure and manufacturing sectors in New Mexico.
These are just a few examples of the diverse CTE programs available throughout New Mexico. Numerous community colleges, universities, and vocational schools across the state offer specialized training tailored to meet the demands of regional and national industries. The New Mexico Higher Education Department and the New Mexico Public Education Department are valuable resources for exploring the full spectrum of CTE programs and institutions within the state.
Victor Lopez’s success story, rooted in a New Mexico CTE program, serves as an inspiration for individuals seeking fulfilling and impactful careers. Whether aspiring to reach for the stars like Lopez or aiming to contribute to vital industries here on Earth, Career and Technology Education in New Mexico provides the launchpad for a bright future. By exploring the wide range of programs available and embracing the opportunity for specialized training, individuals can gain the skills and expertise needed to thrive in New Mexico’s dynamic and growing economy.
