Workforce Development Grant for Fire Damage Recovery Through Construction Trades

Workforce Development Grant for Fire Damage Recovery Through Construction Trades

Funder: New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED)

Award Amount: $63,000

Geographic Scope: Ruidoso, New Mexico / Lincoln County

Program Focus: Workforce development in construction trades; disaster recovery

Program Description

Funding to support workforce training and upskilling in construction trades, specifically designed to address the need for skilled workers following the McBride Fire of April 2022. The grant accelerates training options for workers seeking Building Trades certification aligned to National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standards.

Key Components

• Accelerated training programs for construction trades
• NCCER Core Introduction to Basic Construction Skills certificate
• NCCER Level 1 Certifications (planned expansion)
• Electrician apprenticeship courses (evenings: Monday and Wednesday)
• HVAC and plumbing training (planned)
• Support for displaced workers and students
• Industrial trainers, materials, and tools provision

What Funding Covers

• Tuition
• Course fees
• Textbooks
• Materials
• Other student support services
• Grant administration
• Instructor and contractor services
• Job connections through NM Workforce Connection

Eligibility

• Workers displaced by McBride Fire
• Students seeking construction trades training
• Adults and high school students (certificate programs)

Contact Information

• Director of Career and Technical Education: John Rucker
• Phone: 575-315-1137
• Email: John.Rucker@enmu.edu
• Institution: ENMU-Ruidoso
• Location: 709 Mechem Drive, Ruidoso, NM 88345

Background

Following the destructive McBride Fire in April 2022, over 200 structures including residences and commercial businesses burned in Ruidoso. Many employers were struggling to find reliable, skilled workers before this event, but the need for construction trades expanded significantly. A 2020 Labor Market Index identified Construction as a top 5 industry by employment numbers and among the top 6 industries with largest projected growth in the region. The skilled construction trades offer some of the region's most in-demand careers with great earning potential and high-quality career pathways without large student debt loads.