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Group picture of ICPP graduates in front of heavy machinery

16 Learners Earn Heavy Equipment Training Certifications Through Innovative Workforce Program

The Industry Credential Pipeline Program is a cutting-edge partnership between CNM Ingenuity, the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions that helps learners quickly earn industry certifications and land high-paying, in-demand transportation jobs
July 30, 2025

CNM Ingenuity, in partnership with The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) is proud to launch the Industry Credential Pipeline Programs (ICPP) – a workforce development initiative designed to prepare New Mexicans for high-demand careers in the transportation sector. These programs combine hands-on, real-world training with industry-recognized certifications to build a skilled, job-ready, and resilient workforce.

Crowd raising their hands while Sebastian Martinez speaks

“The Department of Transportation, the Department of Workforce Solutions and CNM Ingenuity didn’t just launch a program, we built something different, something bold,” says Sebastian Martinez, CNM Ingenuity Senior Director of Business. “This is a hands-on, fast-paced workforce pipeline that connects training directly to jobs. This kind of effort doesn’t come from sticking to what’s familiar. It comes from taking risks, working across departments, and staying focused on one goal – preparing learners for the jobs that keep New Mexico’s economy running.”

The first ICPP cohort, currently at the five-week midpoint, is completing training in Heavy Equipment Certification through CNM Ingenuity. This inaugural class includes 16 participants, seven of whom have already received conditional job offers from NMDOT through an expedited rapid-hire interview process. Upon successful program completion, these individuals will transition into Highway Operations–Basic positions statewide. Remaining participants will receive continued job placement support in coordination with NMDWS and private-sector partners.

To promote equitable access and support learner success, NMDWS is providing participants with hourly wages of $15.95 for 40 hours per week during the 10-week training period, along with housing assistance for those needing temporary accommodations in Albuquerque.

Program graduates will earn the following industry-recognized credentials:

  • Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – funded by CNM
  • NMDOT 101 & 201 Heavy Equipment Training – funded by NMDOT
  • OSHA 10 Certification
  • Flagger Certification

This initiative marks a significant milestone in New Mexico’s long-term strategy to strengthen its transportation workforce by aligning industry credentials with statewide infrastructure needs. Heavy equipment operation serves as a cornerstone of this vision.

To celebrate the cohort's milestone achievement, representatives from CNM Ingenuity, NMDOT, and NMDWS, gathered at the District 3 Road-Eo on July 30 to recognize ICPP learners for completing the Heavy Equipment Training component.