CNM Ingenuity Electric Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship Program Now Offering Hourly Wage and Stipend for Learners
CNM Ingenuity, in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMWDS), is excited to announce a new funding opportunity for learners in the Electric Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Through the Building, Energizing, and Connecting through Apprenticeships (BECA) grant program, Workforce Solutions provided funds for CNM to develop a program that allows eligible learners to earn up to $7,400 while completing the three-month pre-apprenticeship.
“Being able to pay pre-apprentices a wage makes this training more accessible and feasible for a lot more people,” says Jeff DeBellis, Program Director for CNM Ingenuity. “We often talk to prospective learners who want to complete this program, but they can’t afford to not work for three months. By treating this training like a job, including being able to pay learners, we’re not only reinforcing the work ethic and commitment needed to work in this field, but also empowering learners to take the first step to creating a better life for themselves, their families, and their communities.”
“This is an exciting addition to the Workforce Solutions Pre-apprenticeship Opportunity Program (POP) portfolio, which gives New Mexicans a strong foundation to start their path towards a Registered Apprenticeship Program and a good paying career,” says Sarita Nair, NMDWS Cabinet Secretary. “A lot of people can’t afford to train without also earning wages and are often taking care of a family as well. The Electrical Lineworker POP helps participants enter this in-demand occupation while also supporting themselves and their family.”
Through the BECA grant, eligible learners will receive:
- $16 an hour for 400 hours of training (totaling $6,400) through bi-weekly paychecks
- A $1,000 stipend for support services like gas, housing, or childcare
- Liability insurance coverage
- Career services to support placement into registered apprenticeships and jobs after graduation
To be eligible, learners must apply and be accepted into the pre-apprenticeship. Once enrolled, they will become contracted employees of the State of New Mexico for the duration of the training. The next cohort will begin in February 2026, and learners will be able to take advantage of the grant funding.
The only Electric Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship in central New Mexico, Ingenuity’s program introduces learners to the basic skills they’ll need to embark on a rewarding career. The program includes climbing and other physical skills with classroom work in circuits, basic electrical math, and other foundational concepts. To apply or learn more, please visit the Electric Lineworker Pre-Apprenticeship webpage.
The NMDWS Building, Energizing and Connecting through Apprenticeship Program is funded through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula II Competitive Grant from the US Department of Labor. NMDWS received the $5.9 million grant in 2024.
About New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) oversees the New Mexico public workforce system. The department is committed to supporting the business community through special recruitment, analyzing hard to fill jobs, layoffs, job fairs, and skills assessments for hiring; and assisting New Mexicans seeking employment opportunities with job search, job referrals and placement, and customized skill development such as interviewing skills and resume writing. The department administers programs to include business services; workforce training; Unemployment Insurance; labor law enforcement; veterans’ services; and labor market information.
About CNM Ingenuity
CNM Ingenuity supports a new approach to learning that delivers accelerated educational and training opportunities in key workforce areas such as technology, energy, and healthcare. It also provides robust support for entrepreneurs and collaborates with public and private partners to promote economic development and job creation.
Since its founding in 2014, CNM Ingenuity has played a key role in strengthening New Mexico’s workforce and economy by offering training that is fast, flexible, and aligned with real-world demand.