From Apprentice to Employee
How this first-generation college student accelerated his career in IT
When Alex Barraza was getting ready to graduate from CNM he thought an internship would be his best path. But then he found CNM Ingenuity’s New Mexico IT Apprenticeship Program (NMITAP), which offered him on-the-job training as well as a paycheck.
He jumped at the opportunity and was immediately given a position with CNM’s Information Technologies Services (ITS) DevOps department.
Alex began applying what he’d learned in the classroom, working on real-world projects alongside IT professionals.
“I quickly learned that apprenticeships are way different than internships,” Alex says. “You actually get hands-on experience with a mentor and learn the software and systems used by the department.”
From his first day, Alex felt welcomed by his team. His mentor eased him into the work, assigning projects that complemented what he was learning in class.
Gradually, his responsibilities increased, and so did his knowledge in the field. Today, he’s farther ahead than he could have imagined a year ago, and he and his family are beyond proud.
“I’m the first in my family to finish high school and go to college,” Alex said. “Thanks to all the experience I’ve gained, I’m set up for jobs in one of the country’s most in-demand fields.”
Alex’s story is one example of how CNM’s apprenticeship programs combine education with paid, hands-on learning and mentorship. Through CNM Workforce & Community Success, students can explore apprenticeship opportunities while employers can partner with CNM to develop new talent.
NMITAP currently offers apprenticeships for tech support specialists, network support specialists, application developers, cybersecurity support technicians, and medical assistants. To learn more, students and employers can explore opportunities on the CNM Apprenticeships webpage.