Meet the First Cohort of CNM Ingenuity’s Quantum Technician Bootcamp

CNM and CNM Ingenuity are thrilled to announce that the inaugural cohort of learners began the Quantum Technician Bootcamp on Sept. 29. This is the nation’s first quantum technician job training program and learners will be trained to quickly meet industry demands in New Mexico and beyond.

The launch is also a key milestone in CNM’s partnership with Elevate Quantum, a consortium of 120 organizations in the Mountain West region working to dramatically accelerate the commercialization of quantum.

“As a proud member of Elevate Quantum, CNM is very excited to be launching a first-of-its-kind Quantum Technician Bootcamp that is going to connect learners with life-changing career opportunities after just 10 weeks of immersive training,” says CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “At the same time, we’ll be providing a skilled quantum workforce that will support our community, state, and Mountain West region in becoming a global hub of quantum innovation and economic development. As Elevate Quantum’s workforce development lead for quantum technicians, we also look forward to sharing and refining the bootcamp curriculum with fellow community colleges in Colorado and Wyoming to help establish our region as a quantum workforce development leader.”

The first cohort of the Quantum Technician Bootcamp gets to work in CNM’s new state-of-the-art Quantum Learning Lab (QuLL) located at FUSE Makerspace in downtown Albuquerque. During the 10-week bootcamp, they will complete extensive hands-on learning activities in several critical areas, including optics and photonics, ultra-high vacuum systems, and quantum phenomenon and quantum information systems. There are no pre-requisites, and learners will receive all the necessary math and science training needed to enter the field.

For Dan Berry, the bootcamp is providing him with an opportunity to upskill and get back into the industry he loves.

“I took photonics classes at CNM over 20 years ago and worked in the industry for a while; then I owned and operated Lizard Tail Brewing for about a decade,” he explains. “COVID took a big toll on Lizard Tail, so I made the decision to close the brewery and wasn’t sure what to do next. I saw an article about the quantum bootcamp, and all the pieces fell into place.”

Michele Haugh, a CNM Engineering student, enrolled in the bootcamp to jumpstart her first career.

“I learned about quantum this summer through CNM’s STEM Core program, and I was so intrigued by the subject matter and career opportunities,” she says. “What’s even more amazing is that I’m in this bootcamp with only a basic understanding of math and still feel supported and confident in my ability to complete the curriculum. There is truly no other training program like this.”

Both Dan and Michele, along with several of the other leaners in their cohort, hope to land jobs as entry-level quantum technicians after they complete the bootcamp. Starting pay ranges from $65,000 to $85,000 jobs are in high demand because several quantum information technology companies are expanding in New Mexico.

Looking ahead, Brian Rashap, instructor for the Quantum Technician Bootcamp, is excited to prepare this first cohort and future cohorts to enter the industry at a critical moment.

“The quantum information technology industry is at a workforce inflection point, where scientists and engineers will need more and more skilled technicians to advance the industry,” Brian says. “At CNM, and throughout the Mountain West, we are creating pathways to quantum jobs that are accessible to learners from all backgrounds and experiences. With no prerequisites for math or science, anyone can train to become a quantum technician and start a great career in this industry of the future. The only thing more exciting than having our first students this week, will be seeing them graduate in December and start their quantum careers.”

Interested in the Quantum Technician Bootcamp? Please fill out the interest form as soon as possible to be added to waitlist. If you’re curious about the program but aren’t ready to register, please fill out the Deep Dive contact form.