WRITER/SOURCE: Karen Cooper, 575-646-4040, cooperka@nmsu.edu
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, in partnership with New Mexico State University Global Campus, announced the launch of Career Building for a Sustainable Economy, a free online microlearning course designed to prepare New Mexicans for the rapidly expanding sustainability and energy sectors.
The course is now available statewide and arrives at a pivotal moment as New Mexico experiences growth in renewable energy, environmental restoration, water resource management, and sustainable construction. Local, regional, and national investments in clean energy and sustainability-related industries continue to generate new career pathways, creating demand for workers with adaptable skills and foundational industry knowledge.
“The Community Benefit Fund has given us the resources to expand our efforts to build and retain a workforce to support efforts across the state to modernize our energy economy and reduce the effects of climate change,” said Sarita Nair, cabinet secretary of NMDWS . “This course gives New Mexicans the tools to understand how these changes in our state can lead to good jobs, and how to work with our team to connect to the training they need to purse those careers.”
Career Building for a Sustainable Economy helps participants identify emerging sustainability careers, understand transferable skills, and map out entry-level pathways that support long-term employment.
Participants will learn to:
· Identify new careers in renewable energy, environmental stewardship, water management, and sustainable construction.
· Recognize how existing skills – such as communication, teamwork, and safety – apply to sustainability roles.
· Explore entry-level training and pathways that support entry into sustainability-focused jobs.
· Demonstrate effective collaboration and communication strategies relevant to the sustainability economy.
“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting communities across New Mexico,” said Andrew Sedillo, executive director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships. “By expanding access to practical, skills-based learning, we are helping residents build stronger career pathways and participate fully in New Mexico’s growing industries. Our goal is to ensure that every community in our state and beyond has the opportunity to develop the talent and expertise needed to thrive.”
The course is self-paced, free of cost, and offered fully online through NMSU Global Campus. Enrollment is now open. To enroll, visit: https://dws.nmsuondemand.nmsu.edu/courses/dev-career-building-for-a-sustainable-economy.
For more information about New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, visit https://www.dws.state.nm.us/en-us/. To learn more about the Community Benefit Fund, visit: https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Community-Benefit-Fund. For more information about NMSU Global Campus, visit https://global.nmsu.edu/.