Albuquerque Public Schools
Groundbreaking Pre-Apprenticeship Program Begins at West Mesa High
Program pays students for hands-on construction training.
A critical skills gap in the construction industry is threatening economic development, and Albuquerque Public Schools, in collaboration with key partners, is taking action with a groundbreaking new pre-apprenticeship program.
APS is partnering with Bernalillo County Community School Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Department, ABC Community School Partnership, Local 412, and the Local 412 Outreach and Education Foundation to launch this innovative pre-apprenticeship program at West Mesa High School, an APS community school.
This initiative represents a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership collaboration, uniting a registered apprenticeship program, a local union, the school district and county government to focus specifically on work-based learning and career technical education.
“We’re thrilled with this partnership,” said West Mesa Principal Michele Torres. “This will give students interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades a jumpstart on their careers while simultaneously addressing a critical need in our community. It’s a win for everybody, and we’re proud to be part of it.”
A handful of West Mesa students are already participating in the after-school program and getting paid. They engage in hands-on training, receive mentorship from industry professionals and are gaining real-world experience, setting the foundation for successful careers in the construction industry.
Bernalillo County Commissioner Barbara Baca and state Rep. Joy Garratt, D-Albuquerque, spearheaded the collaboration to bolster Career Technical Education.
The program will help students develop important skills in the construction industry, preparing them for fulfilling careers that are crucial for their future and for the community.
"We are proud to pioneer this partnership, which represents a significant step in equipping our youth with valuable skills and paving the way for a brighter economic future," said Joan Baker, executive director of the 412 Outreach and Education Foundation. "We hope this is only the beginning of similar collaborations that bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness."