State to fund nearly 100 new employees

Nearly 100 new employees in several sectors will be funded through a state job training program.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department recently announced nine businesses that have been approved for the state's Job Training Incentive Program to hire and train 94 employees and four interns.

JTIP is a state program dating back to 1972 that reimburses 50% or more for the on-the-job training of employees who are taking new jobs in the state. Expenses are reimbursed after training is completed.

The JTIP Board reviews and authorizes the reimbursements each month. This month, the board approved $1.6 million to train people at an hourly rate of $20 to $91, depending on the company.

“JTIP is a highly successful program that assists businesses with job training so they can hire employees faster or train existing workers with new skills at a higher wage,” EDD Secretary-designate Rob Black said in a statement. “These new awards highlight some of the innovative and future-proof companies that help to diversify New Mexico’s economy.”

Here's a summary of the businesses that were approved for training funds this month:

•Flow Aluminum manufactures aluminum-based batteries for electric vehicles and microgrids. The Albuquerque company will hire two employees at an average wage of $35 per hour.

•Gridworks works in solar and energy storage for developers and utilities. The Albuquerque company can hire 11 people at $42 per hour.

•KiloNewton provides technical and engineering analysis and software design for the renewable energy sector. The Albuquerque company can hire four trainees at $35 an hour and four interns at $25 per hour on average.

•Pajarito Powder develops and commercializes electrocatalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzers. The Albuquerque company can hire 22 trainees at an average wage of $35 per hour.

•Redwire Space works in the space industry, with an emphasis on analyzing, testing and manufacturing systems and components for launch vehicles and satellites. The Albuquerque company can hire five trainees at $60 per hour.

•Spiritus Technologies works in direct air capture technology. The White Rock company can hire four trainees at an average wage of $91 per hour.

•Century Sign Builders designs, manufactures and installs exterior signage across the U.S. The Albuquerque company can hire a trainee at $29 per hour.

•Golightly Company makes cashmere knitwear and chocolate confections, The Santa Fe company can hire five trainees at $30 per hour.

•EMPOCC, dba Oasis Cannabis Co. produces cannabis products for five stores in Albuquerque and one store in Farmington. The company can hire 40 trainees at an average wage of $20 per hour.