Apprenticeships at CNM
Contact Information
Call (505) 224-3060 or email us at [email protected].
CNM Main Campus
Workforce & Community Success Career Center
Smith Brasher Hall, 110
Become an Apprentice: Earn While You Learn
An apprenticeship is a structured work-based learning program that offers a unique blend of on-the-job learning and classroom instruction. As an apprentice, you’ll gain essential skills, work closely with experienced mentors, and enhance your earning potential as a certified skilled worker—all while earning wages and becoming an integral part of the workforce. This real-world training is complemented by related classes or workshops.
Apprenticeships vary in duration (usually 1 to 5 years) and provide a pathway to expertise in a specific field. Not only do you earn while you learn, but successful completion often leads to recognized credentials and long-term employment opportunities.
Apprenticeship programs should be registered through the state level. The NM Department of Workforce Solutions monitors NM State Apprenticeship Programs.
The New Mexico Information Technology Apprenticeship Program
The New Mexico Information Technology Apprenticeship Program (NMITAP), part of CNM’s Apprenticeship Programs, is New Mexico's only IT apprenticeship, offering four distinct tracks.
NMITAP Qualifications
- Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
- Provide a high school diploma or GED or other high school equivalency credentials.
- Live and reside in New Mexico.
- Be physically capable of performing the tasks required by the trade.
- Be able to pass a drug screening and background check (through the employer, not CNM).
How to Get Started
- Submit an NMITAP Interest Form.
- You will be prompted to submit required documents for the program.
- Once your submitted required documents are approved, your NMITAP application is complete.
- Next you will need to be hired by an employer that is willing to take an apprentice.
- When hired by an employer, you will then be an apprentice.
- Pre-Apprenticeship courses may need to be taken before you are hired by an employer. The program will notify you.
- Work, learn and take courses for approximately 2 years to complete NMITAP.
Why Choose NMITAP?
- Hands-on Training and Learning: Benefit from a blend of hands-on experience and classroom learning.
- Community Partnerships: We collaborate with community organizations to identify and recruit talented individuals.
- Inclusivity: NMITAP actively seeks underrepresented groups, ensuring equal access to opportunities.
- Live and Work in New Mexico: To participate in NMITAP, you must reside and work within the state.
Who Can Participate?
NMITAP welcomes a diverse range of individuals:
- First-Time College Students: If you’re just starting your educational journey, NMITAP provides a pathway to valuable skills and career development.
- Current Students: Whether you’re already enrolled at CNM or another institution, NMITAP can complement your studies and enhance your expertise.
- Current IT Employees: Upskill and advance within your organization by participating in NMITAP.
- Veterans: Transitioning from military service to civilian life? NMITAP offers a bridge to rewarding civilian careers.
Explore Our IT Tracks
Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, by telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, email, and operating systems.
Related Job Titles: Computer Specialist, Computer Support Specialist, Computer Technician, Electronic Data Processing Auditor (EDP Auditor), Help Desk Analyst, Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Support Specialist, Technical Support Specialist.
Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area. May work individually or coordinate database development as part of a team. May supervise computer programmers.
Related Job Titles: Application Integration Engineer, Applications Developer, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Consultant, Programmer Analyst, Software Architect, Software Developer, Software Development Engineer, Software Engineer, Technical Consultant.
Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
Related Job Titles: Computer Security Specialist, Computer Specialist, Data Security Administrator, Information Security Analyst, Information Security Manager, Information Security Officer, Information Security Specialist, Information Systems Security Analyst, Information Technology Security Analyst, Information Technology Specialist.
Install, configure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. Monitor network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability. May monitor and test website performance to ensure websites operate correctly and without interruption. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software. May supervise computer user support specialists and computer network support specialists. May administer network security measures.
Related Job Titles: Information Technology Director (IT Director), Information Technology Manager (IT Manager), Information Technology Specialist (IT Specialist), Local Area Network Administrator (LAN Administrator), Network Administrator, Network Technician, Network Support, Network Engineer, Network Manager, Network Specialist, Systems Administrator, Systems Engineer.
Apprenticeship Testimonials
“During COVID, Albuquerque Public Schools presented us an opportunity with the NMITAP program. I wanted to educate myself in cyber security because I believe it is the future of IT. I attended the classes for the past three years while balancing a full-time position, volunteering, coaching high school football, and co-parenting.
Needless to say, my schedule was very demanding, but I knew this was a great opportunity that I could not pass up. I stayed dedicated to my studies and was able to pass my A+ and Security+ exams. Since I started with NMITAP, I went from a service desk position to a career path in Esports and am now the sole field technician for the Title I Department at APS.
My plan is to use the certificates I earned to secure a position on the cyber security team with Albuquerque Public Schools. I am thankful for this opportunity. It has allowed me to be part of a team that gives back to the
community!” — Chris Alarid
“Being a part of the apprenticeship program at CNM has prepared me to help my coworkers all while helping me expand my horizons in technology.
On this journey, I improved what little I knew about technology because the courses provided by CNM helped me learn new skills that proved to be very helpful. The apprenticeship also helped me light an old flame of mine to become a technical specialist.
For that, I cannot express how grateful I am to this program for helping me gain the knowledge and skills to help me in what would be an incredible career. I do hope that this program can help other students achieve the knowledge and skills that they may need to achieve their goals as well.” — Jordan Gonzalez