Central New Mexico Community College Unveils Advanced Trades Training Center in 60th Anniversary Celebration

A New Era for Skilled Trades Education

On August 29, 2025, Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) commemorated a significant milestone as it celebrated its 60th anniversary alongside the grand opening of the Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center (TTC). This state-of-the-art facility not only symbolizes the college's enduring commitment to trades education but also stands as a beacon for future generations of skilled workers.

Originally named the Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) when it opened in 1965 with just 150 students, CNM has evolved into the largest undergraduate educational institution in New Mexico, catering to over 33,000 learners across 150 academic and workforce training programs. This transformation reflects the institution's dedication to adapting and responding to the evolving needs of its community.

CNM President Tracy Hartzler emphasized the importance of the TTC during the anniversary celebration: “Thousands in our community have built rewarding careers thanks to the support of our dedicated faculty and the quality education received at CNM. The TTC's opening perfectly showcases our ongoing commitment to trades education.” The center is designed to provide hands-on learning experiences across various trades, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce.

The TTC encompasses a vast 60,000 square feet and hosts programs such as Welding, Electrical Trades, Carpentry, Plumbing, Industrial Automation Technology (Mechatronics), and HVAC. Features of the facility include:

- Integrated learning spaces: The design includes classrooms and labs coexisting to facilitate seamless transitions from theoretical lectures to practical applications.
- Real-world outdoor environments: Each lab contains outdoor spaces where students can apply their skills in practical settings.
- Modern equipment: The TTC is outfitted with state-of-the-art tools and technology, enabling students to gain familiarity with the latest industry standards.
- Visible utility systems: Plumbing, electrical, gas, and HVAC systems are showcased throughout the building, allowing students to observe and learn how a facility functions fundamentally.

Interim Dean Sionna Grassbaugh remarked on the facility’s design: “This space not only enhances the learning experience but also supports our state's growing need for skilled tradespersons.” The new center is timely, given the aging trades workforce; many professionals in New Mexico are nearing retirement, exacerbating the demand for fresh talent. According to the New Mexico Building Trades Council, approximately 25 to 30 percent of its workforce is approaching retirement age, underscoring the urgency for new entrants into the field.

Why the TTC is Critical to New Mexico

In New Mexico, construction accounts for 7 percent of total employment, averaging around $76,000 per year in wages. Specifically, in Albuquerque, that average rises to $79,000. With the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions predicting an additional 5,600 new jobs in construction over the forthcoming years, the TTC is poised to play a pivotal role in preparing students to meet this growing demand.

The TTC's vision was shaped through collaborative efforts, drawing input from local employers, trades industry professionals, and government officials. Named in honor of Ted Chavez, a former student and educator who significantly influenced CNM's trades program, the center pays tribute to his legacy of dedication to educating future tradespeople. Chavez taught HVAC for 19 years and was instrumental in establishing CNM's current trades curriculum, demonstrating a long-term commitment to enhancing vocational education.

The unveiling of the Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center symbolizes more than just a building; it represents CNM’s future-oriented philosophy towards recession-proof careers and community empowerment through education. As trades continue to be a vital part of New Mexico's economy, facilities like the TTC will ensure that a new generation of skilled tradespeople is ready to step into the workforce and tackle the region's challenges head-on.