Jan. 15—The state has teamed up with San Juan College in northwestern New Mexico to offer a new workforce training program in the environmental cleanup industry.
The new Careers Remediating Environmental Waste, or CREW, program offers focuses on uranium reclamation and mediation, with classes at San Juan College in Farmington starting in February.
“We are excited to be a part of this partnership opportunity,” said Lorenzo Reyes, San Juan College dean of workforce and development, in a news release. “San Juan College has a rich history of innovation, industry collaboration and preparing our graduates with the in-demand skills.”
Northwestern New Mexico was once a hub for uranium mining and is a prime location for natural gas exploration today.
CREW program participants could receive $2,000 monthly stipends, child care assistance and help with housing and travel expenses, if deemed eligible by the college.
The New Mexico Environment Department and New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions also helped launch the program. DWS Secretary Sarita Nair said in a statement that climate resilience and natural resource management are two top areas for workforce development outlined in the state’s workforce plan.
“CREW will be a strong step towards meeting our goal to invest in the talent that will take care of the state that we love,” Nair said.