The Bridge of Southern New Mexico Partners with FAMCo to Support Paid Pre-Apprenticeship Pathway for Local High School Students
LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Bridge of Southern New Mexico is proud to announce its partnership with FAMCo to support a paid pre-apprenticeship cohort designed to help local high school students gain hands-on experience, industry-recognized certifications, and exposure to long-term career pathways in heavy machinery and related skilled industries.
The pre-apprenticeship program runs from May 26 through August 1, 2026, and includes six high school students from Las Cruces and surrounding communities: Jose Silva, Christian I. Castro, Axel E. Hernandez, Adrian Giovani Lemus, Matthew Pasos, and Armando Tinajero. Through the program, participants will complete 400 hours of paid on-site training, while also completing required classroom instruction alongside their hands-on experience. Students are working toward industry-recognized certifications, including NCCER, OSHA 10, and CPR/First Aid.
FAMCo is serving as the training host and employer partner, providing students with direct exposure to heavy machinery training and the expectations of a real workplace environment. The program is intended to prepare participants for future opportunities in the industry, including potential entry into a registered apprenticeship or long-term career pathway.
“This partnership represents exactly the kind of opportunity we want to create for young people in Southern New Mexico,” said Beth Williams of The Bridge of Southern New Mexico. “By connecting students to paid training, classroom instruction, employer mentorship, and industry recognized certifications, we are helping them take meaningful steps toward careers that can support their futures and strengthen our regional workforce.”
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico has supported the program through coordination, planning, participant onboarding, communication, training agreement collection, scheduling, logistics, and partner alignment. The effort reflects The Bridge’s broader mission to connect education, workforce, business, and community partners in ways that create stronger career pathways for young people across the region.
The paid pre-apprenticeship model helps students gain early exposure to high-demand career fields while also supporting local workforce needs. By combining paid work experience, classroom instruction, and certification opportunities, the program gives participants a stronger foundation for success after high school.
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico looks forward to continuing its work with FAMCo and regional partners to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities and help more students access meaningful career pathways in Southern New Mexico.
About The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico works to connect education, business, government, and community partners to strengthen pathways for students, families, and the regional workforce. Through collaboration and community-based initiatives, The Bridge supports efforts that help young people succeed in school, careers, and civic life.
Beth Williams & Mason Schuette
President/CEO & Operations Specialist
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
(575) 652-6825
info@thebridgeofsnm.org
