New Mexico Junior College’s (NMJC) Workforce Development recently initiative a collaboration with the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin (EPPB) 

Representatives from NMJC’s Workforce Development and EPPB met during the week of Feb. 26, to review the details of this innovative partnership. The goal of this week was to find ways to engage pilot site teachers, regional educators, and postsecondary partners in refining secondary standards and existing resources to craft the necessary units of study for this credit course.

Building upon the groundwork laid in July 2023, this initiative will strengthen the implementation of the second course within the ENRM/O&G Pathway in the Permian Basin, further enriching educational offerings in the region.

The EPPB’s alliance with the Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) addresses a gap identified in the PSP’s comprehensive analysis of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in the Permian Basin. In response, PSP is lending its support to EPPB to serve as the backbone and intermediary, facilitating the design and launch of an Energy Program of Study aligned with industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary pathways.

The Energy Pathway Initiative represents a collaborative endeavor involving PSP, the Education Strategy Group, Pathful, PetroSkills, and select Permian Basin secondary and postsecondary school districts. Together, these stakeholders are committed to shaping the educational structure that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the energy field.

As NMJC embarks on its Energy Pathway Initiative in collaboration with the EPPB, The Dean of Workforce Training, Larchinee Turner sheds light on the project's objectives and its significance for the region's educational goals.

"The energy pathway focuses on developing a four-year, high school curriculum consisting of four courses in total," explains Turner. "Our aim is for students who begin this pathway in the 9th grade to graduate with enhanced skills and knowledge that will better prepare them for either entering the workforce or pursuing further education at the post-secondary level."

Turner emphasizes that while the initiative is primarily centered on curriculum development and educator engagement at this stage, its ultimate goal is to empower students with the competencies essential for success in the energy sector.

"I have been involved in this process as a post-secondary/curriculum partner, providing relevant input tied to our Energy Technology or Oil & Gas program requirements.” Said Turner. “Additionally, I've been coordinating with various industry partners to gather feedback and ensure alignment with industry needs."

Through Turner's leadership and collaboration, NMJC is poised to shape a comprehensive educational path that not only meets the demands of the energy industry but also equips students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.

New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) is a leading educational institution committed to providing success through learning and high-quality education to its diverse student body. Founded in 1965, NMJC offers a wide range of academic programs, certifications, and services to empower students to achieve their educational and career goals.

Contact: Valerie Onsurez Gauna, Director of Outreach & Engagement, New Mexico Junior College, 575-492-2780, vgauna@nmjc.edu, or Deira Fernandez, Recruiter, 575-492-2776, dfernandez@nmjc.edu.