Step Up Program

The Step Up Program is an aspect of JTIP that serves incumbent employees and their employers through training and reimbursements. Training and development results in new knowledge and skills in the workforce that increases employee engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. A well trained and developed workforce reduces costly turnover and delivers higher performance for the business.

Qualified companies in New Mexico that participate in the program will be reimbursed up to 75% of the cost to provide training for current employees up to $2,500 per employee. The program covers a variety of training from custom management and supervisory training offered by a local college to industry-specific training.

Eligibility

Companies

In order to qualify to participate in the Step Up Program, companies must

• Be a business service provider that generates over 50% of revenue from out-of-state customers OR a manufacturing company, AND
• Have been in operation in New Mexico for at least one year prior to applying

In addition to meeting the conditions above, companies must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Provide a reasonable wage increase to employees who successfully complete the training, OR
2. Make a capital investment in new equipment, new technologies or changes to production within a year of the training

Training

Step Up funds may be used for training that upgrades existing skills or provides new skills to current employees including:

• Technical skills such as blueprint reading, computer aided design (CAD), computerized numerical controls (CNC), and welding
• Workplace skills such as supervision, communications, problem solving, and team building
• Training on newly implemented technologies, equipment, and processes
• Consortium training
• NM ISO 9000 Certification Training

Mandatory or regulatory training such as emergency response, hazard communication, OSHA and stand–alone safety training are not eligible for reimbursement.

Costs

Eligible costs include:

• Tuition
• Registration fees
• Certification and licensing fees
• Instructional materials
• Supplies
• Outside instructor fees
• Travel expenses

Step Up funds may not be used for:

• Employee salaries (trainees and in-house trainers)
• Equipment
• Software
• Non-expendable supplies
• Use of in-house training space

How to Apply

Businesses that meet the qualifications should contact the JTIP staff for an application.

Patrick Gannon, JTIP Program Manager
(505) 827-2162
[email protected]