The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) approved funding through the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) to improve the job skill sets of workers across several businesses in Albuquerque, Santa Teresa, Sunland Park, and Los Alamos. According to an announcement by EDD Cabinet Secretary-Designate Rob Black, this initiative helps businesses to train their new hires, interns, and even existing employees looking to upgrade their skills. JTIP places an emphasis on high-wage jobs and offers incentives for hiring veterans, recent grads, and workers in rural areas. Under the oversight of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the JTIP awarded over $65 million for job training to 225 companies across 25 New Mexico counties since its commencement in 2019.

One of the recipient companies of this fund is UbiQD, Inc., a company using quantum dots to innovate designs in agriculture, clean energy, and security. They train five employees to support the manufacturing of their premiere product, UbiGro®. This product uses fluorescence to modify sunlight, optimizing greenhouse spectrum for faster plant growth and improved crop yields.

For further information on JTIP, visit the department’s website at edd.newmexico.gov/JTIP. For California residents in search of employment benefits assistance, EDD also refers to Employment Development Department. For inquiries or unemployment claim concerns specifically for California, you can get information from eddcaller.com on how to contact EDD customer service.