Success Stories
First Cohort Completes CNM’s Quantum Technician Bootcamp
Albuquerque is taking another major step toward becoming a national leader in quantum innovation, as Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) celebrates the successful completion of its first Quantum Technician Bootcamp cohort.
Designed to prepare New Mexicans for high-demand careers in the rapidly growing quantum industry, the 10-week program blends intensive hands-on learning with real-world problem solving. The inaugural cohort brought together learners from diverse backgrounds, many of whom had never imagined themselves working in advanced technology, yet all emerged with practical skills, confidence, and a clearer path into the quantum workforce.
For Michelle Haugh, a CNM student pursuing her education while exploring STEM opportunities, the program was both challenging and transformative.
“I learned about the quantum program through my engineering advisor and didn’t think it was something I could do at first,” Haugh said. “I was restarting my math path and had never done anything like this before. But I thought, if I don’t try now, I’ll never know.”
Despite balancing multiple classes and an intensive daily schedule, Haugh found the experience empowering. “It was a lot, eight-hour days, learning completely new material, but the instructors were incredibly supportive. They checked in with us constantly and encouraged us to learn by doing. I had a lot of imposter syndrome at first, but this program showed me that I belong here.”
The program’s structure mirrors the realities of modern technical work, emphasizing collaboration, adaptability, and hands-on problem solving. Students worked directly with complex equipment, learned to troubleshoot in real time, and gained exposure to the types of challenges they will encounter in the field.
For Brian Rashap, a longtime industry leader and instructor in the program, the results exceeded expectations.
“I spent almost 25 years at Intel and hired hundreds of engineers,” Rashap said. “What I saw from these students, how quickly they learned, how they worked through problems, was absolutely on par with what I saw in industry.”
Rashap noted that the program’s early days required flexibility and trust on both sides. “We launched knowing we didn’t have every detail figured out yet. There were moments of ambiguity, but that’s actually one of the most valuable skills in technology, learning to move forward without perfect information. By the end, the students were solving problems independently and thinking like professionals.”
The cohort’s completion marks an important milestone not just for CNM, but for Albuquerque’s growing quantum ecosystem. With major national labs, private sector employers, and research institutions operating in the region, the need for a skilled, job-ready workforce has never been greater.
The Quantum Technician Bootcamp helps meet that need by offering an accessible on-ramp into high-paying careers, often without requiring a four-year degree. Graduates leave with practical experience, industry exposure, and a professional network that positions them for immediate employment.
As the first cohort graduates, plans are already underway to expand the program and continue building Albuquerque’s reputation as a hub for quantum innovation. For the students who completed the program, the impact is already clear.
“It’s all up from here,” Rashap said. “These students are going to be the foundation of our future quantum workforce, and this is just the beginning.”