Skilling Up and Scaling Up: How Job Training Albuquerque Fueled Success at Sandia Area

Success Stories

Skilling Up and Scaling Up: How Job Training Albuquerque Fueled Success at Sandia Area

Albuquerque’s small businesses are growing stronger—one trained employee at a time—thanks to Job Training Albuquerque (JTA), the City’s premier workforce development initiative.

Launched in 2020 through a partnership between the City of Albuquerque and Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), JTA helps local businesses scale and empowers workers to grow by offering free, high-impact training in areas like project management, accounting, digital marketing, and data analytics. The program is responsive to real-time workforce needs, giving employers the tools to build stronger teams and employees the confidence to take the next step in their careers.

One standout example of this success is Jade Gabaldon, who was recently promoted from marketing specialist to marketing operations officer at Sandia Area Federal Credit Union, located in Albuquerque. Jade’s journey reflects not only her personal growth but the broader organizational impact of the JTA program.

“Completing the Practical Project Management course through JTA was a pivotal steppingstone in my career,” said Gabaldon. “It helped me earn a big promotion and the pay raise I had been working toward. More importantly, it gave me the tools I needed to successfully launch company-wide initiatives that improved communication and operations across multiple departments.”
Sandia Area has long been committed to staff development, but JTA has taken their efforts to a new level.

“Knowledge and training are essential for career advancement and company growth,” said Rachael Garcia, senior vice president of marketing. “We’re seeing fantastic results across our organization. The courses our employees take—from project management to accounting certifications—are helping them grow professionally, and our organization is even stronger because of it.”

Jade first learned about JTA through internal conversations at Sandia Area, where leadership encouraged employees to explore skill-building opportunities. And perhaps most importantly, JTA opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.
“It’s truly great to see and feel the impact of this program,” she added. “Having the chance to strengthen my skills—without breaking the bank or overextending myself—has opened up a new level of the working world for me and those around me.”
Job Training Albuquerque is more than a program. It’s a movement—powered by passionate people, forward-looking employers, and a community that believes in growing together.

To explore available courses or learn how your business can participate, visit: https://abqedd.com/job-training-albuquerque