Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) has marked its 60th anniversary with the grand opening of the Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center (TTC), a 60,000-square-foot facility designed to train the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
A Legacy of Vocational Excellence
Founded in 1965 as Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute (TVI), CNM began with only 150 students and a handful of trades programs. Today, it serves more than 33,000 students annually across 150 academic and workforce training programs, maintaining its deep-rooted commitment to vocational education.
Facility Features and Training Opportunities
The new TTC houses Welding, Electrical Trades, Carpentry, Plumbing, HVACR, and Mechatronics programs. Designed as a “living lab,” the building integrates classroom and lab spaces, outdoor practice areas, modern equipment, and visible utility systems that allow students to see and study how the building itself functions.
Addressing Workforce Needs
With 25–30% of New Mexico’s trades workforce nearing retirement, the TTC plays a critical role in preparing replacements. Construction accounts for 7% of jobs statewide, offering average wages of $76,000, and projections indicate 5,600 new positions will open within seven years.
Industry Collaboration and Design Vision
The center’s design reflects collaboration with industry leaders, employers, and state officials, ensuring alignment with current workforce demands. Its adaptable infrastructure supports both academic learning and real-world application.
Honoring Ted Chavez’s Legacy
The facility honors Ted Chavez, a former CNM student and longtime faculty member who dedicated 19 years to teaching HVAC and developing trades programs. His influence continues through the center that now bears his name.
Strategic Significance
As CNM President Tracy Hartzler emphasized, the TTC reaffirms the college’s founding mission: “When we opened as TVI in 1965, we were firmly committed to the trades. And 60 years later, this modern, cutting-edge facility shows our community that we remain committed for decades to come.”
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