ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A facility designed to train the next generation of trades workers in real-world conditions is now officially open at Central New Mexico Community College’s Main Campus. On Wednesday, CNM gave the public its first look inside the brand-new Ted Chavez Trades and Technologies Center — a $57 million project built to expand access to skilled trades education and address growing workforce needs across the state.
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The center isn’t just new — it’s what CNM calls a “living lab.” Designed for hands-on, practical learning, the building features a number of outdoor training areas, allowing students to experience conditions they’re likely to face on job sites.
“A lot of times, they have to climb on a roof, it’s 102 degrees out there. They’re working on a [HVAC] unit. How do you get students ready for real-life experience?” said Marvin Martinez, CNM’s physical plant executive director…