Building New Mexico’s Future
High Performance Computing Pre-Apprenticeship Program
An Impact Report
By STEM Boomerang
How collaborators, innovators, and industry partnerships created a new pathway into one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
Building New Mexico’s First High-Performance Computing Talent Pipeline
High-performance computing (HPC) powers some of the world’s most important work—from artificial intelligence and national security to climate modeling, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and clean energy. While New Mexico has long been a national leader in these industries, there has never been a clear pathway for local students and early-career professionals to enter the field.
That changed this summer.
At STEM Boomerang, we believe workforce development begins by listening. Before developing a curriculum or recruiting students, we asked a simple question:
What do employers actually need?
The answer became the foundation for New Mexico’s first High-Performance Computing Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
Industry- Aligned Curriculum and Partnership
Rather than designing a training program in isolation, we brought employers to the table from day one.
Over the course of several months, we conducted labor market research and met with leaders from startups, national laboratories, universities, utilities, and technology companies to better understand the skills they were struggling to find in today’s workforce.
The findings were remarkably consistent.
Employers weren’t looking for graduates who knew everything. They were looking for people with strong technical foundations, the ability to learn, and the professionalism to thrive in collaborative, high-tech environments.
Again and again, employers emphasized the same priorities: Linux proficiency, problem-solving, communication skills, documentation, teamwork, and hands-on experience.
Those conversations shaped every aspect of the program.
Why High-Performance Computing Matters
From running complex scientific simulations and training artificial intelligence models to supporting national defense, fusion energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, HPC has become one of the most important technologies driving innovation.
Many people have never heard of high-performance computing, yet it touches nearly every aspect of modern life.
New Mexico sits at the center of that innovation ecosystem.
In fact, labor market research showed that New Mexico ranks among the nation’s leaders in HPC job demand, with Albuquerque ranking among the top U.S. cities for HPC-related job postings. Despite this demand, employers consistently identified a shortage of local talent with foundational technical skills.
Closing that gap requires more than technical education—it requires creating accessible pathways into careers that have traditionally seemed out of reach.
A Different Kind of Workforce Program
The goal was never to create another classroom training course.
Instead, we designed an experience that combined technical instruction, professional development, and paid work-based learning into one integrated program.
Over three weeks, students built foundational technical skills by studying Linux, high-performance computing, and cybersecurity and applying those concepts in hands-on labs. At the same time, they developed professional skills through resume workshops, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, networking, and career coaching.
The final seven weeks moved learning beyond the classroom.
Each student pre-apprentice worked alongside an employer partner on real-world projects, gaining valuable experience while receiving mentorship from professionals already working in New Mexico’s growing technology ecosystem.
This “earn while you learn” apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship model allowed participants to focus on developing new skills while earning more than $6,000 during the summer—a meaningful step toward making high-tech careers more accessible.
Partnerships Made the Difference
Participants represented a wide range of backgrounds, including recent graduates, university students, career changers, first-generation college students, and individuals from rural and historically underrepresented communities.
One of the greatest strengths of the program was the extraordinary collaboration among employers, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations.
More than 30 technology employers participated in conversations during program development, with 11 organizations committing to support the pilot through mentorship, curriculum development, industry presentations, or on-the-job training placements.
These partnerships transformed the program from a traditional training initiative into a workforce pipeline built by industry, for industry.
Rather than simply hiring graduates after the program ended, employers helped shape what students learned from the very beginning.
That level of collaboration ensured participants developed skills that aligned with real workforce needs while giving employers an opportunity to invest directly in New Mexico’s future talent.
Awareness, Access and ‘Opening Doors’
Perhaps the most rewarding part of the program wasn’t the curriculum or the technology. It was the students.
For many, this was their first exposure to high-performance computing.
By removing traditional barriers—such as requiring prior technical experience—and providing paid training, mentorship, and direct access to employers, the program created opportunities that might not otherwise have existed.
Workforce development isn’t simply about preparing people for jobs – It’s about expanding access to careers that can change lives.
Demo 1
Demo 2
Lessons Learned
Launching New Mexico’s first HPC pre-apprenticeship taught us a great deal.
We learned that industry partnerships are essential and require intentional relationship-building. We confirmed that foundational technical skills, paired with professional development, provide the strongest entry point into advanced technology careers. We also saw firsthand that paid training significantly improves accessibility and participation.
Most importantly, we learned that building a workforce pipeline is not something any single organization can accomplish alone.
Success depends on employers, educators, workforce agencies, nonprofits, and community partners working together toward a shared goal.
Looking Ahead
The inaugural High-Performance Computing Pre-Apprenticeship Program demonstrated that New Mexico has both the talent and the industry support to build a sustainable pipeline into one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology sectors.
As we look toward future cohorts, STEM Boomerang remains committed to strengthening employer partnerships, expanding access across the state, and continuing to create opportunities that connect education with meaningful careers.
This pilot was never just about launching a new program.
It was about building a bridge—one that connects students with opportunity, employers with talent, and New Mexico with a stronger, more resilient technology workforce.
The work is just beginning, and we’re excited to continue building that future together.
Partners
Connect With Us
Building New Mexico’s technology workforce takes collaboration, and we’re always looking to connect with employers, educators, workforce partners, community organizations, and supporters who share our vision.
Whether you’re interested in hosting future participants, exploring partnership opportunities, supporting workforce initiatives, or simply learning more about the High-Performance Computing Pre-Apprenticeship Program, we’d love to hear from you.
Media Inquiries
For interviews, speaking opportunities, or media requests, please contact:
Monica Sandoval-Johnson, Ph.D.
CEO, STEM Boomerang
jobs@stemboomerang.org
Follow STEM Boomerang on LinkedIn and social media to stay up to date on future cohorts, workforce initiatives, employer partnerships, and opportunities to get involved.
Together, we’re building the workforce that will power New Mexico’s future.