New Mexico State University Carlsbad institutes mining training course

In New Mexico, those eager to join the competitive mining industry can now earn an edge over their competition.

According to the Current-Argus News, New Mexico State University Carlsbad now offers the Industrial Maintenance Technician Program, which works with students to train them in industrial technologies and prepare them to enter the workforce.

Those who complete the program will receive a certificate, but the two-year program is often paired with an additional three classes to earn an associate degree.

This is good news for students pursuing more education. In fact, last year two mining majors – metallurgical and mining & mineral engineering – both ranked in the top 10 college majors with the highest earnings, according to a study by a Georgetown University economist. And a job in U.S. metal ore mining is one of the highest paying in the private sector, with an average salary registering $85,504 a year and often climbing above $100,000 for experienced workers.

While the mining industry employs a myriad of specialties, skilled workers can sometimes be challenging to find in the remote areas in which we usually operate.

In this year’s State of the Union, President Obama tasked Vice President Biden with revamping our worker training and education programs and New Mexico State University has already taken a step in the right direction.