CNM Ingenuity, the enterprise arm of Central New Mexico Community College, is launching a new online program specifically designed to meet New Mexico’s mandated training requirements for cannabis industry employees and employers. CNMI has partnered with SeedCrest, a New Mexico-based cannabis curriculum provider, to offer the Cannabis Establishment Technician (CET) Certificate program.
The 40-hour CET online program, which meets the state-mandated training required to work in the cannabis industry, will train job seekers on state rules, regulations, safety protocols, ethics and more. Graduates of the program will be qualified to fill escalating workforce demand for New Mexico’s cannabis industry, which is expected to grow exponentially in 2022.
“One of our primary functions at CNM Ingenuity is to support our economy’s workforce needs by creating and delivering accelerated training programs that produce a pipeline of skilled workers for our state’s growing industries,” said CNM Ingenuity’s Mary Gallivan, senior director of program management. “As the cannabis industry prepares for major expansion in 2022, there will be very high demand for a well-trained and professional workforce that fully understands the obligations of working in this industry. Through this training that we’ll deliver in partnership with SeedCrest, we’ll help ensure that this important new industry in New Mexico has the skilled and responsible workforce it needs to be successful.”
“Labor shortages for New Mexico’s cannabis marketplace are a real concern. SeedCrest is proud to partner with CNM Ingenuity so that, as a community, we can help to foster a five-star trained and competent workforce for this new and booming industry,” said SeedCrest Founder Shanon Jaramillo.
The CET Certificate not only supports the industry but also serves the public. As the recreational cannabis industry launches in 2022, training standards, industry knowledge, professionalism and compliance with all state laws will become more and more important. This curriculum focuses specifically on New Mexico’s policies and industry terminology, as well as training on community responsibility, ethics, safety, security and research, all of which help to mitigate risk.
SeedCrest is known for helping job seekers navigate state licensing systems to find employment and for helping cannabis establishments find the best-trained talent. “This new partnership will allow us to work with CNMI to enhance the student experience by offering cannabis career advice, networking, and actual interviews for jobs,” said Jaramillo.
For more information and to register for the training, visit: cnmingenuity.org/program/cannabis-technician/