New Mexico community college to launch quantum lab, workforce development
Central New Mexico Community College announced on Thursday that it will build a quantum science lab and develop a training boot camp as a means to bolster workforce needs in the field of quantum computing.
The new lab and workforce development program at the community college are supported by more than $800,000 in federal funding and through partnerships with Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico. The community college has deployed other “deep dive” bootcamps, which consist of 10-12 week courses focused on coding, data science, digital media and other technical areas.
“Quantum computing may seem like science fiction, but it is a reality and New Mexico will be a leading center for its practical applications across a multitude of fields,” said Kyle Lee, who leads workforce development programs at the college, in a press release. “We will be one of the first and most accessible programs to build out this exciting opportunity for individuals and companies who want to harness quantum systems’ extraordinary capabilities.”
Students will be able to learn about quantum computing processes through a 10-week boot camp program and leave with skills to build, operate, maintain quantum systems and enter the workforce, the release said. Brian Rashap, an instructor with the college’s workforce training program, said that the lab is projected to welcome its first cohort of students in spring 2025.
“There are very few formal quantum training programs like this, so it’s incredibly special that CNM is paving the way in that sense,” Rashap said. “We’re designing this program to serve employers and students in a really cutting-edge way, so if you’re interested in this kind of hands-on, innovative training this is the place to be.”
