When our young people graduate from high school they have decisions to be made about their futures. For some, the choice might include remaining on the family farm or ranch and continue along the same path as their parents and grandparents, and that’s great for some! Farming and ranching are noble professions and are a big part of the culture and economy of Torrance County. But it’s not the right path for everyone. Some might aspire to becoming doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants or other professions that call for a college education. For those young adults there are no educational opportunities available here at home. They would need to attend classes at one of New Mexico’s fine universities or go out of state to continue their educations. Torrance County will likely never have a university, and probably not even ever have a 2-year junior college, so there’s little that we can do for those individuals, at least short-term. But professions that require a degree aren’t for everyone.
Many of our young people might want to become plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics or similar vocations. Their options are also limited by our lack of training opportunities. They could move to within CNM’s service area and attend classes in Albuquerque. They could get involved with the trade unions, once again in Albuquerque, for their training and apprenticeship programs, but that would mean moving to the city or dealing with a long commute.
Once again, as is the case with this website’s discussion on economic development with the concept of a small business incubator, we have an abundance of unused buildings in our county that would be suitable for a vocational training center. With the right incentives, the trade unions could be persuaded to send trainers out to Torrance County, each one day a week, to afford interested young adults the opportunity to acquire the training that they need for their futures right here at home.