As Intel begins hiring to meet growth goals for its Rio Rancho expansion, the company will partner with a local college for a new educational program focused on artificial intelligence.
The semiconductor giant recently partnered with 18 schools in 11 states with a plan to train students in AI-related skills, and Central New Mexico Community College is offering the program. The AI program is in CNM’s School of Business & Information Technology.
Students in the certificate and associate degree program will learn about data collection, AI model training, coding and the "societal impact" of AI technology, according to CNM. The program is meant to train students for healthcare, automotive, aerospace and other jobs.
Intel will provide technical advice, faculty training, summer internships and mentorship for students.
Intel is also working with colleges in New Jersey, California, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas and other states as part of its Intel AI for Workforce Program. More than 80 community college professors received "professional development" from Intel and have been certified as AI trainers for the company, according to Intel.
The announcement comes as Intel moves to add at least 700 workers for its Rio Rancho plant under a $3.5 billion expansion effort. In a July 27 email, spokeswoman Linda Qian wrote in an email that Intel has "started hiring" for the expansion.
As part of the project, the Santa Clara, California-based company is expected to spend $550 million on construction and infrastructure, according to the New Mexico Economic Development Department. The company plans to update the site for production of advanced packaging technologies.
Intel employs more than 1,800 people in New Mexico, according to its a recent annual update on its operations here. The average annual total compensation for Intel's New Mexico employees stood at more than $145,000 as of the end of 2020, including salary, benefits and bonuses, according to the report.
