Free Job Training,
Lifelong Opportunity

At the Industrial Workforce Program, we are dedicated to transforming lives by providing essential vocational training and job placement services in the blue-collar trades. Our mission is to build a skilled workforce that meets the demands of our community and beyond.

INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE PROGRAM

Get trained. Work hard. Get hired.

The Industrial Workforce Program (IWP) offers free* training in construction, welding, and automotive servicing.

The Southwest Indian Foundation runs this program, preparing graduates for internships, pre-apprenticeships, trade school, and entry-level positions through immersive classroom sessions and hands-on training on real-world projects.

100%

Cost Free (and paid part-time)

83%

Employment Success

99%

Native American

18-45

Age Ranges

Why we exist

Our mission is to transform lives by providing essential training and support for individuals seeking careers in blue-collar trades. We are dedicated to fostering a skilled workforce in the Greater Gallup area and across New Mexico, benefitting both the individuals being trained and the businesses who hire them.

Construction 
Program

IWP is centered around providing graduates with exposure and training in a wide range of technical and non-technical skills critical for work in the construction and automotive trade.

Basic Construction

OSHA 10

Welding

Heavy Equipment

Power Industry Fundamentals

Automotive Program

A free* training program geared towards ASE certifications, and hands-on training implementing classroom training on vehicles in real need. The program is aimed at giving students the skills and connections needed to land an entry-level position in auto servicing.

Lube Tech

Tire Tech

Car Detailing

Mechanic

Diagnostics

Awards

Achievements and Recognitions

At IWP, we take pride in our accomplishments. Our dedication to workforce development has earned us multiple awards, recognizing our impact in the community.

IEDC Excellence in Economic Awards Bronze Winner

Excellence Award in Workforce Development from The Construction Users Roundtable (CURT)

Thank you to the partners
and sponsors supporting our graduates
Thank you to the partners
and sponsors supporting our graduates

What do our graduates think?

"IWP is worth the time. The work ethic, the experience, the carpentry are well worth the training. Because of IWP I have a job. Much thanks to Tom and Liam and IWP."
Johntian J.
“Thank you for all your help in restoring that spark within myself to become an important asset to this community and especially to my people and my family. IWP is awesome.”
Patrick J.
"By being trained on skills such as heavy equipment and welding, I really felt like I had become more marketable. I liked welding so much that I was inspired to enroll in welding school at UNM, and I'm hopeful that that route will lead to bigger and better things for me. Thank you to the Industrial Workforce Program for being a huge part of this new path."
Aaron L.
“I would like to thank Tom, Liam, and Joe for helping is out with the credentials and time to help us find a job. Especially Tom, thank you very much.”
Darrick N.
“This program was very helpful for my success in finding employment.  I would definitely recommend taking the time to apply and try the program. It is a very great program.”
Karlin L.
"I was able to gain employment with the help and skills I acquired from the program"
Harolsen Y.

Training programs
for valuable careers
in the Gallup area

Closeup image of welding in action.

industrial workforce program

Training programs
for valuable careers
in the Gallup area