From classroom to career: SFCC events drive workforce connections

SFCC’s April 24 Broadband Networking and Job Fair brought together fiber optic trainees, employers and community partners at the Santa Fe Higher Education Center. Participants connected around career opportunities in the rapidly growing broadband industry, with remarks from Santa Fe Mayor Michael J. Garcia, SFCC President Becky Rowley and Carmen Quintana of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján’s office. The event highlighted the impact of SFCC’s fiber optic training programs, which have already served more than 500 individuals statewide and are helping build the workforce needed to support New Mexico’s broadband expansion.

The Northern New Mexico Healthcare Career Fair on April 15 connected 60 SFCC students with 36 employers, creating opportunities for networking, résumé sharing and future job placement. Coordinated in partnership with the Northern New Mexico Workforce Integration Network, SFCC Foundation and the Regional Development Corporation, the event helped students explore career paths and establish professional connections. Faculty reported strong student engagement, with many participants planning follow-up conversations with employers after the event.

SFCC’s Spring Career Fair on March 25 welcomed more than 100 attendees, making it the most highly attended fair in recent years. Organized by Career and General Academic Advisor Katie Studer with support from departments across campus, the event provided students and community members with opportunities to network, explore career options and connect directly with employers. Several employers reported identifying strong candidates and plan to follow up with potential hires, underscoring the event’s value for both job seekers and industry partners.