Industrial Workforce Program

Free Job Training,
Real Opportunity

Hands-on training in construction, welding, automotive, and heavy equipment. We teach the skills employers need
and help you get hired.

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*

75%

Employment Success

99%

Native American

18-81

Age Ranges

Why we exist

We train for good jobs in the trades.

Our goal is simple: build a skilled workforce that serves Gallup, McKinley County, and New Mexico. When our graduates succeed, local businesses get the workers they need and families build better futures.

Construction Program

Learn the skills that matter. Our 12-week program covers everything from basic construction and welding to heavy equipment operation and OSHA safety certification.

Basic Construction

OSHA 10

Welding

Heavy Equipment

Power Industry Fundamentals

Man cutting with saw for welding.
Studying in a classroom

Automotive Program

Six weeks of hands-on training on real vehicles. Learn what you need to get hired in auto servicing, from basic maintenance to diagnostics.

Lube Tech

Tire Tech

Car Detailing

Mechanic

Diagnostics

Students working on Mini Cooper
Instructor Steven working on truck with students at night
Tom Macik and Liam McCarthy receiving CURT Award
About

WHO WE ARE

Our team is dedicated to providing Gallup-area locals with the training they need to earn fulfilling careers.

Our work has earned us recognition on the local and national level:

IEDC Excellence in Economic Awards Bronze Winner

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

Specialized Initiatives

That's not all we do

Instructors in the field outlining plan for heavy equipment training

Skillbridge

A transition program for active-duty service members for the last 3-6 months of their service term.

Students working with instructor on wood work in warehouse

High-School pre-apprenticeship

Training high-school seniors in construction and employment skills.

CORRECTIONAL FACILITY HEAVY EQUIPMENT TRAINING

1-2 weeks courses helping prepare inmates for good careers upon release.

Testimonials

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.

industrial workforce program

Training programs
for valuable careers
in the Gallup area