Workforce Leader Recognized for Advancing Job Training in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque’s Workforce Development Liaison, Justin Hilliard, has been recognized with the 2025 Staff Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to economic and workforce development. The award, presented by New Mexico IDEA at a luncheon on Monday, February 10, at Hotel Santa Fe, honors individuals who go above and beyond their regular duties to drive economic success and community revitalization. This prestigious award recognizes an individual employee who has made significant contributions to the success of economic development initiatives, particularly in areas like business attraction, job creation, and community revitalization.

Hilliard’s leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of Job Training Albuquerque (JTA), a workforce development initiative in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College (CNM). Under his guidance, JTA has empowered over 2,600 employees from 320 small businesses, facilitated the creation of 1,225 new jobs, and contributed $58.7 million in added earning power to Albuquerque’s economy.

In 2024, Hilliard led efforts to expand JTA’s training programs to meet industry needs, introducing Spanish-language courses, hospitality training in collaboration with the New Mexico Restaurant Association, and a federal grants management training program. These initiatives have broadened access to workforce development and strengthened Albuquerque’s small business ecosystem.

"Workforce development is about people—helping individuals gain new skills, supporting small businesses as they grow, and strengthening our city’s economy in the process,” said Workforce Development Liaison Justin Hilliard. “I’m proud to be part of a program that continues to open doors for so many."

Hilliard’s dedication to building a resilient, inclusive, and skilled workforce has made a lasting impact on economic development in Albuquerque and beyond. His recognition with the 2025 Staff Achievement Award highlights the vital role of workforce training in fostering economic growth.

For more information on Job Training Albuquerque, visit jobtrainingabq.org.