The potential of technology to transform the way people work is generating both excitement and concerns about job displacement. In Albuquerque, New Mexico, artificial intelligence (AI) is making its presence felt in various aspects of our daily lives. Many believe that AI has the power to revolutionize work patterns, which raises apprehensions about certain occupations becoming obsolete. KOB 4 recently discovered a program at CNM (Central New Mexico Community College) that offers assistance in finding a job that is resilient to AI disruptions. Alex Dickey, an intern at Intel, shared his unique educational journey: "At the age of 15, I made the impulsive decision to drop out of school.

However, I eventually realized the importance of education and corrected my mistake by going back. " Through Unmudl—an initiative spearheaded by CNM in partnership with four other community colleges and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development—Dickey pursued mechatronics, specializing in robotics and automation. Erin Johnson Kruft, an interim dean of skilled trade and arts at CNM, explained the significance of such training: "Automation and AI have transformed the manufacturing sector, making it more computerized and reliant on robots. However, it still requires human expertise to oversee these functions. " Unmudl offers a flexible learning experience that combines online and in-person classes, enabling students to acquire practical skills while maintaining their current jobs. Daniel Gillaspia, a marketing strategist at Unmudl, highlighted the accessibility of this approach: "For instance, if you have an interest in a technician career, you can enroll tonight and begin your journey towards success in the technician sector. " During a recent event, students had the opportunity to explore the mechatronics program offered through Unmudl, engaging with representatives from major companies like Amazon, Intel, and Maxeon. CNM's Kruft emphasized the program's advantages: "It provides a direct path to the job market for our community, without necessitating a formal degree. " Dickey's training through Unmudl facilitated his internship at Intel, and he intends to continue expanding his knowledge in mechatronics while working full-time with the company. He even expressed his aspirations of pursuing a master's degree in the field.