Workforce
Talent drives success in Gallup and McKinley County
Industries and businesses are only as strong as the regional workforce that powers them. In Gallup and McKinley County, access to a large, skilled workforce is a major local advantage for businesses across many sectors.
What workforce development resources are available in Gallup and McKinley County, NM?
Several post-secondary educational institutions serve the region with a diverse blend of degrees and certifications. University of New Mexico-Gallup offers certificates in 19 disciplines, associate’s degrees in 43 programs, plus bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Navajo Technical University offers Dual-Credit, Certificate, Associate, Baccalaureate, and Master's Degrees with graduate programs available in Diné Language, Culture & Leadership, Management Information Systems, Industrial Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. The focus at Western New Mexico University-Gallup is on teacher education. Gallup-McKinley County School District also prepares students for post-secondary opportunities, partnering with area institutions to align education with future careers.
What workforce training programs are offered in the Gallup area?
The Industrial Workforce Program (IWP) is a notable initiative offering free* training in construction, welding, and auto mechanics. Run by the Southwest Indian Foundation (SWIF), the IWP utilizes immersive classroom sessions and hands-on training to prepare graduates for internships, pre-apprenticeships, trade school, and entry-level positions. The IWP benefits the McKinley County economy by helping to create a pipeline of qualified employees to industrial employers while building homes for low-income families on the Navajo Reservation.
What are some unique characteristics of Gallup’s regional workforce?
Nearly two-thirds of Gallup-McKinley County’s 75,000 residents are Native Americans, predominantly members of the Navajo Nation and the Indian Pueblos of Zuni and Hopi, forming a workforce with deep cultural, family, and community ties to the region. These connections foster long-term commitment, stability, and a strong desire to contribute to the area’s economic vitality. Native American workers in the region are supported through education, training, and job placement by organizations such as The IWP, the Native Professional Advancement Center, and area educational institutions, which assist workforce development for the region’s diverse industries.