CNM, RRPS open Transportation Systems Technology Center at RioTECH

August 29, 2026 - 01:27

RIO RANCHO, N.M. - Central New Mexico Community College and Rio Rancho Public Schools have officially opened the Transportation Systems Technology Center at the RioTECH Career Technical Education campus. The new facility is designed to give high school students and college learners a direct path into the region's growing transportation and logistics sector.

The center offers hands-on training in areas like automotive technology, diesel mechanics, and emerging electric vehicle systems. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications while still in high school, then continue into CNM degree or certificate programs without losing credit. That seamless transition is a key part of the partnership.

School and college officials say the center addresses a real workforce shortage. Local employers in freight, transit, and vehicle maintenance have struggled to find trained technicians. The facility includes modern diagnostic equipment, repair bays, and classroom space that mirrors what students will see on the job.

The opening also marks a step forward for RioTECH, which already offers programs in health sciences, information technology, and skilled trades. With this new center, the campus now covers a broader range of career fields tied directly to regional economic needs. Classes are expected to fill quickly, with enrollment open for the upcoming semester.