Background
Be Pro Be Proud New Mexico is a statewide workforce development initiative led by the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Foundation (also known as the New Mexico Center for Economic Opportunity) in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). The program was launched on November 9, 2023, at Los Lunas High School and is one of only six state-level Be Pro Be Proud initiatives in the United States. Its goal is to address the skilled trades workforce gap by exposing high school students to technical careers through direct, hands-on simulation before they commit to any post-graduation path.
The Mobile Workshop
The Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop is a 78-foot tractor-trailer functioning as a self-contained trade training facility. Inside approximately 400 square feet of space, the truck houses 13 AR/VR simulation stations, each representing a distinct technical career. Students can experience carpentry, CDL truck driving, automotive and diesel technology, electrical work, fiber optic installation, healthcare professions, heavy equipment operation including excavator, HVAC technology, plumbing, utility lineman work, water works, and welding.
The VR experiences are built on the GrooveTech platform, developed by Groove Jones in Unity, and delivered via standalone VR headsets. At least one station is a physical cab simulator — an excavator cab with screens delivering an immersive 3D simulation of heavy equipment operation, visible in the truck's public photography.
Reach and Scale
By the end of March 2026, the mobile workshop had completed 212 tour stops across 86 New Mexico cities and towns, visiting approximately 90 percent of the state's high schools. Over 23,000 students had experienced the workshop since its November 2023 launch, with the truck covering every corner of the state.
Student Pathway Integration
After experiencing the simulations, students interested in a particular trade can complete a short form on departure. NMDWS career consultants then follow up to connect students with relevant training programs and job opportunities. The program has also hosted three draft days where students interview for real jobs with participating area employers.
