The ABC New Mexico Chapter has spread its wings—literally—with the grand opening of a new educational space that not only doubles the square footage of the Albuquerque training facility, but also allows for program growth.
“We physically outgrew the space—we were holding classes in our board room and even in the kitchen in some instances,” Chapter President and CEO Carla Kugler explains.
ABCNM has expanded its original class offerings in the past few years from four to seven trades, including carpentry, craft laborer, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing and sheet metal. At present, the chapter boasts a record number of 217 apprentices (when the original goal was 220 apprentices by 2022). With 12 part-time instructors along with an additional instructor for the in-house GED program, Kugler says they are set up to double in size.
The build-out is a boon for the association and its members alike. In fact, since opening the updated facility, ABCNM has already hosted the State Workforce Board meeting in addition to its regular customized training, field supervisory/project management training and safety classes, as well as other core classes and offerings.
“Our members have great pride in the educational offerings and the community partnership offered by ABCNM,” Kugler says.
Two individuals illustrative of what can be achieved by utilizing this partnership to its fullest are Jennifer Stolzenburg, a second-year electrical apprentice, and Johnnie Sanchez, a graduate of the plumbing program who now teaches for the chapter.
“What incredible stewards of ABCNM they have been,” Kugler says. “These are two wonderful examples of hard work and perseverance both in their own unique way. I can humbly say, [the chapter] gets as much out of working with them as they have gotten from us.”
Learning by Heart
Jennifer Stolzenburg grew up working on her family’s ranch, instilling a love for working with her hands. Intrepid, curious and hard-working in equal parts, Stolzenburg chose to leave ranching and develop her skillset; this was accomplished on her own at first. Then, a supervisor noticed her potential and offered to further her education via ABCNM’s electrical program.
The bargain was struck (it didn’t take her long to decide), and now Stolzenburg is a second-year apprentice on track to earn both journeyman’s and contractor’s licenses.
“It was a program I fell into, but I have no regrets because I love electrical work,” Stolzenburg says. For her, however, the program means a lot more than just “work.” Like many in her field, she did not attend four-year college; instead, ABC’s customized education suited her individual learning style and provided a like-minded community of people. “Everyone who goes to ABC can work a full-time job and get an education that plays into their daily workload,” she says.
She is creating a life-long career—and a successful one at that. Besides the option to move up and obtain an office position once she retires from the field, Stolzenburg has substantial ambitions. “In the future, my plan is to either manage an electrical company or run my own business,” she says.
All of this is achievable because of the breadth of options and caliber of instructors. “ABC provides an education that fits the way I learn,” Stolzenburg says. She further appreciates the chapter’s combination of textbook-oriented class discussion, hands-on learning and tutelage from those with years of field experience.
Stolzenburg, like other students, has been anticipating the opening of the new wing because “more classes can be added, which means more students and opportunities” than those already afforded by the original building.
As a female apprentice, Stolzenburg says her prior experience working in male-dominated fields never fazed her, and her decision to join the trades had little to do with societal expectations and everything to do with personal passion.
“I have found a job that suits me, even if it means going outside the social norm,” Stolzenburg says. “I hope other women see that there are opportunities for them in the trades.”
With Flying Colors
Johnnie Sanchez came to ABC by a somewhat less direct route. Six years ago, following a stint in the U.S. Army and “a dark and painful road with drugs and crime,” he left prison for a new life direction—choosing his family, children, and steady employment. A job on an asphalt crew connected him to learn about the educational opportunities available through ABC.
“I finally felt like my past wasn’t going to stop me from doing something good for my life,” Sanchez says of his first meeting with ABC’s chapter staff and volunteers.
With support both from the association and a member company—Rodgers Plumbing & Heating—Sanchez was able to realize his incredible talents and true potential. “I am living proof that a former felon can still be extremely successful in life,” Sanchez says. “You just need to put the effort in.”
While Sanchez credits ABC and his employer Jay Rodgers with much of his current status, there must be something said for his own commitment to the available education programming.
“I have worked extremely hard to get where I am today professionally and personally,” Sanchez says.
Now, a graduate of the plumbing program, a plumbing instructor for ABCNM, an accredited foreman and attending college to secure his project management degree, Sanchez says he feels “in love with the trade.” Admitting that “college isn’t for everyone,” Sanchez appreciates that association education is free and allows time to earn-while-you-learn.
A faithful man, Sanchez takes seriously the ideas of paying kindnesses forward. The support received from ABC and Rodgers Plumbing & Heating “changed my whole outlook on life,” Sanchez says. As a result, he is dedicated to putting in more than his share to advance the industry. An asset to the chapter—and a very quick study—Sanchez will be adding his instructing talents to the roster in the new wing with courses like MED Gas and continuing education.
“With the new wing, we will be able to keep expanding our program, bringing the much-needed, new tradespeople into our growing industry,” Sanchez says.
Looking back, Sanchez says he would never change the direction his life has taken. “Teaching and sharing my story in the hope that others can succeed is one of the best feelings in the world,” he says.
