The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s (NMEDD) Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) board approved $355,154 in funding for seven companies to create 132 jobs in February.

“JTIP has a direct impact in growing New Mexico’s workforce,” said Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela. “Assisting large and small companies alike through JTIP means companies are expanding their workforce while strengthening New Mexico’s private sector at the same time.”

Among February’s JTIP recipients, Sitel Operating Corporation of Las Cruces was awarded $74,188 for 95 new jobs. Sitel Operating Corporation is a leading global outsourcing service provider. Sitel interacts with customers on behalf of some of the largest brands in the world; to answer questions, fix product issues, activate service, make reservations, or resolve billing concerns.

The Job Training Incentive Program reimburses qualified economic-base companies for a portion of training costs associated with job creation. The program provides for classroom or on-the-job training, reimbursing an expanding or relocating business for up to 75 percent of a trainee’s wages for as long as six months. The amount of the award depends on the number and complexity of jobs, the wages paid, and the business location.

To qualify, new or expanding companies must either create a product in New Mexico, or provide a nonretail service with 50 percent of the company’s costumer or revenue base outside of the state. The eligible jobs must be full-time and year-round. The trainee must be a new hire to the company and have been a New Mexico resident for at least one year at any time prior to being hired. For more information on JTIP, visit www.goNM.biz.