The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) board approved $3,200,305 in funding at its January board meeting to eight companies that will create 716 jobs in New Mexico.

“It is a good sign for New Mexico’s economy that companies from a wide-range of industries are utilizing JTIP to help create quality positions for New Mexicans,” said Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela. “JTIP continues to be an essential economic implement for companies to expand their workforce and to create well-paying jobs in New Mexico.”

Included in the January JTIP Recipients was Certoplast NA, Inc. of Las Cruces. Certoplast NA, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Certoplast Vorwerk & Sohn GMBH, and is gearing up to begin operations in Las Cruces, NM in Q1 2015. Certoplast Vorwerk & Sohn is located in Germany and manufactures specialty adhesive tapes for the automotive industry.

The Job Training Incentive Program reimburses qualified economic-based 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 non-retail 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.