Higher Education

Sparking new careers

NMJ Energy and Welding Building

Dekker partnered with New Mexico Junior College (NMJC) to design an energy and welding Career Technical Education (CTE) facility. This project expands the college’s CTE capabilities so they can help jumpstart more students’ careers. The energy and welding CTE design was part of larger campus-wide improvement partnership with NMJC.

Modernizing a growing campus

NMJC partnered with Dekker on a four-phase project to improve the Hobbs, New Mexico campus. The goal of these projects was to modernize the campus, provide new facilities for growing programs, and increase recruitment efforts across the college.

Combining multiple projects into one added cost efficiency while minimizing construction disruption on campus. Phase 1 of the project included renovating Watson Hall, vestibule access and controls, and a new cafeteria building. Phase 2 included the energy and welding CTE building, as well as a new 100-bed student apartment. Phase 3 and 4 included renovating Heidel Hall, and general campus-wide site improvements to improve campus safety and wayfinding and encourage collaboration with communities and business partners.

State-of-the-art technology to spark new careers in Lea County

As a community college, NMJC is committed to helping bolster the local community and economy by providing opportunities for students to learn critical career skills. The new facilities connect to other recruitment and career initiatives in campus to help recruit and retain local high school graduates in Lea County.

The new Energy and Welding CTE design helps expand NMJC’s CTE offerings. To serve the goal of preparing students for a fruitful career, the new modern instructional facilities were designed with state-of-the-art technology. Flexible layouts allow for hands-on instruction in small and large groups, as well as peer learning.

Welding CTE design with safety and flexibility in mind

The team designed the 12,500sf energy and welding classroom and lab building with safety in mind. Trainees and students go through a separate area to don PPE before entering the labs, ensuring cleanliness. The welding area is laid out with individual stations, each with its own protective curtain and direct exhaust.

Utility feeds on the ceiling allows an almost infinitely flexible equipment layout on the floor. This ensures that the building can closely respond to the school’s programmatic needs.

The energy and welding building is located strategically to create a semi-separate campus within the larger NMJC campus. Efficient use of outdoor space creates more opportunities for outdoor construction and gathering. The building is available to local energy and welding businesses after hours, strengthening the connection between NMJC students and the community they live in.

The New Mexico Junior College energy and welding CTE design helps support NMJC’s goal of creating the very best entry level employee’s in a student’s chosen field.

Client
New Mexico Junior College

Location
Hobbs, New Mexico

Size
10,001-25,000 sf

Disciplines