Press Release: Colorado’s Workforce System Celebrates Annual Workforce Development Month

(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced today that Gov. Jared Polis has declared September Workforce Development Month. An annual tradition celebrated nationwide, CDLE recognizes Workforce Development Month every year by bringing attention to the critical role workforce development services play in Colorado's commitment to support a thriving environment for workers and employers throughout the state.

Throughout the month, CDLE will be showcasing available job openings, free services available to both employers and job seekers, and success stories across its social media channels. A series of statewide events, including job fairs, hiring events, workshops and training opportunities is published on the front page of the Department of Labor and Employment's Workforce Development Month website along with a variety of no-cost resources for both job seekers and employers.

In FY2023, CDLE in partnership with Colorado's Workforce System supported more than 15,000 employers and businesses with recruiting, hiring and talent growth; supported more than 126,000 job seekers through a variety of career development and job search activities; provided job readiness services to over 5,000 young adults, helped more than 17,000 individuals with disabilities to thrive on their paths to self-sufficiency; and added more than 100 new Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state.

Each week during Workforce Development Month, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) will focus on key themes that will shape our economy today and tomorrow. Week One is all about the Future Of Work. As the world of work continues to undergo massive changes due to artificial intelligence, automation, globalization, and other factors; CDLE and its Office of Future of Work will share resources and programs aimed at ensuring the future prosperity of both workers and employers in the workforce of today and tomorrow. Programs like CDLE's teacher externships that teach the teachers how to prepare their students for in-demand industries like quantum computing and aerospace.

During the second week of Workforce Development Month, CDLE will be highlighting CDLE's specialized services for Communities Across Colorado including programs and support for individuals with disabilities and New Americans. Weeks three and four of the month will highlight Apprenticeships and Work-Based Learning the many no-cost services the 52 Workforce Centers statewide provide to both job seekers and employers alike giving them a Competitive Edge to jumpstart their careers or recruit the best talent.

"With a Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) of 67.9% - the fourth highest LFPR in the nation - it's our duty to ensure the 3.2 million Coloradans participating in the workforce are aware of the services available to them regardless of where they are in the career journeys," says Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Department of Labor and Employment, "We're particularly proud of our collaboration with Serve Colorado to expand the career pathway opportunities within its portfolio in order to leverage national service as a workforce development tool. We want both employers and job seekers across the state to know that we're here for them, so all Coloradans can continue to thrive and prosper."

This year, CDLE will be highlighting one Colorado employer and Workforce Center region each week with an Excellence in Workforce Award. The first Excellence in Workforce Award recognizes the work done between ArborScape Tree Services, Denver Workforce Development and Arapahoe/Douglas Works!

ArborScape Tree Services worked closely with Denver Workforce Development and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! to host an inclusive hiring event geared towards expanding their talent pool of New Americans to build their future workforce. At the event held on May 16, 2024, ArborScape received more than 100 applications resulting in the hiring of three new employees, including one who is interested in participating in ArborScape's apprenticeship program. This prompted joint efforts among Denver Workforce Development and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! to research the best way to provide the on-the-job training included in ArborScape's apprenticeship program in more than one language, increasing their Spanish-speaking apprentices while also promoting better communication to all employees.

Visit CDLE's Workforce Development Month website for the full calendar of workforce development events happening statewide throughout the month. Some highlights include:

Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11 a.m.
Metro Area Virtual Career Fair: Bridging Opportunity and Talent
This online event is hosted by workforce centers across the state, including Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, Jefferson and Denver Workforce Development, connects jobseekers with employers from diverse industries. Jobseekers can register here.

Tuesday, September 10 at 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Second Chance Hiring Event
Join Workforce Boulder County for an enlightening and impactful panel discussion on identifying effective strategies and available resources for justice-involved jobseekers. This event brings together a diverse group of experts, including employers, community members from organizations serving the justice-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals to share their insights and experiences.
Register here.

Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Perfectly Imperfect
The Broomfield Workforce Center is hosting an enlightening webinar experience dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of mental health, promoting well-being and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illness. This webinar is taught by OIF 08-09 Veteran, Debra Johnson, MBA, and is designed by Veterans FOR Veterans, Veteran families, First Responders, Front Line Workers, Trauma Survivors, Caregivers and so many more.
Register here.

Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 9 a.m.
Money Matters: Budgeting Your Way to a Brighter Future
Curated by the Colorado Works, Employment First, Parents to Work, and Career Services Teams at Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, this session focuses on concepts of financial independence, financial planning, and benefit cliff mitigation.
Location: Aurora Workforce Center
15400 E. 14th Place
Aurora, CO 80011

Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 3 p.m.
Workforce Boulder County & The OUR Center Job Fair
Workforce Boulder County and The OUR Center are partnering to host this in-person job fair. The job fair will have a variety of employers who are excited to talk to job seekers about current positions they are hiring for.
Location: The OUR Center
220 Collyer Street
Longmont, CO 80501

September 12, 19, and 26, 2024 at 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Supporting New American Job Seekers Training Series
Join the Office of New Americans for a virtual training series dedicated to empowering workforce center staff to support New American job seekers. This series will provide valuable insights and practical strategies on topics ranging from navigating language barriers to handling conversations involving documentation.
Learn more and register for each session here.

Friday, September 13, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Behavioral Based Interviewing
City and County of Broomfield Human Resources Specialists will be facilitating this workshop for all to attend and learn from an expert.
Register here.

Tuesday, September 24 at 9 - 11 a.m.
Green Trades
Green trades are roles that contribute directly to preserving or restoring environmental quality. They span various industries, from renewable energy and green building trades to electric vehicle maintenance and environmental conservation. Those interested in exploring jobs within green trades in Boulder County are encouraged to attend and learn more from the Office of Sustainability, Climate Adaptation, and Resiliency and become part of Boulder's green economy.
Location: Boulder County Southeast County Community Hub
1755 S Public Rd.
Lafayette, CO 80026

Tuesday, September 24 at 1 - 4 p.m.
55+ Job Fair
The Longmont Senior Center will host Workforce Boulder County and a variety of Longmont employers looking to hire. There will also be free workshops focusing on hiring skills and resume reviews for those 55 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.
Location: Longmont Community Center
910 Longs Peak Ave

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.