OJT Services for Coal Transition Workers
Your Future. Your Plan. Your Move.
Career changes can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. The Colorado Office of Just Transition offers programs to support coal industry workers and their families. Here's what OJT can offer now.
Sign up for our newsletter to learn about new services as they become available or view the eligibility guidelines.
Core Transition Services
Transition Navigators
Transition Navigators are OJT staff members available now to help families understand their options, connect to benefits, and build a plan for the future. Early engagement can make a big difference in expanding opportunities and reducing stress during this time of change.
What a Navigator can do for you:
They listen to your situation.
They check to see what money and benefits you qualify for.
They help you build a simple plan for your next job.
Ready to find services that fit your individual needs?
Contact a Navigator
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Financial Counseling and Education
The Office of Just Transition has teamed up with Money Management International (MMI), a national nonprofit, to offer free financial counseling and support
What You Get with Free Financial Counseling:
- One-on-one help: Talk with a financial expert who will listen to your unique goals and values
. Get a plan for saving money and paying bills.
Learn how to reduce debt and improve your credit score.
It's 100% private and judgment-free.
Ready to take control of your financial future?
Contact a Navigator
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Business Startup Assistance
Launching a successful new venture requires more than just a great idea. OJT's Business Startup Training will provide aspiring and growing business owners with essential resources to transition from concept to reality or scale their business confidently.
Ready to Get Your Business Idea Moving?
Contact a Navigator
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Enhanced Transition Services - Up to $11,250 in Financial Support for Eligible Workers
STEP Initiative
The Office of Just Transition STEP Initiative (Support for Training, Education, and Professional Growth) can help you and your partner pay for training and education opportunities to support your next career step
What the Program Covers:
This program can help pay for programs that are part of your personal or family plan for a new career
- Courses at colleges and universities (two-year or four-year)
- Continuing education classes
- Apprenticeships
- Industry-recognized training programs
- Trade schools and programs
- Professional Licensing programs
- Costs for tuition, required books, supplies, equipment, and fees
- Other costs that enable you to attend class, like childcare or transportation
Important Things to Know:
- You can receive up to $11,250 in grant funds, depending on your eligibility, to help with education costs
. - Funds received through STEP will reduce the total amount you may be eligible for through other OJT programs, such as business startup grants and retirement assistance.
Do I Qualify?
You must be eligible for OJT's Enhanced Services.
You must have completed a Worker Transition Plan.
Your need for STEP funds must match the goals in your plan.
The fastest way to know if you qualify is to call or email a Navigator.
Ready to take the next STEP toward a new career?
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Business Startup Funding
Money is often the hardest part of starting up a business. Workers that qualify for enhanced services who successfully complete business startup training will become eligible for business startup and expansion funds.
Important Things to Know:
- You can receive up to $11,250 in funds, depending on your eligibility
. - All expenses must be approved by the Office of Just Transition beforehand
. - Funds received will reduce the total amount you may be eligible for through other OJT programs, such as the STEP program and retirement assistance.
Do I qualify?
The fastest way to know if you can get help is to call or text a Navigator.
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
SAFE Funding
Financial Help for Laid-Off Workers
If you have been laid off from a qualified coal industry facility, the SAFE Program (Stability Assistance For Family Essentials) can help pay for essentials.
This program gives you money back (reimbursement) for bills and expenses.
What will it pay for?
If you have lost your job, you may be able to get up to $11,250 for:
- Housing: Help with your rent or mortgage.
- Childcare: Help paying for daycare or a sitter.
- Healthcare: Money for doctor visits or insurance.
- Moving Costs: If your new transition plan requires you to move, we can help pay for relocation.
Do I Qualify?
- You must be eligible for OJT's Enhanced Services.
- You must have completed a Worker Transition Plan.
- The fastest way to know if you qualify is to call or email a Navigator.
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102
Other Support
Not Seeing What you Need?
If your transition plan requires funding for a specific goal not met by our existing programs, please reach out to find out how we may be able to support your unique needs.
Email: navigator@state.co.us
Cell: 983.208.5102