(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.
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 that workers, employers, and communities have available to them to ensure their future prosperity in the workforce of today and tomorrow.
During the second week of Workforce Development Month, CDLE will be highlighting the many no-cost services the 52 Workforce Centers statewide provide to both job seekers and employers alike. From recruiting and hiring, to career counseling and resume writing assistance, Colorado’s Workforce System offers a wide variety of free resources that give job seekers and employers a Competitive Edge to recruit the best talent and jumpstart careers.
“Colorado’s labor force participation rate is at pre-pandemic levels, and it's at its highest level since 1999 specifically for Coloradans in their prime working age,” says Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Department of Labor and Employment, “Colorado has remained in the top ten states for labor force participation for more than a year which is a reflection of our state’s economic diversity, quality of living, employment environment and responsiveness to workforce needs. We want both employers and job seekers across the state to know that we’re here for them, so they can continue to thrive.”
Weeks Three and Four of the month will highlight CDLE’s specialized services for communities across Colorado and its commitment to expanding apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities. 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. Among the events happening in September are:
Week One: Future of Work
Tuesday, September 4 at 2 p.m.
Northwest Job Seeker Webinar Workshop
All Northwest Regional Colorado Workforce Centers host free hybrid job seeker workshops each Tuesday at 2 p.m. Job seekers can attend in person or online and receive individual career coaching, latest job seeking tips and advice on where to find the perfect job and how to keep it. Contact one of the local Northwest Workforce Centers below, to register:
- Edwards: 970.926.4440
- Frisco: 970.668.5361
- Glenwood Springs: 970.945.8638
- Steamboat Springs: 970.879.3075
- Rifle: 970.625.5627
- Craig: 970.824.3246
- Leadville: 719.486.2428
- Meeker: 970.878.4211
Thursday, September 7 at 4:15 p.m.
Young Adult Career Services Information Session
Young adults in grades 6-12 are invited to the Broomfield Workforce Center for an informative presentation on all workforce services for youth. This is a great opportunity to learn about the workforce, opportunities in the area and how to start your first job search.
Week Two: Competitive Edge
Wednesday, September 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Workforce Development Open House at Arapahoe/Douglas Works!
Learn about the no-cost services A/D Works! offers and get a free professional headshot! Attend the LinkedIn Workshop from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and learn invaluable insights into optimizing your profile, effective networking, and utilizing LinkIn as part of your job search.
Location: Lima Plaza, 6974 S. Lima St., Centennial, CO, 80112
Week Three: Serving Communities Across Colorado
Thursday, September 21 at 10 a.m.
Filling Your Talent Pipeline: Going Beyond the Usual Suspects
In the U.S. there are 10 million unfilled jobs, and in Colorado, two job openings for every job seeker. Now’s the time for employers to lean into hiring older workers to address their talent shortages and to fill key positions. In this interactive workshop led by Janine Vanderburg, just named One of Colorado’s Top Most Powerful Women in Business, employers will learn:
- The benefits that experienced talent and intergenerational teams can bring to your organization.
- How not to let outdated myths and stereotypes get in your way of securing the best talent.
- Concrete strategies for finding and retaining experienced talent, including how your local workforce development center can help.
This virtual event hosted by the Broomfield Workforce Center.
Thursday, September 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pueblo Citywide Job Fair
Job seekers have the opportunity to get in person face time with forty hiring employers in the Pueblo area. Global Advantage, Pueblo's Future is Better Together, Servicious de La Raza, Rocky Mountain SER and the City of Pueblo are partnering to host the event. Veterans get early access starting at 10 a.m.
Location:
Global Advantage in Midtown Center
1045 West 6th Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
Week Four: Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning
Wednesday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event
The State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event offers Coloradans the opportunity to connect with State of Colorado agencies who are hiring. Attendees will be able to meet virtually with representatives from the participating agencies who will explain the various roles in their agency, minimum qualifications, provide valuable tips on how to apply, and more. Visit the State’s Career Website to browse the various opportunities. Veterans and their spouses have early access starting at 10 a.m. This is a virtual event.
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