Workforce Centers across the state provide Coloradans a Competitive Edge in the labor force.
(DENVER) — To celebrate the third week of Workforce Development Month, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is highlighting the many no-cost services the 52 Workforce Centers statewide provide to both job seekers and employers alike, giving them a Competitive Edge in the workforce. CDLE recognizes Workforce Development Month every year by focusing attention on the critical role workforce development services play in Colorado’s commitment to support a thriving environment for workers and employers throughout the state.
This year, CDLE is also recognizing employers and workforce centers each week with an Excellence in Workforce Award. The week three Excellence in Workforce Award recipients exemplify how partnering with youth programs like the Governor's Summer Job Hunt (GSJH) creates a competitive advantage.
The collaborative efforts of the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium, GSJH and CS Winds (formerly Vestas Towers) have not only connected youth with employment opportunities, but have also equipped them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the workforce. Partnering with programs like GSJH, CS Winds gained access to a pool of motivated, skilled youth ready to contribute and grow.
Colorado’s Workforce System gives employers a competitive edge by improving job quality to recruit the best talent and by giving job seekers the tools they need to jumpstart their careers. CDLE’s suite of services for job seekers includes the state’s labor exchange, ConnectingColorado.com, and a new statewide platform that connects individuals to work, education, support services and planning resources, My Colorado Journey, to name a few. However, employers may not realize they have access to recruiting and hiring support in today’s labor market like the Job Quality Framework that provides practical steps employers can take to improve job quality.
A sampling of additional resources helping job seekers and employers with their competitive edge is listed below:
Services for Employers
- Assistance in the recruitment and hiring processes like using assessments to elevate skills-based hiring practices
- Education about tax credits and training reimbursements
- Resources for starting a business
- Support to avoid and manage layoffs and separations
Services for Job Seekers
- ConnectingColorado.com: Connecting Colorado is part of a state- and county-run system that delivers immediate, tangible results for your future. Jobseekers can post résumés, apply for specific jobs or do a self-directed job search through the jobs database.
- My Colorado Journey: My Colorado Journey is a statewide platform that connects individuals to work, education, support services and planning resources based on their needs, desires and stage of life. The free resource provides step-by-step guidance for accomplishing career and education goals, whether it's finding the right job or applying to college. The platform recently launched two new career pathways: Aerospace and Public Safety.
- CO Career Trail Guide: CO Career Trail Guide delivers data-driven career recommendations for jobseekers to explore new career paths that may leverage skills in a new way, boost income and allows jobseekers to consider industries with many jobs openings in Colorado.
- Strengthening Photovoltaic and Renewable Careers (SPARC) Workforce Development Program: Provides high-quality education and training opportunities to create high-paying jobs that ultimately support the protection of Colorado’s environment.
CDLE’s Workforce Development Month website has more resources for both job seekers and employers along with a calendar of workforce development events happening statewide. Among the events happening during the third week of September:
Monday, September 16, 2024 from 9 - 11 a.m.
Your KSA’s: Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes
Learn how to market your KSAs for you jobsearch: your Knowledge and the ability to learn more; your excellent Skills, including in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving; and your positive Attitude and flexibility. Sign up through Connecting Colorado account or by calling 970-400-6791.
Monday, September 16, 2024 from 1 - 3 p.m.
Abre el Camino a Tu Próximo Trabajo
¡Prepárate para tener éxito en tu búsqueda de trabajo! Ven a platicar las mejores formas de encontrar información laboral, comercializar tus habilidades laborales, crear currículums efectivos, escribir solicitudes sobresalientes y prepararte para entrevistas. Solamente en persona: Greeley Workforce Center
315 N 11th Ave
Edificio B
Greeley, CO 80631
Tuesday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Overcoming Job Loss
This workshop focuses on practical skills to manage strong emotions, practice self-care, and develop self-empowerment strategies to not only survive job loss, but also to thrive in the future ahead. Register for the event.
Tuesday, September 17 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Business Education – Tech Credentials: A Hiring Incentive for Businesses
Finding the right people for the job can be challenging. Hosted by A/D Works!, this discussion among a panel of tech experts explores strategies to address the evolving tech skills gap. Learn ways to attract and develop talent to close the gap and create a pipeline for your business. Location: A/D Works! Arapahoe Boardroom
6954 S. Lima St.
Centennial, CO 80112
Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event
The Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), in partnership with the Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE), is hosting a statewide informational career open house virtually to help fill open positions in 22 State Agencies and Institutions of Higher Education. Register for the event.
Wednesday, September 18 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Utilize AI to Empower Your Job Search
Learn how to ethically use AI platforms such as ChatGPT to assist with your job search. Register for the event.
Thursday, September 19 from 12 - 1 p.m.
Supporting New American Job Seekers - Navigating Language and Communication
Learn best practices for working with interpreters, strategies for communicating more effectively with English language learners, and resources for English language learning, translation and more. Register for the event.
Friday, September 20, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
50+ Growth Mindset
People ages 50+. Explore how a growth mindset and showing grit will help move you past your job search barriers. Discuss ways to turn around ageism in your job search. Attendees must register through Connecting Colorado or by calling 970-400-6791.
Friday, September 20 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Job Boards Workshop
This workshop is an introduction to job boards, what they are, how to use them, the benefits of using one, and different types of job boards. Register for the event.
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