(DENVER) — Heading into the third week of Workforce Development Month, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is drawing attention to the programming and resources available to all Coloradans including those with disabilities, those new to the country, veterans, older workers, youth, and others. Workforce Development Month is celebrated nationwide, and every year CDLE brings attention to the critical role workforce development services play in the state’s commitment to support an environment where workers and employers can thrive.
Week three of Workforce Development month will focus on how the statewide workforce system strengthens outcomes for Communities Across Colorado through initiatives and programs managed by CDLE’s Office of New Americans (ONA), Office of Just Transition (OJT), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and more. Some of the resources available to Colorado’s diverse communities include:
Services for Employers
- Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit: Employers can receive federal tax credits by hiring people from underrepresented groups including veterans, people with disabilities, and others.
- DVR Business Services: Connect with a team member for support in building a diverse and inclusive workforce by recruiting candidates who are skilled, loyal, and committed to your success.
- Partner with ONA: Reach out to get more information on the Virtual, Career-Aligned English as a Second Language (VCESL) Program. Unique curriculum can be developed in partnership with employers to respond to the language needs of specific occupations.
- OJT Funding Opportunities: OJT has grant funding available to help businesses and communities replace what they lose when coal mines and power plants close.
Services for Job Seekers
- Disability Program Navigators: Navigators serve as liaisons for adults with disabilities needing accommodations between services offered through DVR and the statewide workforce system.
- Priority job search support for veterans.
- Colorado Migrant Welcome Guide: A welcome packet for asylum seekers and migrants who do not yet have an immigration legal status but are intending to call Colorado home.
- Virtual, Career-Aligned English as a Second Language (VCESL) Program: Career and sector-specific, adult English language courses via digital platforms that help New Americans build the skills they’ll need in order to navigate and access Colorado’s growing workforce.
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:
Tuesday, September 19 at 11 a.m.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Info for All
Learn about EEOC laws and how they impact both employers and employees. Patricia McMahon, Outreach and Education Coordinator for the EEOC-Denver Field Office will engage in an interactive discussion with the public about the EEOC and the laws it enforces. This is a virtual session.
Tuesday, September 19 - 20 at 10 a.m.
Sterling Workforce Center Open House
100 Broadway, Suite 24, Sterling, CO 80751
Employers & Job Seekers are invited to stop in for a sweet treat, meet the staff and explore Sterling’s workforce services.
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 4 to 6 p.m.
Get Your Game On With The Workforce
First St., Alamosa, CO 81101
The Alamosa Workforce Center and the City of Alamosa are hosting a game night in Cole Park in Alamosa. This fun-filled event will have family-friendly outdoor games and activities, along with resource providers, employment opportunities in the area, and the ability to connect with Workforce Center staff about training opportunities, job seeker services, and resume assistance. Chromebooks will be available for online applications and Connecting Colorado registrations.
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