(DENVER) — During the second 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, 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.
The theme of the second week of the month-long celebration is Communities Across Colorado: focusing on how the statewide workforce system strengthens outcomes for all Coloradans through initiatives and programs managed by CDLE’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Office of New Americans (ONA), Office of Just Transition (OJT) and more. CDLE has made an impact in these areas by providing more than 3,450 support services to more than 570 Colorado Veterans in FY23, served more than 2,700 New Americans in FY23 and helped more than 4,160 youth aged 16-24 enter employment through this year’s Governor’s Summer Job Hunt.
New this year, CDLE is celebrating one Colorado employer and Workforce Center region each week with an Excellence in Workforce Award. Week two’s Excellence in Workforce Award recognizes the collaborative efforts of Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (LCEWD) and Fiberlok Technologies Inc. Fiberlok was one of twelve local companies to support LCEWD’s 2024 Manufacturing Summer Sector Internship Program, which connects young talent with top manufacturing businesses in Northern Colorado. This year’s program achieved record success with 321 student applications thanks to the collaboration between LCEWD and the NoCo Manufacturing Sector Partnership. Three interns secured permanent positions with their host companies, including one at Fiberlok. Throughout the program, Fiberlok maintained a commitment to mentoring and truly invested in the intern’s skill development ultimately hiring them into a permanent position and launching their career.
CDLE is committed to ensuring both employers and job seekers from communities across Colorado know they have access to resources developed specifically for Colorado’s diverse populations including:
Services for Employers
- ONA Virtual Job Board: Employers can upload job opportunities for New Americans for free at any point through 2024.
- 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: Employers can 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.
- OJT Funding Opportunities: OJT has grant funding available to help businesses and communities prepare for their economic well being 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.
- Pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
- 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.
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 second week of September:
September 12, 2024 at 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. MT
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.
Monday, September 9, 2023 at 9 – 11 a.m.
Castle Rock Job Search Support Lab (In-Person)
A/D Works! will be supporting job seekers in the resource center as they work on resumes and cover letters. Career Services Advisors will be on hand to assist with questions and provide feedback.
Location: 4500 Limelight Ave.
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Learn more here.
Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Money Mapping with Ent Credit Union
This virtual session hosted by Broomfield Business Services Team and Ent Credit Union, attendees will learn how to pinpoint financial goals and explore budgeting and savings strategies.
Register here.
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
G2 Secure Staff Hiring Events in Craig (In-Person)
This multi-day hiring event is also happening on September 17, 18, 24 and 25.
Location: Craig Workforce Center
480 Barclay
Craig, CO 81625
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Finding Calm in the Chaos of Job Search
This virtual workshop focuses on managing stress throughout the job search. Learn tips to create a positive mindset and enhance your resilience.
Register here.
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
CDOC Fast Track Hiring Event: Canon City
Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is actively hiring select medical/behavioral health professionals as well as correctional officers and food service supervisors for select state correctional facilities, located in ten different cities.
Register and learn more about CDOC’s hiring incentives here.
Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 2 – 4 p.m.
April's Angels Hiring Event
The Fort Morgan Workforce Center is supporting April’s Angels to hire in-home Care Providers starting at $17.50/hr. Job seekers must be registered with connectingcolorado.com to participate in the event.
Location: Fort Morgan Workforce Center
426 Ensign St.
Fort Morgan, CO 80701
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