Jan. 12, 2022 - In 2021 the CWDC engaged with partners across the state to drive forward talent development efforts in Colorado and help the state move towards economic recovery. Below you will find highlights from the past year. We are grateful for the support of all our partners and look forward to continued collaboration in 2022.
2021 Talent Pipeline Report
The eighth annual Talent Pipeline Report, released by the CWDC and partners on Dec. 17, analyzes and explains relevant labor market data, highlights pandemic data and recovery strategies, and provides data-informed recommendations to enhance the talent pipeline in Colorado.
Learn more about the 2021 Talent Pipeline Report
2021 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards
On Tuesday, Nov. 16, the BEL Commission hosted the 2021 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards. More than 150 people attended this virtual event honoring the individuals and organizations dedicated to the advancement of apprenticeships in Colorado.
Learn more about the 2021 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards
TalentFOUND Partners Launch Statewide Ready to Rise Campaign
In September, Colorado launched a statewide campaign to support job seekers, workers, and students in getting the skills, training, work experience, and support services needed for in-demand jobs and careers. The campaign, Ready to Rise, funded by HB21-1264, raises awareness of the opportunities available to individuals through the Colorado Recovery Plan.
Learn more about Ready to Rise
Colorado Job Quality Framework Released
Partners in the TalentFOUND network collaborated to produce the Colorado Job Quality Framework to outline features of a quality job and lay out practical steps local communities, employers, and leaders can take to improve job quality.
Learn more about the Colorado Job Quality Framework
Career Pathways on My Colorado Journey
In April, the CWDC and partners added career pathways in the public health industry to My Colorado Journey, including opportunities in public health, environmental health, and administration. In June, career pathways in the energy industry were added and the existing career pathways in IT and cybersecurity were refreshed.
Explore career pathways on My Colorado Journey
Supporting New Remote Work Reality
In April, the CWDC and partners collaborated in the launch of new remote work certificate courses to help Coloradans thrive in an evolving workforce. Two online certificate programs were designed -- one for supervisors and leaders and one for employees -- to help workers and employers alike succeed in a remote work environment.
Learn more about the Remote Work Certifications
Quick Hits
Talent Development Resources: Throughout the year, the CWDC produced several resources to assist our partners in carrying out programs across the talent development network. These include: Preparing Students for Behavioral Health Careers; Upskilling Case Studies; Workforce Innovation Resources; Braiding and Blending: An Overview of Innovative Practices and Approaches to Funding; and the Glossary of Equity Terms.
CWDC Membership Updates: In September, we said farewell to several Council members who completed their terms with us, and welcomed Lisanne McNew into the chairperson role. The Governor also appointed new members to the Council who began a three-year term on Oct. 1.
Bridging the Talent Gap: Through the Bridging the Talent Gap employer survey, more than 500 Colorado employers provided their insights about the hiring environment, skills gaps, and current resources available for retraining and upskilling in Colorado.
HB21-1264: HB21-1264 was signed by Governor Polis in June to create stimulus investments to facilitate training for unemployed and underemployed workers in Colorado during times of substantial unemployment. In October, the CWDC awarded ten organizations with Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling Workers Grants using a portion of this funding.
Work-based Learning Incubator Convening: Throughout the WBL Incubator Convening on June 3-4, more than 200 attendees were engaged through 25+ sessions to learn more about building high-quality work-based learning experiences, scale promising practices, and hear about the programs and initiatives taking place in school districts across Colorado.
Reenvisioning Retail: From April 14-16, via the Lives Empowered Initiative, the Reenvisioning Retail event convened partners in discussions about equitable strategies for economic recovery and identified opportunities for upskilling, reskilling, and redeploying displaced workers to support the economic well-being of frontline workers.
Workforce Innovation Network: Colorado was selected as one of 10 states for the National Governors Association's inaugural Workforce Innovation Network. The Colorado cohort includes partners from the CWDC, CDLE Workforce Development Programs and Office of the Future of Work, CDHS, CDHE, and the Governor's Office.
Talent Equity Agenda: In an effort to accelerate progress in implementing the Talent Equity Agenda, the CWDC and partners hosted Talent Equity Stakeholder Forums in February and March 2021 as well as additional technical assistance modules throughout the year to support organizations in moving to action with the Talent Equity Agenda.