By Jessica Maiorca, CWDC Senior Consultant for WIOA and Policy Innovation
In late October 2024, Colorado’s local workforce areas were awarded Performance Incentive Funds for performance year 2023. These awards recognize the performance of each workforce area based on four key criteria:
- Work-based learning opportunities: Connecting individuals with valuable work experiences tied to career pathway programs.
- Business engagement: Enhancing services for businesses and maximizing their engagement with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services.
- Local workforce development board performance.
- Local performance measures.
High-Performing Boards and Promising Practices
In addition to the incentive awards, the CWDC recognizes the workforce boards of Adams, Arapahoe/Douglas (A/D Works!), El Paso (Pikes Peak), and Weld counties as High Performing Boards. These boards have exceeded expectations, achieving a minimum of 90% on key performance indicators. These indicators include board member diversity, active engagement on local boards and in their communities, and the successful achievement of strategic goals.
Spotlight on Innovation and Impact
Local workforce areas have implemented innovative programs and initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of Coloradans. Some examples include:
Adams County
The Adams County’s Workforce Development Board spearheaded a workshop focused on encouraging employers to adopt skills-based hiring practices. This approach emphasized the evaluation of job candidates based on their specific skills, leading to better job matches and broadening the pool of potential employees.
(L-R) CWDC’s Lee Wheeler-Berliner and Adams County Workforce Development Board Chair Peter Brisette
Arapahoe/Douglas County:
The A/D Works! was awarded $6 million to sustain Colorado Apprenticeship Hub activities by Apprenticeship Building America. A/D Works! will create and expand 65 apprenticeship and 25 pre-apprenticeship programs using Good Job Principles in multiple industries across Colorado. Up to 50% of the grant will fund a competitive Employer Incentive Fund to help employers and apprenticeship sponsors cover apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship costs.
(L-R) Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board Vice Chair Shelbi Davis, CWDC’s Thomas Hartman, and Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board Chair Peter Hancock
Weld County
Weld County’s Workforce Development Board Awareness Committee launched a new quarterly digital newsletter. This newsletter keeps businesses informed about accessing WIOA funds and showcases impactful case studies and success stories.
Denver County
Denver Workforce Development Board launched “WorkReady Denver,” a new program providing at least six months of workforce development services to asylum seekers awaiting work authorization. In partnership with Centro de Los Trabajadores, WorkReady Denver offers up to 500 individuals the opportunity to acquire skills in English, digital literacy, financial literacy, cultural integration, and job searching.
A Word from a Workforce Development Leader
(L-R) Traci Marques, Executive Director/CEO Pikes Peak Workforce Center; Tamara Moore, Chair of the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board; and CWDC’s Jessica Maiorca.
Executive Director/CEO Traci Marques of Pikes Peak Workforce Center (El Paso County) shared her thoughts on receiving the High-Performing Workforce Board designation:
“We are thrilled to once again receive CWDC's High Performing Workforce Board. Our Workforce Board is deeply engaged in the community, passionately supports the local workforce system, and uses data-driven metrics to prioritize goals. We are incredibly proud and very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated Board!”
These achievements across Colorado’s workforce areas demonstrate a powerful commitment to building a stronger and more inclusive economy. The CWDC congratulates all the recipients and looks forward to continued collaboration and success in the coming year.