November 3, 2025
October marks Manufacturing Month, a time to celebrate the industry’s vital role in Colorado’s economy and the collaborative efforts shaping its current and future workforce. Manufacturing leaders voiced clearly throughout 2025 Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits a desire to attract a younger, tech-savvy generation, and upskill the current workforce to modernize products.
During CWDC’s Manufacturing Community of Practice held on October 15, Sector Partnerships uplifted four ways on how they are doing just that:
1. Igniting the Future Talent Pipeline
Metro West Advanced Manufacturing Alliance (MWAMA), convened by Tri-County Workforce and Arvada Chamber of Commerce, held a Career Expo which offered 3,000 students a hands-on look at the industry, providing key details on careers, salaries, and common myths vs. facts. The MWAMA Career Expo achieved a key Sector Partnership goal by ensuring direct engagement between students and advanced manufacturing businesses. Participating companies effectively utilized materials created by sector partnerships to promote career opportunities, and the event was widely praised by industry partners who attend multiple career expos.
2. Breaking Stigma & Misperceptions
The Northeast Colorado Manufacturing Sector Partnership (NECOM) facilitated a Girls in Manufacturing event this past March at Northeast Junior College. This regional effort had 73 students from local middle and high schools to explore STEM and manufacturing careers. At the end of the day, 20 students expressed wanting to explore pathways further! The program featured a keynote speaker who showcased pathways in manufacturing, aviation, and aerospace, alongside interactive displays, including VR Training headsets and a S.T.E.M. scavenger hunt. This hands-on experience gave girls the opportunity to explore what it might look like for them to have a career in manufacturing, successfully connecting them with industry professionals and educators. The event has taken place over the last four years and is gearing up again for a November event in Burlington, and a March event for Sterling and Fort Morgan.
3. Streamlining Engagement
Across the state, the manufacturing sector is focused on continuous improvement and future readiness. We've seen exciting student participation at recent events like the inaugural COMP2025, the Rocky Mountain Advanced Manufacturing Expo (RMAME), and Manufacturing Day at MSU. Industry focus areas are rapidly evolving. We are seeing action to leverage AI platforms and VR headsets for upskilling, increased efficiency, and safety training. RMAME is an initiative from the Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership (NOCOM).
4. Skills-First
Workforce strategy is shifting toward employee retention through upskilling, new skilling, and re-skilling. As employers look at building workers’ transferable skills to retain them in their industry, programs like Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant—from the Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Colorado Community College System—are helping them remain competitive with their talent on hand. This skills-first approach helps reduce hiring barriers, and ensure employers build a workforce with the precise skills needed to succeed.
“Sector partnerships are absolutely vital to the development, stabilization, and growth of Colorado’s economy. They help promote and facilitate end-to-end collaboration and innovation, and are essential to manufacturing, which we’ve experienced repeatedly firsthand!” - Ed Olivo, Director of Workforce & Community Partnerships, Manufacturer’s Edge.
A skilled workforce is a statewide priority. Reach out to a sector partnership convener today to get involved in the action. Information can be found on the CWDC's Sector Partnership Webpage and Communities of Practice Webpage.