(L-R): Council members and CWDC staff tour Lockheed Martin's Watertown Campus, offering a behind-the-scenes look at advanced aerospace and defense technologies.
The Colorado Workforce Development Council convened January 30-31, 2025, in Golden, Colo., bringing together industry leaders, educators, and policymakers to explore strategies for workforce development and talent diversification. Hosted at Red Rocks Community College and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the two-day hybrid event featured insightful discussions, committee updates, and exclusive tours of leading Colorado institutions.
Day One: Laying the Foundation for Workforce Growth
Thursday kicked off with a tour of Lockheed Martin’s Watertown Campus, offering the council a behind-the-scenes look at advanced aerospace and defense technologies.
The formal meeting began at Red Rocks Community College, where CWDC Chair Jonathan Liebert welcomed the council with opening remarks and key agenda highlights, including:
- Council business;
- Local community overview, providing insight into workforce initiatives in tri-county,
- Advocacy Steering Committee updates; and
- 2025 legislative session preview focusing on policy developments affecting workforce planning.
- Education and Training Steering Committee updates
New members of the Council were also in attendance and were active participants during the forum:
- Amanda Ericson, of Severance, is Principal for HRx Services.
- Michael Maynes, of Dacono, is the CEO of 1337 Sales, LLC.
- Aaron Miltenberger, of Alamosa, is the President and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of San Luis Valley.
- Chris Romer, of Vail, is the President and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership.
- Sarah Stoeber, of Alamosa, is the Executive Director of San Luis Valley Development Resources.
- Cori Streetman, of Denver, is Co-Founder and CEO of Barefoot PR.
The afternoon sessions featured an overview of Red Rocks Community College, highlighting its role in workforce training and education. Following the overview, the Education and Training Committee provided an update to the council to shed light on emerging strategies for skill development. The final session of the day included a standout discussion, “Engaged for success: Aligning Workforce Boards with Community and Industry Needs,” that emphasized the importance of collaboration between businesses and educational institutions.
The day concluded with a networking reception and tour at Coors Golden Brewery, fostering connections for the evening.
Day Two: Advancing Workforce Innovation
Friday’s sessions took place at NREL, where the council convened for a day of discussions on financial planning, sector strategies, and advancements in quantum technology. Key highlights include:
- Financial Task Force, addressing budget considerations
- Sectors Steering Committee, updates and sector-specific workforce trends
- Quantum in Practice, on the growing impact of quantum technologies in various industries
- Talent Pipeline Report and discussion
A presentation on NREL’s contributions to clean energy and workforce development was followed by a guided tour of the NREL campus, where the council explored innovative research initiatives shaping the future of renewable energy.
Looking Ahead
The Council meeting reinforced the need for continued investment in workforce alignment, education, and talent diversification. The insights gained will shape ongoing efforts to support industry growth. The next council meeting will be held May 19-20, 2025 in Pueblo, Colo.