December 4, 2025
Sector partnerships are a key systems change strategy, built to provide a streamlined approach for engaging with employers and aligning training opportunities with industry demand. In Colorado, sector partnerships have been promoting job quality, scaling skills-first practices, and enhancing work-based learning initiatives, including apprenticeships.
The Colorado Tree Care Sector Partnership, driving industry-led solutions since 2017, formalized its structure this year by partnering with the Boulder Chamber as their convener and sponsor for their registered apprenticeship program.This new partnership provides critical administrative support for industry leaders to stay focused on solving pressing talent challenges.
The partnership’s Arborist Apprenticeship Program is a multi-employer, state-approved program that spans approximately 2.5 years, combining the Tree Care Industry Association online curriculum with Front Range Community College structured classroom instruction with hands-on training to address the growing demand for skilled arborists, helping businesses build a strong talent pipeline while creating meaningful, long-term career opportunities.
The impact of these partnerships extends beyond just technical skills, reaching into critical areas like well-being and professional support for essential workers.
This was highlighted by the Northern Colorado Health Sector Partnership, which hosted a successful Nurse Well Being Conference in February, attended by over 200 nurses. The conference focused on vital topics ranging from incorporating compassion into patient care to handling workplace violence, leaving attendees feeling equipped and inspired.
"As a student, I absolutely absolutely love today! I loved the nursing theory presentation that discussed ways to better incorporate compassion into patient care. I appreciate the discussion of how to handle workplace violence as a student who is unsure how to handle the situations. I think my favorite part of today was the speaker on how to retrain our brains to be more positive and how to more effectively begin self-care habits. Thank you so much for inviting us nursing students!” shared one student.
The Nurse Wellbeing Conference was a finalist for the “Best of Nursing” awards from Nurse.org, an annual initiative to recognize and celebrate dedication and excellence in the nursing industry in the U.S.
To understand how these localized efforts translate into even greater impact across Colorado, join the Statewide Communities of Practice call on December 10, 2025. You will have the opportunity to hear the collective outcomes of sector partnerships, leveraging data gathered through the annual impact survey and business survey. Don’t miss the chance to see how these collaborations are driving meaningful change in talent development and economic resilience.