A series of four workshops designed to foster collaboration between local employers, community members, and l/earners were held June 11 - 21 in Pueblo, Colo. as part of the CWDC’s grant-funded pilot project aimed at bridging the gap between marginalized populations and career opportunities in clean energy and infrastructure.
The workshops, facilitated by LWYL Studio Founder and CEO Kelly Page, were an important first step and opportunity for the CWDC to engage with Pueblo voices, unite the needs of employers with the aspirations of community members, and gather information that will help co-design and guide how methodology is formulated so that it creates a mutually beneficial pathway to a greener and more equitable future.
Participants shared their own stories about the pathways in life, their relationships with the Pueblo region, challenges they’ve encountered along the way, and their interest in potentially pursuing clean energy and/or infrastructure occupations.
The first workshop, hosted by Pueblo Community College, was dedicated to local employers who are actively hiring and are committed to diversity and equity. The other three workshops were hosted by PuebloWorks and focused on the engagement of Pueblo’s l/earners.
The ultimate goal of the pilot project is to bring employers and l/earners together to co-design solutions that benefit both parties, and foster a partnership that supports workforce development and clean energy initiatives. Major goals moving forward include:
- Promoting strong cohesion and co-learning among the Pueblo cohort and CWDC
- Leveraging RFA’s coaching and support to enhance the project’s impact
- Building bridges with project teams from other states to serve as resources and sounding boards for each other.
The pilot will continue throughout 2024 and into early 2025, and will inform and assist the CWDC in scaling work in other Colorado communities. For more information, please contact Energy and Industry Consultant Susan Blansett.