The Colorado Workforce Development Council gathered on May 2, 2024, in Alamosa, Colo., for a two-day convening designed to understand the impacts of stimulus funding in rural Colorado, identify priorities for CWDC work and investments in 2024-2025, determine opportunities for federal advocacy, affirm the direction of committee work in the year ahead, and network with fellow council members.
An open house was held at the new Alamosa Workforce Center, where the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and the Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium (CRWC) offices are co-located. Council members toured the facility and engaged with staff members dedicated to serving the employment needs of the community and providing enhanced services and support to job seekers, businesses, and individuals with disabilities.
Day one began with highlights from the CRWC, one of the 10 federally recognized local workforce areas in Colorado. The CRWC represents 51 of 64 counties in Colorado and boasts 25 physical locations throughout the state. Services are offered in-person and virtually to ensure access for those living in rural communities. Training consists of postsecondary education and/or subsidized work opportunities such as on-the job training. Career coaches provide help with career development, and business services representatives work with employers and help raise awareness of available assessments to test and screen candidates for potential employment.
CRWC Director Suzie Miller presented an economic overview of the San Luis Valley region—including Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties— providing highlights on local workforce services, key partnerships, and outreach efforts to improve the employability of migrant and seasonal farmworkers with job skills training and literacy programs.
Next, council members received a summary of the 2024 legislative session, followed by a presentation from Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation (PSCDC) Executive Director Emily Lashbrooke on the impact of its Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling (RUN) grant. Stimulus funds provided by HB21-1264 helped PSCDC students earn a variety of certifications tied to the building trades, including a life-time OSHA certification, along with stackable credentials in each field to further their career advancement.
The Attainment Network showcased another stimulus-funded initiative in action with a presentation on the activation of a career-connected partnership and community vision shared by K-12, postsecondary and employers to expand healthcare career pathways across the San Luis Valley.
Day one also included tours of The Barn at Manzanilla Farm and the Center Sanitation District Wastewater Treatment Facility. On day two of the convening council members discussed financial priorities, followed by a tour of The Hub—a one-of-a-kind, progressive partnership that offers foundation and government partners, and area nonprofits access to a newly renovated 13,000 square foot facility with flex-spaces for individuals in need of Wi-fi, office spaces, and more.
The facility provides office space for the Boys and Girls Club of the San Luis Valley; a garage to accommodate crews with Southwest Conservation Corps; a large commercial kitchen for SLV Local Food Coalition, caterers, and cottage food operators; a “gear library” where individuals can check out kayaks, paddle boards, or fat tire bikes; and other varied spaces for local merchants.
Following the tour, council members gathered at Trinidad State Junior College for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning session focused on closing the equity gap in education. Representatives from Deloitte’s Government and Public Services joined the conversation sharing general trends with AI and its impact on the workforce. The council then discussed workforce trends and AI skills for workforce needs.
Meeting materials for the two-day convening are provided on the CWDC website for additional information. The next council meeting will be held in Greeley, Colo., on September 19 to 20.