Colorado Talent Pipeline Report

The annual Colorado Talent Pipeline Report identifies areas of growing demand and opportunity, key features of the current labor force, and strategies to balance the supply and demand equation for talent. It also highlights the Top Jobs in Colorado -- jobs with high annual openings, above average growth, and a good wage.

In accordance with 24-46.3-103 C.R.S. as amended by SB14-205, the CWDC presents the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report in partnership with the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, with support from the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, the State Demography Office at the Department of Local Affairs, and other partners.

2020 Talent Pipeline Report

The CWDC released the seventh annual Talent Pipeline Report on Dec. 8, 2020. The report offers a collection of strategies, investments, and policy recommendations in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to build back stronger from the pandemic, Colorado must focus on its talent pipeline in order to facilitate an equitable economic recovery that creates more opportunity for prosperity throughout the state.

The report was released at a virtual event hosted by the CWDC on Dec. 8. View materials from the launch event:

Full Report

Overview

Appendices

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated future of work trends and highlighted inequity in our education and workforce systems. In order for Colorado’s economy to work for everyone in our state, approaches to education, hiring, and advancement must be re-envisioned to provide the foundation for an equitable recovery.

88.8% of Tier 1 Top Jobs require a credential past high school.

57.6% of Coloradans have a certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and/or a graduate or professional degree.

Communications, Management, and Customer Service were the top essential skills in job postings from March - September 2020.

Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers, Insurance Sales Agents, and Customer Service Representatives were the top posted remote occupations from March - September 2020.

Top data points from the 2020 Talent Pipeline Report

2020 Recommendations: CO POWER '21

CO POWER ‘21 (Colorado's Plan for Workforce and Economic Recovery in 2021)

The 2020 Talent Pipeline Report recommendations outline what is possible to facilitate economic advancements in the coming year. This collection of strategies, investments, and policy recommendations formulates a bold response to the COVID-19 pandemic that will stimulate growth by stabilizing, accelerating, and preparing all segments of the labor force for the immediate and long-term future.

CO POWER ‘21 is both an action plan and a vision. Execution of these concepts is already underway through existing resources and programming, deploying a combination of state, private, and federal funding. To the extent that additional investments in stimulating the economy and promoting recovery become available, this plan presents strategies that are ready to scale quickly and efficiently. Learn more.

Equity in the Talent Pipeline

In order for Colorado’s economy to work for everyone in our state, approaches to education, hiring, and advancement must be re-envisioned. Training and technical assistance for businesses and organizations are being launched to implement the Talent Equity Agenda, and resources are available that can guide the design and implementation of programs and initiatives so that they maximize equitable opportunity.

Stabilize

Existing programs and available jobs can be leveraged to mitigate worker displacement in the short-term by using data to identify trends, expose individuals to the best information on career pathways, and invest in what works. Learn more.

Accelerate

The TalentFOUND network has a robust infrastructure in place for training and connecting individuals to in-demand jobs and career pathways. The response time to put Coloradans back to work can be advanced through a variety of programs that provide job training with critical wraparound supports and career coaching. Learn more.

Prepare

As Colorado responds to the immediate talent crisis brought about by COVID-19, we must continue to enhance the mechanisms that will upskill and reskill individuals for the future of work. Learn more.