Sector Resources

Colorado continues to experience more jobs than available workers. This is especially challenging in hard-to-fill, critical positions necessary for business growth. Meeting this demand requires new ways of partnering across employers, education, workforce development and economic development to address talent gaps. Below are resources from available from the State of Colorado to support employers with partnering to develop, find, train, and retain talent and maintain a competitive edge.

Co-Develop Talent with Community Partners

• Partner with others in your sector to address your shared needs: Launch or Join a Sector Partnership, Skill Advance Colorado, Opportunity Now, Workforce Business Services Representatives, Review the Talent Development Playbook

• Shape your future workforce by partnering with K-12 schools: Partner with a Career/Tech Ed Program, Create a Work-Based Learning Opportunity, Launch a Youth Apprenticeship, Launch a PTech Program, Hire Teacher Externs, Engage in Sector Partnerships

• Learn how to launch an apprenticeship or work-based learning experience: Apprenticeship Colorado, K-12 Work-Based Learning Coordinators, Career and Technical Education (CTE)

• Adopt skills-based hiring and advancement approaches: SBHA Training

• Promote career pathways in your industry: MyColoradoJourney, Stackable Pathway in Behavioral Health, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Software Developer

• Serve on a local workforce development board to advise on how public resources can better support business needs

Find and Retain Talent

• Contact a local workforce development center to get help with job postings, hiring fairs, and candidate screening

• Explore Career and Technical Student Organizations/CTE Programs

• Learn more about Colorado’s innovative hiring and recruiting tool: Connecting Colorado

• Find our network of Community Colleges and Public Universities 

• Hire with New Americans

• Hire individuals with disabilities [Learn more about reasonable accommodations]

• Find out more about Colorado’s Talent Development Network: TalentFOUND

Grow and Compete

• Access business and labor market information to see how your jobs 
  compare with local competitors

• Complete a job quality assessment to help hire and retain talent

• Resources for small businesses: Colorado Startup Loan Fund

• Resources for women- and minority-owned businesses

• Resources for agricultural businesses

Supply Chain Management

• Access the Statewide Minority Business Directory

• Utilize the Small Business Navigator

• Establish and run a supplier diversity program

Benefits and Support for Employees

• Provide Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI)

• Offer retirement benefits through the Secure Savings Program

• Become a Family Friendly Workplace

• Seek assistance through Colorado Crisis Services

• Get guidance on responding to mental and behavioral health needs