Winning in a Challenging Economy, Colorado's 10Th Annual Report on the State of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

WINNINGWINNING ININ AA CHALLENGINGCHALLENGING ECONOMYECONOMY WIA Annual Report PY 2009

Submitted jointly by the Colorado Workforce Development Council and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Message from Bill Ritter, Jr. Governor, State of Colorado

I am proud to present Winning in a Challenging Economy, Colorado's 10th annual report on the state of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This year's report is testimony to how Colorado's workforce system has successfully responded to ongoing economic challenges and is utilizing funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to help unemployed Coloradoans learn new skills and return to work as quickly as possible. It also speaks to the Colorado Promise, which seeks to promote a vibrant economy for Colorado to grow and prosper in the 21st century, and to the New Energy Economy, which, despite the economic downturn, is creating new jobs in emerging industries that did not exist just a few years ago.

Colorado's ability to successfully recover from the current recession hinges on our efforts to reinvigorate regional economies through the development of cross-regional partnership strategies. Our workforce system's ability to link with economic development, education and industry to support these strategies has resulted in a lower unemployment rate than the national average. We have created workforce solutions that meet business needs for competent and work-ready employees, and provide job seekers the opportunity to find meaningful employment both now, and in the future.

This year, more employers used the workforce system's services, and greater numbers of job seekers sought our services through Internet-based points of access. The workforce development system was able to meet this increased demand through collaborative ventures that employed innovative service strategies and new technologies to increase access to services and develop the worker preparation pipeline.

Colorado's workforce system served nearly 450,000 citizens this past year, almost double the number since the beginning of the recession, and provided training for nearly 10,000 of them. A special summer employment opportunity program funded by the Recovery Act provided paid work experiences for over 3,000 youth. The Recovery Act also funded a new program that provides reemployment services to workers who are receiving unemployment benefits, and identifies those who need retraining or a career change. In addition, the WIA system infused over $82 million into regional economies to increase education, training and employment opportunities. The system continues to expand its reach and stands ready to serve Colorado as it positions its workers for a human capital advantage. I encourage you to read this report to see the regional and State efforts to establish Colorado as a leader in workforce innovation and fulfill the Colorado Promise.

Sincerely,

Governor Bill Ritter Message from Donald J. Mares Executive Director Colorado Department of Labor & Employment

Winning in a Challenging Economy, the 10th annual report on the state of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in Colorado, illustrates the innovative workforce solutions and strategic partnerships the State's workforce system has created to help weather the recession and fulfill the "Colorado Promise" of a strong and vibrant economy. These efforts were manifested through increased assessment and training initiatives, and an infusion of over $82 million to develop collaborative ventures designed to meet the labor demands of our high-growth industries, such as health care, and emerging industries, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency.

In Program Year 2009, the workforce system partners focused their efforts on the State's critical skill shortages in targeted industry sectors and developed specific initiatives that benefited both industries and workers. In health care, worker shortages continued at significant levels. We worked with industry and education to increase the number and quality of workers, and to reduce the time required to produce these workers. At the same time, these efforts provided new career opportunities for workers who had lost their jobs because of downsizing and company closures. Many of our initiatives provided educational opportunities, wage subsidies and employment for unemployment insurance claimants, veterans, low-skilled individuals, those with limited English proficiency, individuals with disabilities, older workers, at-risk youth and ex-offenders.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided funding for new programs, such as the Summer Youth Program, which provided paid work experiences for at-risk youth and the Reemployment Services Program for workers receiving unemployment benefits. In addition, TANF Reserve funds were used to place more individuals into on-the-job training programs and better equip them to change careers or find meaningful employment.

These projects are but a few examples of the many successes Colorado achieved during this program year. I invite you to read this report to further appreciate how the WIA and state programs have led the way for Colorado to weather the recession and prepare its workforce to reach its fullest economic potential and competitiveness in a challenging economy.

Donald J. Mares, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Message from Taryn Edwards Chair, Colorado Workforce Development Council Owner/CEO, The Edwards Group; Founder/CEO, Born to Build Foundation

I am pleased to present this report on the results of the work performed by the state workforce system in the 10th year of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) on behalf of the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) and the State of Colorado. The challenges of this century for businesses and citizens of our state are formidable and growing rapidly.

Program Year 2009 was a year of change for the CWDC. The philosophy in collaboratively delivering services to our customers within Colorado's communities and leveraging resources from among our many partnerships was driven by what was learned from listening to what the local communities need. The CWDC's focus must embody the following messages, which arose out of last year's work with all of the regions and partnerships:

• "Our Customer is Business" • "Our Products are Work-Ready Employees" • "Our Mission is Economically Vital Communities" • "Our Vision is Colorado Economic and Workforce Vitality" The CWDC must be a conduit for an information exchange between local partners, state and federal agencies, and policy makers. We must also strive to be a body that works on behalf of the local regions with the greater purpose of leveraging partnerships among common initiatives, business, education, economic development, government and other relationships for the greater good of Colorado communities resulting in a stronger competitive state.

In beginning to implement the Governor's Jobs Cabinet initiatives, the 19 local regions went through extensive strategic planning sessions with the focus on business and leveraging partnerships, including education, economic development, workforce, local government and business.

The CWDC has several roles, including business advocate, policy influencer, strategic leader, decision- maker, sector-based strategist and business growth champion. We look forward to leading the way for positive and efficient change within Colorado and to bring a more comprehensive and holistic approach to workforce development.

Taryn Edwards Chair Colorado Workforce Development Council

Table of Contents

State Summary

Executive Summary Key Accomplishments ...... 10

Winning in a Challenging Economy State’s Vision ...... 13

State Profile Statistical Profile ...... 14 Labor Market Conditions ...... 18 Colorado Workforce Investment Areas Map ...... 20 Governance of Colorado’s Workforce System ...... 21

Partnerships for Economic Recovery Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) Outreach ...... 22 National Policy Development ...... 23 WELLS Center ...... 24 Sector Strategy Initiatives ...... 25 Business and Education Talent Readiness (BETR) Project ...... 25 Offender Employment Programs ...... 26 Labor Market Information (LMI) Initiatives ...... 29 CDLE Knowledge Management Portal ...... 30 Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) ...... 31 Rapid Response ...... 33 Automation Initiatives ...... 35 Disability Program Navigator (DPN) ...... 35 Benefit Planners ...... 36 DPN State and Local Maturity Model Inventories ...... 36 DPN Business Briefs ...... 37 Online Disability Awareness Training ...... 37 Quantitative Evaluation of the DPN Initiative ...... 37 State Energy Sector Partnership Grant ...... 37 Governor’s Summer Job Hunt ...... 38

Cost Effectiveness, Evaluation, and Waivers Cost Effectiveness Analysis ...... 42 State Evaluation Activities ...... 42 Waivers ...... 43 Local Regions

Adams County Workforce & Business Center Regional Profile ...... 46 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 47

Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! Regional Profile ...... 52 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 57

Workforce Boulder County Regional Profile ...... 60 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 63

Denver Division of Workforce Development Regional Profile ...... 68 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 70

Jefferson County Workforce Center Regional Profile ...... 76 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 78

Larimer County Workforce Center Regional Profile ...... 82 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 83

Pikes Peak Workforce Center Regional Profile ...... 88 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 89

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium Regional Profile ...... 96 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 96 Broomfield County Sub-Regional Profile ...... 98 Eastern Sub-Regional Profile ...... 100 Mesa County Sub-Regional Profile ...... 101 Northwest Sub-Regional Profile ...... 103 Pueblo Sub-Regional Profile ...... 105 Rural Resort Sub-Regional Profile ...... 107 South Central Sub-Regional Profile ...... 109 Southeast Sub-Regional Profile ...... 110 Southwest Sub-Regional Profile ...... 111 Upper Arkansas Sub-Regional Profile ...... 113 Western Sub-Regional Profile ...... 116

Employment Services of Weld County Regional Profile ...... 118 Partnerships for Economic Recovery ...... 119 WINNINGWINNING ININ AA CHALLENGINGCHALLENGING ECONOMYECONOMY STATE SUMMARY Executive Summary

"Winning in a Challenging the enrollment, training and Economy" demonstrates how placement of the unemployed, the State Workforce System's underemployed and incum- evolution to a cross-regional, bent workers into current jobs demand-driven system, and prepare them for future reflecting a strong focus on employment in emerging “Winning in a sector-based workforce industries such as renewable Challenging Economy" solutions and strategic energy and energy efficiency. alliances to support system Additionally, the system demonstrates how the transformation, has enabled effectively involved commun- Colorado to weather the ity organizations, community State Workforce ongoing recession and colleges and other providers of effectively respond to the training and education in these System's evolution to a needs of workers and business-led projects. Such businesses impacted by the partnerships reflect the critical cross-regional, economic downturn. importance of education, employment and economic demand-driven As a State, we continued to development in addressing the meet or exceed the federally challenges of an economic system, reflecting a mandated performance downturn and positioning the standards in the face of State to retain its competitive strong focus on shrinking employment edge. opportunities and an increased sector-based demand for services, and Key accomplishments were: strengthened the worker • Successful completion of the workforce solutions preparation pipeline to meet fourth year of the Work, critical industry needs. These Education and Lifelong and strategic efforts were accomplished Learning Simulation (WELLS) through Partnerships for Center, a jointly funded public- alliances to support Economic Recovery and private training initiative collaborative efforts of targeting Colorado's health care system business, economic worker shortage. This first of its development, and state and kind facility integrates three- transformation, has local partners who share the dimensional computerized common vision of creating a anatomy tools with computer- enabled Colorado to competitive workforce for the controlled mannequins for 21st century. clinical training and faculty weather the ongoing development programs This year, the Colorado accessible by schools of nursing recession and Workforce Development and hospitals statewide. Council (CWDC), the Colorado effectively respond to the Department of Labor and • Colorado's participation in the Employment (CDLE) and the National Governor's needs of workers and Association State Sector local workforce boards Learning Network. Colorado businesses impacted by engaged in creative alliances also awarded sector implemen- with industry, economic tation grants to five cross- the economic downturn. development and education. regional industry, workforce, These collaborative public and education and economic private ventures infused over development coalitions focused $82 million in formula and on new energy, health care and discretionary grants to support sustainable manufacturing.

10 Executive Summary WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Among Colorado’s PY09 successes: Adams County’s “Smart and Dynamic Workflow Solutions” best practice award (upper left), Pikes Peak’s Industrial Revolution youth program, CDLE’s WELLS Center clinical simulation training program, and Boulder’s solar panel installation training initiative.

• Conclusion of the $1 million mining strategies developed • Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Motherhood Project, a grant with LMI and economists from leadership role in multi- from the Colorado Department our education partners. regional strategies: of Human Services to increase the self sufficiency of women Colorado has been challenged on o State Energy Sector offenders through employment, many fronts in the current Partnership Grant training and supportive economy, by both local and o Youth Energy Conservation services, which exceeded all its national conditions. State Corps performance goals. partners, local regions and their o State Business Services boards worked hard to meet these Group • Completion of the $15 million, challenges and, in the process, four-year WIRED Grant, which o Technical assistance to metro successfully developed a trans- became more resourceful and employed technology to further regions in the use of formational, industry-driven occupational saturation, regional talent development innovate services to meet system that produced a home- increased demands. Within each economic assessment and grown workforce (over 2,600 of Colorado's nine federally industry profiling trained) needed for jobs in recognized workforce regions, a the region's high-growth, high- • Workforce Boulder County’s myriad of promising practices participation in a SECTORS wage aerospace, bioscience, were developed to meet increas- energy and IT/software planning grant for the renew- ing customer demand and econo- industries. able energy sector, which mic challenges. Among the successfully secured funding outstanding initiatives were: • Implementation of the for implementation of aligned American Recovery and strategies between Boulder and Reinvestment Act Summer • Adams County Workforce and Youth Employment Program, Business Center's Best Practice Jefferson counties to address which provided summer work Award in Innovation for Smart the needs of participating experiences to over 3,000 hard- and Dynamic Workflow renewable energy companies. to-serve youth. Solutions. The region utilizes • Denver Division of Workforce the Ultimas document manage- • Creation of SECTORS Development’s Youth Sector ment software program, which initiatives focused on energy, Initiatives - two innovative manufacturing, health care and has converted their WIA pro- opportunities for youth 14-24 to other high-growth industries, grams into a virtually paperless which were spearheaded by system. local WIBs, and utilized data

Executive Summary 11 Winning in a Challenging Economy gain industry recognized certifi- • Colorado Rural cations and career exposure Workforce Consortium through the Pre-Professional o Mesa County Workforce Occupations-Health (PPO-H) Center has provided and Health Medical leadership and funding Occupations (HMO) programs he Colorado to create a health care T nursing career ladder to • Jefferson County Workforce meet regional industry Workforce Development Center's CAMT Advanced needs. This long-term Manufacturing Grant, training effort has resulted in the 233 incumbent workers in Council and the Colorado creation of a Certified businesses supporting the Nurse Aide training program, aerospace, bioscience, energy, a Licensed Practical Nurse Department of Labor and IT and manufacturing program, and an Associates in industries, plus 57 dislocated Practical Nursing program. workers, in Lean Six Sigma, Employment met the o Southeast and Pueblo Lean Basics, Quality Basics, sub-regions are working with Quality Technician, Yellow Belt economic challenges the Institute of Advanced and ISO Lead Auditor Manufacturing Training at head-on by providing Pueblo Community College • Larimer County Workforce on a USDOL grant to provide Center's WIRED ITA training in advanced support and resources Initiatives involving: manufacturing, and to build o Dislocated workers attending training capacity through to the local Workforce the Good Laboratory Practices curriculum development and at Colorado State University's construction of three mobile BioMarc learning labs to areas across Investment Boards the state. o Entrepreneurs receiving and pursuing innova- FastTrac TechVenture training • Weld County’s Summer of Service grant, which engages o Incumbent workers at-risk and or low-income tive solutions to participating in AALAS youth entering grades 6 Certified Prep Course at Front through 9 in community prepare for future Range Community College improvement activities. This recently received grant is the • Pikes Peak Workforce Center's latest addition to Weld's economic recovery and Industrial Revolution extensive menu of youth Program, which has received services addressing the needs of fulfill the tenets embo- regional and national recog- the hardest-to-serve youth nition as a best practice for populations. innovative youth workforce died in the Governor's The lessons of PY09 have readiness and employer strengthened our resolve to engagement activities. The promote dynamic and sustainable "Colorado Promise" and program exposes youth to partnerships geared toward emerging industries that producing a skilled and the strategic direction set by involve key competencies in competitive workforce, and Science, Technology, Engineer- empowering Colorado businesses ing, and Mathematics (STEM). the Governor's Jobs Cabinet. to successfully compete during a major economic downturn.

12 Executive Summary WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Winning in a Challenging Economy This 10th year of the Workforce Recovery Act, the state leadership support health care initiatives Investment Act has presented the recrafted the state plan to reflect that now has reached a total of workforce system a new set of the injection of those funds. $9,000,000 during the WIA challenges and opportunities. The years. economic conditions in the The ability of the system to country continued to have a respond to the 40% increase in The system's ability to respond to devastating impact on citizens traffic into the workforce centers, challenges that have arisen this and businesses in Colorado and a 3+ percentage increase in the year has been possible because of created a surge in layoffs and state unemployment rate, and the the accomplishments of the past unemployed citizens searching for influx of stimulus dollars with a 10 years and a system that seeks work. Workforce centers across new set of reporting to become demand driven and the state faced service loads and requirements, presented the state responsive to employer needs. staffing strains as they strove to an opportunity to demonstrate the Some lessons learned are: meet demands from almost value and impact of the collaborations and continuous • Technology, when used effec- double the number of job seekers tively, produces new collabora- seeking their services. At the improvement underway in Colorado. The state has met the tions and expands the system's same time, Recovery Act funds capability as evidenced by the became available to the Colorado challenge thus far and produced the following exceptional results: continued development of the Workforce Development Council CDLE Web portal and the new (CWDC) and the Colorado • A SECTORS Academy conduct- parties and states joining that Department of Labor and ed for local areas and their partnership. Employment (CDLE) who met partners, which produced • Businesses respond to collabora- these economic challenges head- regional planning partnerships tions that solve their problems on by providing support and that have moved to the as seen in the varied agencies resources to the local Workforce implementation stage for supporting development of the Investment Boards (WIBs) and addressing regional industry health care simulation courses pursuing innovative solutions to based workforce solutions. at the WELLS Center. prepare for the future economic • The transition of the highly • The process of Continuous recovery and fulfill the tenets successful WELLS Center to its Improvement that is embodied in the Governor's permanent home with the implemented through a formal "Colorado Promise," as well as the University of Colorado structure leads to a stronger strategic direction set by the Hospital, Colorado's premier organization that can respond to report of the Governor's Jobs teaching hospital. new challenges. Cabinet. • The Recovery Act Summer • Regional SECTORS partnerships The state-sponsored SECTORS Youth Employment program, enhance projects and perform- Strategy was fully implemented which was rapidly and ance that are beneficial to the and the federal Recovery Act successfully deployed during state and communities and funds were rapidly deployed to the summer of 2009 and produce specific results. the field to allay part of the stress. provided over 3,000 hard-to- As he committed to do in the serve youth with work STATE'S VISION exposure, career exploration, "Colorado Promise," the governor "Colorado's Workforce convened a blue ribbon panel of and work readiness training. • The Distance Learning Development System uses leaders into a Jobs Cabinet that coordinated public-private included the CWDC Chair and partnership with four states and the Sloan Foundation that will partnerships to address the Executive Director of CDLE. The continually changing needs of leaders of the system provided be hosted on the CDLE Web portal. Colorado's employers and LWIBs a framework to ramp up working citizens to more their offices to immediately carry • The successful development of the CareerReady Colorado effectively compete in the global out the summer youth service marketplace." mandate from the USDOL. As a Certificate (CRC) and the result of funding from the continued infusion of funds to

Executive Summary 13 Winning in a Challenging Economy State Profile

PY09 Common Measures Performance

PY09 Funding

14 State Profile WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report PY09 Employers Served by Industry

State Profile 15 Winning in a Challenging Economy PY09 WIA + ARRA Participants Served

PY09 WIA + ARRA Participants - Average Age

PY09 WIA + ARRA Participants - Gender Breakout

16 State Profile WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report State Profile Winning in a Challenging Economy 17 LABOR AND WORKFORCE Total nonfarm payroll employment CONDITIONS decreased 5,870,000 in 2009. Services providing industries accounted for The Colorado Department of Labor 54 percent of these job losses. and Employment's Labor Market Education, health services and olorado’s labor Information Office serves as a government were the only bright C resource for data and analysis spots adding 393,000 jobs combined. concerning labor market and market conditions Goods-producing industries, economic conditions throughout the construction, manufacturing, and state. Using survey data collected mining and logging declined across deteriorated consider- from Colorado employers, in concert all three sectors. In 2010, employ- with national data, LMI provided ment had increased 654,000 through the analysis and forecasting of ably in 2009. The annual July. economic trends that follow. average unemployment COLORADO ECONOMIC NATIONAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS CONDITIONS rate was 7.7 percent, Colorado’s labor market conditions Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) deteriorated considerably in 2009. declined 2.6 percent in 2009. an increase of 2.8 The annual average unemployment Imports to the United States rate was 7.7 percent, an increase of exceeded exports by $386 billion. 2.8 percent from 2008. In July 2010, percent from 2008. In However, the United States remains the State's unemployment rate was a net exporter of services by $138 8.0 percent. July 2010, the State's billion. GDP growth through the first half of 2010 is positive, with an Nonfarm payrolls declined 106,300 annualized rate of 3.7 percent in the or 4.5 percent in 2009. Service- unemployment rate first quarter and slowing to 2.4 providing industries accounted for percent in the second quarter. 53 percent of jobs losses. Similar to was 8.0 percent.

Colorado is forecast to lose between

20,000 and 30,000 jobs in 2010, contracting more than

1.0 percent, while the unemployment rate will rise above 8.0 percent.

18 State Profile WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report the nation, only two sectors added occupations (+5,292); and sales weekly wages for production jobs in 2009: education, health and related occupations (+3,008). workers statewide in 2009 were services and government added $845.82 in construction and Individual occupations expected 6,900 and 6,700, respectively. $828.36 in manufacturing. to generate the most jobs are Colorado is forecast to lose registered nurses, combined food The average weekly wage for all between 20,000 and 30,000 jobs in preparation and serving workers, employees covered by 2010, contracting more than 1.0 retail salespeople, customer unemployment insurance was percent, while the unemployment service representatives, and $901, up $5 or 0.6 percent from the rate will rise above 8.0 percent. waiters and waitresses. More average weekly wage in 2008. detail can be found at: Counties with the highest average COLORADO’S HIGH http://coworkforce.com/lmigate weekly wages were Broomfield DEMAND OCCUPATIONS way. ($1,195), Denver ($1,086), Arapahoe ($1,032), Boulder The annual average growth rate COLORADO EARNINGS ($1,008) and Douglas ($980); while for all occupations is expected to average weekly wages were be 0.5 percent through 2012. Per capita personal income lowest in Mineral ($441), San Juan Occupational groups expected to declined 3.9 percent to $41,344 in ($452), Hinsdale ($459), Baca add the most jobs are food 2009, changing Colorado's rank ($478) and Costilla ($489). preparation and serving related from 11th to 15th among all states. occupations (+6,720); health care According to the monthly survey practitioners and technical of Colorado businesses, average

State Profile Winning in a Challenging Economy 19 COLORADO WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AREAS

State Profile 20 WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report GOVERNANCE OF COLORADO’S WORKFORCE SYSTEM

State Profile Winning in a Challenging Economy 21 PARTNERSHIPS FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

CWDC OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS The Colorado The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) responded to the economic Workforce Development challenges and ever-changing landscape we face by embarking on a rebuilding phase this year, Council (CWDC) working closely with the invest $230,000.00 individually to Governor's Jobs Cabinet to focus local regions to expand the responded to the on a new strategic plan that Workforce Investment Act engaged and empowered local offerings that each region communities across the state. featured, based on local need and economic challenges Specifically, stakeholders include business sector focus. education, economic develop- Workforce Development Month and ever-changing ment, workforce professionals, Workforce Development Month business and industry. Their 2009 was a resounding success, support and participation are headlined by the annual Metro landscape we face by critical in advancing Council Denver E3 Job Fair. Governor strategies and initiatives that Ritter endorsed the campaign benefit Colorado's economic embarking on a re- with a proclamation, and 9News growth. promoted the event through live Strategic Local Investment coverage, on-site interviews with building phase this The Outreach and Communi- job seekers and business partici- cation Committee of the CWDC pants, and through a series of continued to support the local "Jobline 9" live call-in sessions year, working closely workforce regions in their leading up to the event. creative and coordinated efforts This event was supported by the with the Governor's to engage stakeholders at the Colorado Department of Labor local level, through an investment and Employment and the local of $250,000.00, distributed metro workforce regions, Jobs Cabinet to focus individually to the local regions. strengthened by over 100 Locally, the workforce regions employers and resources in on a new strategic plan effectively showcased their education and training, and programs and services through attended by over 6,000 strategic partnerships with individuals seeking employment, that engaged and em- industry, media and community a career change or to enhance partners, and by improving their education and skill sets. communications through website powered local commun- Effective Community enhancements, industry and Partnerships community events, and participa- The workforce system is strength- tion in local industry associations. ities across the state. ened when individual partners The State Youth Council assessed operate as a team, enhancing the local communities and opted to product that is available to job

22 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report seekers and businesses that will Executive Director of the Jobs ultimately turn our economy Cabinet, which has set the around. To sustain and enhance strategic direction of Colorado's relation-ships locally with workforce and educational business and industry, the CWDC system. This direction of the sponsored several events to CWDC will be lead and driven showcase the workforce system, by business practices and needs increase presence and build face- in collaboration with economic to-face relationships with job development, education and seekers, business and industry workforce. associations. These included: • Office of Economic • Director of CWDC was a • Westex Rocky Mountain Development & International member of the NGA Workforce Regional Foodservice & Trade Chairs, and a member of the Restaurant Exposition National Association of Connection to information and Workforce Boards (NAWB). • College in Colorado Pre- training were provided through: The Executive Director is a Collegiate Conference shared position between the • Colorado "Safe Places" OEDIT and CDLE. The Director • Stemapalooza Continuum of Care - a rural continues to be a member of collaborative improving youth various economic and business • EDCC spring and fall and family safety, permanency, associations to collaborate on conferences well-being, education and business issues related to employment developing the talent based • Rocky Mountain Workforce workforce. Development Association • Person Centered Independence Conference Planning Project - training, web- Colorado Department of Labor inars and a toolkit focused on and Employment (CDLE) • CDHS Rural Runaway and youth 14-21, their families and Homeless Youth Awareness caregivers as they transition to • Executive Director was a Month independence and employment member of the National Association of State Workforce • CareerReady Colorado • Youthnet searchable database Administrators (NASWA) Certificate Launch of resources in Colorado • Deputy Executive Director was a member of the National • Person Centered Independence • Social media webinars for local Planning Project counties and partners Association of State Workforce Administrators (NASWA) • Colorado Construction Career NATIONAL POLICY • Director of the Division of Days DEVELOPMENT Employment and Training was a member of NASWA and was New and existing partnerships Representatives from Colorado's on NASWA's Employment were targeted for enhancement lead agencies served in these and Training Committee and paid dividends at state and national leadership roles: local levels as the flow of informa- • Director of Workforce tion and participation at our Development Programs was Colorado Workforce the Chair of the Board of events increased. New relation- Development Council (CWDC) ships were created with: Directors, Economic Develop- • Chair of the CWDC was newly ment Council of Colorado • Colorado Society for Human appointed by the Governor in (EDCC) and continues to serve Resource Managers 2010 and will serve as an active on the Colorado Companies to • National Youth Employment member of the National Watch Advisory Committee and Coalition Governors Association (NGA) other economic and business • Mental Health Advisory State Workforce Chairs and associations Committee

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 23 Winning in a Challenging Economy • Director of Workforce Develop- ment Program Operations served as Chair of the NGA State Liaisons, a member of the NGA State Liaisons Executive Committee and staff to the The WELLS NGA State Workforce Board Chairs Center produces custom- • Director of Workforce Medical resident, nursing student and EMT student revive an overdose “victim” Development Programs Field (simulation mannequin) at the WELLS ized curriculum inter- Operations was a member of Center the NASWA and served on the The WELLS Center produces Veterans Committee faced with cutting-edge customized curriculum interfaced with cutting-edge technology for • Director of Labor Market health care educators, Information (LMI) was a technology for health practitioners and students. The member of NASWA, on the LMI WELLS Center is nationally Committee, Co-Chair of the recognized as one of the few care educators, Projections Managing health care educational centers Partnership and worked with combining technological the Census Bureau on the Local practitioners and advances with customized Employment Dynamics curriculum focused on human Steering Committee. students. The patient simulation. • Budget Director was a member The WELLS Center project was of NASWA and on the WELLS Center is initiated through a $1.6 million Administration and Finance U.S. Department of Labor grant, Committee. which was awarded to CDLE in nationally recognized • EO Administrator was a July 2005. This "Colorado member of NASWA and on the Workforce Innovation and as one of the few EEO Committee. Technology Demonstration Grant" seeks solutions to alleviate health care educa- Colorado's critical shortage of WELLS CENTER health care professionals and to The "Work, Education and build capacity for professional tional centers combin- Lifelong Learning Simulation training using state-of-the-art Center" (WELLS Center) is a technology. Key partners include ing technological state-of-the-art, jointly funded CDLE, Colorado Workforce public/private health care Development Council, University initiative that targets Colorado's of Colorado Hospital, University advances with custom- severe health care worker of Colorado-Denver WIN shortage. Partners, University of Colorado ized curriculum focused Denver Health Sciences Center, This first of its kind facility Central Colorado Area Health integrates three-dimensional Education Center and Touch of on human patient computerized anatomy tools with Life Technologies Inc. complex computer-controlled Housed in the Bioscience East simulation. human patient simulators (mannequins) for clinical training building at the Colorado Science and faculty development and Technology Park at programs accessible by schools of Fitzsimons, the WELLS Center nursing and hospitals statewide. operates in a 5,000 square foot

24 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report space, remodeled specifically for states implementing sector and making additional the WELLS high-tech simulation strategies. discretionary funding available to applications and state-of-the-art new regional partnerships. equipment. Ongoing operational Between December 2009 and costs are supplemented with over February 2010, $1.7 million in $2.5 million in in-kind additional funds were awarded to contributions from the private existing grantees for and public sectors. implementation of their sector initiatives in the health care, Beginning in fiscal year 2010, the energy, water and sustainable ownership and operation of the manufacturing industries. On WELLS Center will be transferred June 28, 2010, two additional to the University of Colorado implementation grants were Hospital. The transfer will enable awarded through a competitive the WELLS Center to further bid process, totaling $650,000. BETR PROJECT grow and expand its mission, and ensure that simulation training To date, CDLE has awarded over The Business And Education becomes a cornerstone of medical $2.8 million to regional sector Talent Readiness (BETR) Project is and healthcare education and partnerships. Each regional a partnership between CDLE, training in Colorado. CDLE will partnership is receiving local workforce centers, schools, remain an active partner in the customized technical assistance to private businesses, professional Center and will continue to advance their sector planning, and organizations, and faith-based support its mission to provide CDLE has developed a framework and community organizations. quality simulation training to to evaluate the success of regional BETR's primary goals are to help health care professionals and sector initiatives in Colorado. prepare students for jobs after students. Sector strategies work from the graduation, increase the flow of premise that, in any region, there workforce-ready students exiting are certain industry sectors that the educational pipeline and SECTOR STRATEGY reduce the number of dropouts. INTIATIVES are powerful economic drivers. The seven sector partnerships BETR's programs are designed to In PY09, Colorado continued to have leveraged $698,892 in public expose teachers to the world of advance sector-based initiatives and private funding towards their business and help them gain an statewide as a framework to initiatives. Targeting and understanding of business needs transform the workforce leveraging public and private and real-life applications of development system to better investments to support the classroom learning. It was started meet the needs of Colorado's growth and health of these sectors as a pilot project in the Pikes Peak industries and workers. Following allows local and state policy Workforce Region in May 2007 the award of seven sector grants makers to prioritize and grow and was later transferred to CDLE in May 2009 totaling $500,000, their region's important industries so it could be implemented on a CDLE hosted a sector academy in while supporting citizens' needs statewide basis. September 2009 to provide for good jobs. training and technical assistance BETR promotes 21st century work to the grantees using a multi-state A distinguished cross-disciplinary readiness through Web-based sector toolkit that Colorado state team, representing resources such as virtual invested in over two years ago. policymakers, government collaboration, assessments, agencies, education, and industry, podcasts, online training and As part of the National continues to meet monthly to online corporate videos that Governor's Association State promote sector strategies across explain the types of skills needed Sector Learning Network, the state. During PY10, Colorado by qualified job applicants within Accelerating State Adoption of will continue to advance sector their companies. The PreK-12 Sector Strategies, Colorado hosted initiatives statewide by providing educational system is encouraged an annual peer learning academy technical assistance to regions in October 2009 with 22 other implementing sector initiatives

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 25 Winning in a Challenging Economy to align their educational requirements with post- secondary and workplace expectations and implement business skill requirements into lesson plans and curriculum to prepare future job seekers for Science, Technology, he BETR Project careers in a "knowledge Engineering and Math T economy." To achieve this goal, (STEM) area. the BETR Project has implemen- supports the governor's ted three main programs: • PREP Videos give students a chance to listen to individuals • Tuesday Tours gives Colorado goal to prepare who share how they overcame teachers an opportunity to visit significant obstacles to become businesses and learn about the successful in school or Colorado's students for services and goods they employment, and provide produce, job opportunities virtual role models and the business needs of within the industry and the encouragement for youth with types of skills needed to similar backgrounds or issues. perform those jobs. The tours the 21st century and are held on the 3rd Tuesday of The BETR Project supports the the month for six months governor's goal to prepare has been endorsed by during the school year. A more Colorado's students for the intensive summer program is business needs of the 21st century also available for teachers who and has been endorsed by the the Colorado State are unable to attend tours Colorado State Board of during the school year because Education. To date, BETR has Board of Education. of scheduling conflicts. Teachers partnered with over 300 Colorado earn graduate-level college businesses and 272 Colorado credit by participating in the educators, and has held over To date, BETR has tours and completing lesson 1,900 individual business tours in plans they can then use in their many regions of the state. It partnered with over classrooms. Teachers share continues to grow in acceptance these lesson plans via inter- and momentum. active online collaboration 300 Colorado centers so all teachers around OFFENDER EMPLOYMENT the state can take advantage of PROGRAMS businesses and 272 what they learned. Colorado districts and classrooms are This year, CDLE administered strengthened by sharing best two programs designed to help Colorado educators, practices that inject real-life releasing offenders face many relevancy into curriculum, barriers to reentry into the and has held over 1,900 lessons and classroom community by building skills, discussions. plus obtaining and retaining employment. These include the individual business tours • REELBiz Virtual Business Motherhood Program, a grant Tours are online videos that funded by the Colorado provide an opportunity for in many regions of the Department of Human Services teachers, parents, and students designed for female offenders to watch business leaders with children under 18, and the state. discuss the demands of their Stop the Revolving Door Program industries and explain the funded by ARRA, an employ- types of job skills needed to be ment and training program for successful, especially in the men and women offenders.

26 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report The Motherhood Program Program Outcomes - CDLE's According to the Colorado Motherhood Program exceeded Department of Corrections (2008), its goals and achieved the meta 10% of Colorado’s prison pop- goals of the TANF program ulation is women, with 2,342 including: living behind bars. Of those, 75% are mothers who have an average • Assisting needy families so of 2.5 children each. The Mother- children can be cared for in their hood Program enrolled women own homes; and offenders in its gender-specific • Reducing the dependency of employment and training based needy parents by promoting job With the help of the Motherhood program where they received preparation and work. program, a Motherhood participant hard skills training, job readiness graduates with her high school diploma! and soft skills, work experience A total of 340 participants were and employment. The program enrolled in the program. The • Trauma Assessment helped them find stable housing, household income of women • WIA Training dollars provided encouragement and prior to the Motherhood Program mentoring, and supplied wrap- was $8,614 per year, and upon Motherhood Program Success around, employment-based completion of the Motherhood Story - Client 6 had difficulty supportive services. Program, the income was nearly dealing with the heavy burdens of double at $16,722.17 per year. a pained childhood. Though she always maintained a good job and The Motherhood Program was Those entering employment received her associate's degree, also based on a relational model totaled 194. On average, the that provided the women with the she turned to drugs to deal with women in the Motherhood her emotional scarring, causing opportunity to experience change Program made $9.62 per hour and through their supportive relation- her to fall into addiction. With worked 35 hours per week. The four children of her own, she ships with other women in the recidivism measured was 2.5%, a balanced a life of being a mother, program and through the positive rate significantly better than the employee, student and addict. interactions with their career goal of 25% and greatly below the Eventually, it all came crashing counselors, who served as national and state recidivism rate down when she was charged with positive role models. averages which typically range drug possession. Sentenced to 10 Group events such as the fall visit from 60% to 70%. months in the rehabilitation center known as The Haven, she lost the to May Farms and shopping trips Leveraged Resources - The CDLE two daughters that were young for interview clothes, as well as leveraged multiple resources that enough to be in her care. shared career experiences through enabled more clients to be served afternoon outings for group using fewer Motherhood Program Like many ex-offenders, Client 6 assessments, life skills and dollars. In total, the Motherhood has discovered how difficult it can mentoring, created a shared Program leveraged more than be to find a job without reliable experience and a sense of $297,336 from several programs transportation. "The Motherhood belonging, and resulted in including: Program has given me so much in positive changes in the lives of terms of being more participants. • The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program independent," she said. Now • Federal Bonding Program she's employed full time in a • Use of e-Colorado doctor's office. What's even more • CareerReady Colorado exciting for her is the idea of Certificate furthering her education in that • Online Training field. "Now I'm taking online • WIRED and iCAST courses for medical billing and • Adams County - Solar coding. I think the best thing [The Installation Training Motherhood Program] has done A successful Motherhood Project client • Empowerment Program for me is my schooling." with her daughter at the May Farms teamwork and mother-child bonding • Housing locator assistance event in October 2009

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 27 Winning in a Challenging Economy recently released (within 60 days) top the Revolving youthful offenders (ages 18-29 S years) with felonies releasing from state or federal correctional Door Round Two exceeded facilities. Round 3 is designed for offenders of any age that have its program goals in part been released from any type of correctional facility, for any amount of time, and for any type because it leveraged Motherhood Project staff and participants at the Pathways to Employment of crime. The program is open to celebration held June 2010. men and women. training dollars from To deliver services, CDLE is Living on her own again with her collaborating with faith and other programs includ- youngest daughter, she describes community-based organizations how her second daughter will be to deliver employment and arriving in less than two days to ing WIRED, perform- supportive services. Participating live with her permanently. "I've agencies include: Empowerment, had a lot of faith; faith in myself, DenverWorks, the Road Called ance incentive grants, faith in the program, faith in the STRATE, Turnabout, Pros and fact that there are people looking Cons and Aurora Mental Health out for me and have my best Elevate America and Services, Christ Life, and interests and my kids' best interests in mind. I think that's Women's Resource Center. the online training going to help me persevere SRD Round Two Outcomes - The through anything." program exceeded its outcome grant. The program goals, in part because it leveraged Stop the Revolving Door training dollars from other Program (SRD) programs including WIRED, achieved 116% of its Stop the Revolving Door is a performance incentive grants, voluntary, performance-based Elevate America and the online enrollment goal, employment and training training grant. SRD Round Two program designed to help achieved 116% of its goal by releasing offenders build skills, exceeded its entered enrolling 463 program learn life skills, and obtain and participants. Of these, 100% retain employment to achieve received work readiness and life employment goal and self-sufficiency and reduce skills training. Over 206 recidivism. participants received vocational attained an average The Stop the Revolving Door training, and another 60 (SRD) Program is in its third participants were trained inside prison in preparation for release. hourly rate of $11.01. round of funding. In the first and second rounds, the program was The program exceeded its goal for funded by the U.S. Department of Recidivism was 7.5%, entered employment rate. The Labor and the office of Faith and employment retention rate was Community Based Initiatives. The 100% of goal, and the average significantly below the third round was funded by hourly rate was $11.01 (compared ARRA. to a $9.22 goal). Recidivism was national and state Rounds two and three ran 7.5%, significantly below the concurrently during PY09. Round national and state recidivism rates of 70%. recidivism rates of 70%. two is primarily designed for

28 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report SRD Round Three Outcomes - In LABOR MARKET round three, a total of 143 INFORMATION (LMI) offenders were enrolled. Of these, INITIATIVES 100% received life skills training and work readiness skills. The LMI has undertaken multiple number of vocational certificates projects to enhance and present awarded was 72. A total of 94 new and continuing products to offenders were hired at an users across the State. These average wage of $10.00 per hour, initiatives have brought LMI to a working an average of 35 hours new level of user responsiveness per week. to meet the labor market data needs of workforce professionals, SRD Success Story - CJ is a 29- educators, businesses, economists year-old male who had been and the general job seeking paroled to transitional housing public. Below are highlights of after having served eight years for multiple property crimes, larceny LMI's PY 2009 initiatives. and auto theft. His half-way New Products - Last year, LMI house informed him that he had partnered with Metro Denver Denver Metro Top Jobs – one of many 10 days to find a job or he would WIRED to create industry LMI-developed brochures be going back to prison. Despite brochures for high school juniors having many skills, he was and seniors. The brochures lmigateway. An upgraded constantly turned down for jobs focused on the information version with greatly enhanced because of his felonies. He technology, energy, aerospace and tools, including the generation of managed to keep his housing by bioscience industries. Each multi-colored graphs, is expected doing anything and everything industry brochure was printed for in the coming year, and all print around the property that needed distribution among high schools, materials designed to help with to be done, whether it was workforce centers and industry web page access will be mowing or painting. organizations. In addition, an redeveloped at that time. Educator Career Guide was His case manager hoped that if developed to provide short Training and Outreach - The she could get his parole officer's activities using the information Training and Outreach Unit consent to get his driver’s license from the industry brochures. continued its efforts to translate back, it would make him more LMI data into user-friendly terms. employable, so she wrote a formal Top Jobs in Colorado - LMI Training sessions, presentations, request and got permission for distributed more than 67,500 Top printed products and interactive reinstatement. She also set up Jobs brochures during the pro- tools were all created with the aim training for him as a flagger. CJ gram year. The brochures include of showing how to access LMI got hired immediately, starting at statewide and metropolitan statis- data, what the numbers mean and $9.00/hour. One week later, his tical areas, focusing on occupa- how our customers can best use pay was raised to $12.63/hour, tional projections. Jobs are sorted the data available. In 2009, LMI and now he works nights on Fast by education and training require- provided 28 cost effective training Track and is making $16.73/hour. ments, and wages and potential sessions and presentations to for growth. This last year, LMI workforce centers, chambers of CJ has also started volunteering encouraged the use of electronic commerce, educators, human his time at the Turnabout office. brochures to reduce printing resource groups and economic He always comes to mentoring requirements. All brochures are development professionals. In meetings and has become a easily accessible on the LMI addition, almost 174,000 printed familiar site at Turnabout website or can be ordered in print. products were distributed over functions. He says he wants to that same time period. give back to the people who LMI Gateway Enhancements - didn't give up on him. LMI Gateway can be accessed through www.coworkforce.com/

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 29 Winning in a Challenging Economy CDLE KNOWLEDGE comprehensive, easy-to-navigate MANAGEMENT PORTAL electronic interface among all Initially developed with (www.e-Colorado.org) stakeholders of the workforce development system: individual Green is a primary PY2009 color! WIA performance incentive and business customers, Colorado is a leader in providing workforce system professionals, clean and renewable forms of student educational and training funds, the CDLE energy including wind, solar and institutions, community and geothermal, as well as energy- faith-based organizations, and efficiency technologies in Knowledge Management government. commercial and residential buildings. State and federal grant Courseware, documents, data, Portal is designed to man- award information in these areas, instructors, other learners and comprised of multiple partners colleagues can be accessed from age resources through a focused on workforce one centralized location. In this development, must be collected way, the Web portal is intended to and organized. As a tool for offer an efficient and cost- single, comprehensive, information sharing, e-Colorado, effective solution to manage the CDLE’s Web portal, is hosting a rapidly expanding universe of easy-to-navigate elec- large number of green-based information and to transform team rooms used by individuals information into actionable and organizations. knowledge. tronic interface among Initially developed with WIA Team Rooms - Known in some performance incentive funds, the all workforce develop- domains as social networking, CDLE Knowledge Management each team room offers its own Portal is designed to manage personal page for rapid access of ment system stake- resources through a single, information and links to the team holders: individual and business customers, workforce system professionals, student educational and training institutions, community and faith-based organizations, and government. The Business Advisory Council team room for the Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grant. The grant was awarded to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment/Colorado Workforce Development Council by the U.S. Department of Labor.

30 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report room calendar and announce- underway to transfer the Web Energy Boost - The Front Range ments. A discussion board and portal platform and its shared Community College's Energy chat capability exist for extended content through multi-state Boost: Basic Training for the communication beyond e-mail. networks. Energy Industry provided Currently, CDLE’s Web portal has training in basic math skills, more than 220 active team rooms. WORKFORCE INNOVATION understanding basic statistics and IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC measurements, metrology, Colorado Grants - The Grant reading blueprints, introduction DEVELOPMENT GRANT to process technology, working in Clearinghouse is a site for the (WIRED) workforce system, economic teams and communication skills development and community In May 2010, Colorado completed in the workplace. Curriculum colleges to find federal, state, local its four-year, $15 million WIRED design includes industry input from major or foundation grant solicitations grant. Metro Denver WIRED has successfully developed a energy and/or awards. Grant informa- transformational, industry-driven companies such tion is accessible through a regional talent development as Vestas, a searchable data base that contains system that is producing a home- manufacturer of regional and/or statewide grants. grown workforce equipped with wind turbines Team rooms are available for the skills and knowledge needed and towers. workgroups to collaborate on for jobs in the region's fastest grants across systems and regions. growing high wage industries: Bioscience Boost - The aerospace, bioscience, energy and Broomfield Workforce Center ARRA - The Web portal enables IT/software. partnered with Front Range users to electronically access vast Since its inception, the Metro Community College to help quantities of federal and Colora- launch its Bioscience Boost do ARRA data in relation to Denver WIRED initiative invested in programs that cut across program. This new bioscience workforce development, program was launched September renewable energy, green jobs and boundaries and jurisdictions and has promoted science, technology, 2009 as a result of Broomfield's more (http://www. e-colorado. engineering and math (STEM) workforce customers participating org/file.aspx? ID= 47009). The education in secondary and post- in WIRED's Individual Training page is updated as new informa- secondary schools. WIRED also Account program. The program tion becomes available to support built upon existing partnerships covered an overview of industry- winning in a challenging econo- and leveraged public and private determined guidelines and my with timeliness and accuracy. funding to sustain its work well regulatory standards. Participants beyond the life of the grant. Electronic Portfolio - The Web also reviewed the roles and portal offers a free online tool to responsibilities of quality registered users for developing an WIRED Program Highlights assurance and quality control electronic portfolio. Training for positions. use at a community college or at a MIST - Employment local workforce center is required. Expert Technician Academy - Services of Weld Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, in Using their portfolio, individuals County and its collaboration with the Arapahoe can collect, organize, and share partners imple- education and career-related mented a Multi-Industries Community College, Douglas information with employers, Systems Technician (MIST) County School District and the counselors, and educators. training and entry-level/mid-level Douglas County Educational employment program for youth Foundation, created the Expert Upgrading and adding new and adults in partnership with Technician Academy. The features and tools to the Web Aims Community College. The Academy is an industry/ portal continues. Ongoing efforts project has provided innovative workforce/education partnership leverage Colorado's investment in job training designed to remediate the knowledge management to address hard-to-fill skilled and develop skills needed for employment needs in aerospace, portal with new state partners, employment in the energy while significant work is industry to over 160 customers.

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 31 Winning in a Challenging Economy energy, IT and bioscience LMI Brochures - Colorado's industries. This collaborative Labor Market Information effort was created to teach both department created industry “Northrop adult and youth learners the brochures for the targeted technical skills required by WIRED industries of aerospace, Grumman's involvement industry partners and to ensure bioscience, energy and real-world experiences are an information technology. The integral part of the training, with WIRED has made a brochures are being used to resulting in academic credit encourage high school youth and/or certifications. exploration of careers within tremendous difference in these industries and to provide iCAST information regarding post- Training - The secondary educational our approach to STEM International opportunities. The audiences for Center for the brochures include high school Appropriate education and talent juniors and seniors, their parents and Sustain- and school counselors located able Technology (iCAST) development. Involve- within the nine-county WIRED provided energy efficiency and region. The brochures are solar panel installation training available in English and Spanish. ment with WIRED has for over 300 unemployed, underemployed and incumbent Training, Placement and increased our know- workers referred by workforce Partnership Outcomes centers in the WIRED region. The table below profiles the key iCAST developed and offered two impacts of WIRED with regard to ledge and enhanced new training programs covering talent development and partnership wind technology and mainten- strategies. our ability to cooper- ance and commercial energy efficiency audit. Additionally, The WIRED initiative has also funded over 35 replicable iCAST trained over 1,000 students ate with local schools promising practice programs that through its WIRED training demonstrate partnerships among programs available online at workforce, education, and and community http://www.icastusa.org/. economic development, including: organizations that have the same interests in education and development of local talent."

- Jacoline Beann, Human

Resources, Northrup

Grumman

32 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report • $8.4 million for JumpStart and participated in three major Workforce Innovation grants business-to-business events reaching out to over 400 • $340,000 for WIRED Individual employers. The events were Training Accounts hosted by the Colorado Society of Human Resource Management, • $300,000 for Career Academy projects Colorado Human Resources Association (CHRA) and the • $300,000 for SECTOR strategy Denver Metro Chamber. These initiatives continue to be valuable partnership/memberships that State Rapid Response staff Petra • $90,000 for the Business and provide opportunities to promote Chavez and Chris Carman Education Talent Readiness Rapid Response services to provide program information to project business. businesses at the Colorado Society of Human Resource • $100,000 for career industry Rapid Response participated in brochures two community resource fairs on Management annual conference August 20 and October 20, 2009. • Completion of research and These were opportunities for process is a "Job Ready 1-2-3" analysis phase: asset mapping, business proprietors and the model. The steps towards job matrices, a workforce study, a general public to connect with employment are: Get Informed, gaps and issues analysis, a career information about local workforce Get the Tools, Get Placed. pathways report, a workforce centers and other community competencies analysis entities, including rapid response. Colorado Bar Association Local Dislocated Worker The Colorado Bar Association • Partnership with Governor's continues to be a successful Office on NGA STEM grant Initiatives This year marks some exciting partnership. We have delivered five presentations at law firms RAPID RESPONSE approaches developed by local workforce regions. The Larimer that deal directly with the WARN The Colorado State Rapid County Workforce Center began Act and employment issues. The providing expanded customized focus is to educate attorneys, who Response Unit has had a are working with employers filing services to employers. This has successful year with expanded WARN notices, regarding Rapid allowed them to use career efforts to meet the needs of Response services that can assist businesses and dislocated workers exploration paired with career their clients during a layoff around the state. As a result of pathways tools to match situation. these efforts, a total of 227 employees to compatible jobs prior to layoffs. Larimer County employers received layoff As a result, the State Rapid has also used layoff reserve funds transition services. In addition to Response Unit continues to to offer "Laid Off to Living" receive referrals from providing services to the support groups. businesses, a key component to employment attorneys, and we are able to reach out to companies the Rapid Response program is A large number of regions have begun implementing Economic that otherwise would not have responding to the needs of known about our services. employees affected by these Modeling Specialist Incorporated layoffs. Specifically, this year we (EMSI) data analysis, in collaboration with the CDLE Outplacement Partnerships have seen major layoffs in the Labor Market Information section, Our continued relationships with retail trade, manufacturing, to draw connections between outplacement companies like government, and finance and current and transferable skills to Right Management, Resnik insurance industries. real-time job openings. Partners and Drake Beam Morin have continued to develop, Business Outreach Events Denver's Division of Workforce allowing us further opportunities The Rapid Response Unit has Development has moved to to connect with separated continued to focus on outreach. streamline the process of employees. These partnerships Along with our Colorado connecting dislocated workers workforce center partners, we and job seekers to jobs. This new

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 33 Winning in a Challenging Economy have given us the opportunity to talk to a representative, they hear participate in on-site workshops short narratives about dislocated for those clients nearing the worker and veterans services. completion of their contracts and provide information about on- In a similar approach, the Labor going services and educational Market Information survey team The E3 Career opportunities that are available has begun to include contact through the workforce centers information for Rapid Response statewide. when they are making their and Resource fair reached scripted calls to companies as The Rapid Response unit, in part of their LMI surveys. This is collaboration with the outplace- in an effort to continue educating its highest participation ment companies, offered 10 open the business community about workshops throughout PY09 to available services offered through get information out to affected Rapid Response. rate yet and provided a employees who were no longer attached to specific companies, Advertisements were also utilized but were continuing to be for outreach efforts. Throughout venue where over 6,000 provided services through the the year, local publications such above mentioned companies. as the Colorado Human Resource Magazine, Denver Post and unemployed and/or Expanded Outreach Strategies Denver Business Journal ran In the past year, the Rapid informational advertisements or Response Unit has taken a look at featured short articles targeting underemployed job how unemployment insurance business. Each time one of the customers could learn about the advertisements ran, Rapid dislocated worker and workforce Response saw an increase in the seekers gained access center services. One new number of calls from businesses approach has been to create audio requesting service. recordings explaining service to employment oppor- options. Now, when individuals 8th Annual E3 Career and call the unemployment customer Resource Fair claims center and are waiting to Through the combined efforts of tunities in high-growth PY09 Layoffs by Industry industries. Continued support from workforce center specialists allowed for over 250 people to benefit from a professional resume critique.

34 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report the State Rapid Response Team, functions from Joblink to our the Governor's Summer Job Hunt Connecting Colorado web-based Program, the Colorado Workforce user interface. WIA, TAA, Centers and the Colorado Wagner-Peyser, WOTC and Workforce Speaks committee, a financial tracking all are successful E3 Career and Resource processed on the same underlying Fair took place on September 9, database. All of these functions, 2009. The E3 Career and Resource with the exception of the financial Fair focuses on three critical systems, are now accessible via elements of building a world-class Connecting Colorado. economy: employment, education and economic growth. This allows close integration of all Among the 115 booths, 85 were One-Stop functions. Having these dedicated to employers in high- functions on a web-based growth industries, and the PY09 Reasons for Layoff interface allows for easy access remaining booths were reserved from any PC with an Internet for community resources and connection and provides more educational institutions. • Of the 10,810 affected indivi- intuitive data entry processes for new employees. The E3 Career and Resource fair duals, 3,607 were affected by business closures, 4,149 were reached its highest participation Expanded Document Scanning - affected by a company rate yet and provided a venue All required documents for TAA where over 6,000 unemployed downsize, 422 were affected due data validation are now scanned and/or underemployed jobseekers to sale of company and 1,582 and available online. Our rural gained access to employment were affected for various region now has all of its WIA opportunities in high-growth reasons. documents scanned and available. industries. The continued • Nine companies that utilized Many of the locally run regions support from the workforce center Rapid Response were TAA specialists allowed for over 250 have adopted a policy of scanning certified. all documents on new applicants, people to benefit from a • 50 companies provided WARN professional resume critique. This which will simplify document notification to the State Rapid offering continues to be reported access for monitoring and allow as a valuable and highly sought Response Dislocated Worker cost savings in the regions as their out resource. A "Disability Unit. requirements for document Navigator Booth" was available storage and security are reduced. for people with any type of There were 135 layoff transition disability. This year electronic workshops provided throughout DISABILITY PROGRAM registration with www.connecting the state, with 2,776 dislocated colorado.com was utilized again workers in attendance. In addi- NAVIGATOR (DPN) to introduce new job seekers to tion, the State Rapid Response their local workforce center and Unit offered the opportunity for Disability Program Navigators the benefits of using this affected employees to attend a (DPNs), benefits planners and multifaceted job search database. two-hour layoff transition assistive technology are just three workshop and connect with many pieces of the integrated support Rapid Response Statistics of the local workforce centers services provided at the local During 2009, state and local Rapid outside of their business location. workforce centers to assist job Response teams served the Three workshops were also following groups and provided conducted at faith-based seekers with disabilities. The DPN the following services: organization job clubs, targeting provides expertise and serves as a resource person to the workforce • 227 employers received layoff people that had been recently separated from employment. investment system, with the goal assistance services of increasing employment and self • 10,810 individuals were dis- AUTOMATION INITIATIVES sufficiency for persons with located based on the highest disabilities. number reported by each Enhancement to Connecting employer. Colorado - During PY09, Colorado moved staff WIA/TAA

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 35 Winning in a Challenging Economy Some of the core functions of a • Audio amplification DPN include: training workforce equipment center staff and partnering • Software to enhance reading agencies on activities, services and writing productivity and resources available in their • TTY/TDD • Physical accommodations The Colorado local community; developing linkages and collaborating with Workforce Development employers to promote the hiring The Colorado Workforce of people with disabilities; Development Council (CWDC) providing information on also received additional funding Council (CWDC) assistive technologies and/or from the U.S. Department of referrals to organizations that can Labor to develop and refine received additional serve as resources; and ensuring various technical assistance and the workforce center facility, training tools for use by funding from the U.S. services, programs and workforce systems around the equipment are accessible to country. Colorado WIN Partners persons with disabilities. (WIN) at the University of Department of Labor to Colorado Denver took the lead on BENEFIT PLANNERS developing these tools in develop and refine collaboration with the CWDC and In addition to the DPNs, there are Colorado's DPN Initiative. In benefit planners (BPs) available to various disability addition, Colorado participated in anyone accessing a workforce a national study with the center or a Division of Vocational USDOL/ETA regarding the technical assistance Rehabilitation office. The BP is benefits of the DPN Initiative. available to educate and provide and training tools for information about Social Security DPN STATE AND LOCAL Administration, Work Incentive MATURITY MODEL use by workforce Programs, PASS plans, Ticket to INVENTORIES Work, Impairment-Related Work Expenses and Eligibility/ The Maturity Model Inventory systems around the Application Processes for assists states and local workforce SSDI/SSI Benefits. They also assist center staff to: (a) identify the country. In addition, people with determining the phase of implementation of the potential impact of income on DPN Initiative as defined by the Colorado participated benefits (i.e., SSI/SSDI, Medicare key areas in the Maturity Model and Medicaid). Matrix, (b) educate partners about the growth of the program, (c) in a national study with In each of the workforce regions, orient new staff, (d) provide there is at least one Universally policy direction, and (e) identify the USDOL/ETA Accessible Workstation that priorities for technical assistance. contains approximately 22 This information about the status regarding the benefits of assistive technology devices and software available to assist job of the DPN Initiative can be used seekers with disabilities, to educate partners, make choices the Disability Program including: about policy and technical assistance to continue growth, Navigator (DPN) Initiative. • Text magnification systems orient new staff about the current • Computer screen magnifier status of the Initiative and what • Software to read screen and changes are being made, and text orient a new DPN.

36 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report workplace disability issues. These the One-Stop Career Center sys- briefs were disseminated to all tem by Supplemental Security DPNs and are available at Income (SSI) and Social Security www.cowinpartners.org. Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries. Colorado was one of ONLINE DISABILITY four states who participated in the AWARENESS TRAINING study. The study is entitled "Use of One-Stops by Social Security Colorado WIN Partners was Disability Beneficiaries in Four responsible for developing and States Implementing Disability managing this online disability Program Navigator Initiatives," awareness training course, Mathematica Policy Research Inc., designed for workforce center May 2010 and can be downloaded Celebrating the 20th Anniversary professionals and other at: http://disability.workforce3one. of the ADA individuals who would like to org. more effectively serve individuals The State and Local Maturity with disabilities. The course STATE ENERGY SECTOR Model Inventories have been consists of five core units PARTNERSHIP GRANT automated for ease of use and (Universal Access, Assistive scoring and for creating custom Technology, Overview of the The Colorado Workforce reports accessible for use around Disability Program Navigator Development Council (CWDC) the country. These Inventories Initiative, Integrated Resource successfully applied for a U.S. can be accessed at: Teams and Serving Customers Department of Labor grant http://www.winpartnerssurvey. with Disabilities in the Workforce opportunity to increase awareness org/development/index.php. Center) and five elective units about energy conservation and After a user completes a survey, a (The ADA and Accommodations, training opportunities. The State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) is summary report is provided Effective Collaboration, DPN an innovative, three-year explaining the results of the Maturity Model Matrices, Ticket partnership between Colorado responses and tips for advancing to Work and Effective Communication). businesses, training providers and to a higher phase of DPN government to give businesses the implementation. Participants who complete all five workforce they need to thrive, grow DPN BUSINESS BRIEFS core units plus one elective unit and help Colorado workers have a and pass all of the tests included career in the energy efficient or renewable energy fields. Colorado WIN Partners also with each unit received a developed a series of Business certificate of completion. The Training opportunities will focus on Briefs through this project. These online course was available industry-recognized certifications tools were developed for use by through the e-Colorado website at and degrees. In short, this is where Colorado's DPNs and workforce http://www.e-colorado.org business demand and a talented system personnel to engage /default.aspx. In PY09, over 50 workforce meet. This $5,998,021 businesses and dispel myths of workforce center employees grant, involving all workforce individuals with disabilities in the enrolled in the online training. regions and multiple partners, will work place. The Business Briefs be utilized for the following are designed to dispel myths QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION activities: OF THE DPN INITIATIVE regarding job accommodations, Statewide Apprenticeship the Americans with Disabilities Partnership USDOL/ETA contracted with Act and commonly held Registered apprenticeship Mathematica Policy Research stereotypes, while at the same programs are an effective and (MPR) Inc. to conduct a time reminding businesses of the efficient way to train people for quantitative evaluation of the no-cost resource (DPN) on DPN Initiative through the use of

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 37 Winning in a Challenging Economy energy efficiency and renewable residents and nonprofit energy jobs. The SESP grant will organizations, or complete land support registered apprenticeships conservation projects in state and that contain a green curriculum local parks, mountain areas and focused on the skills apprentices national forests including trail need to meet the demand of building, noxious weed removal, olorado success- Colorado business. C community gardening and fire mitigation. fully applied for a U.S. Energy Scholarships Not all energy efficiency or Corps members get training and renewable energy jobs require the experience and earn education Department of Labor grant skills learned in an apprenticeship. awards. Help is also provided to That is why scholarships will be coordinate personal, academic and to increase awareness awarded to Coloradans who want to earn certificates or add to their occupational goals; complete a education to meet the demands of GED, if necessary; and gain about energy conservation renewable and energy efficient knowledge and/or employment in employers. the field of conservation. and training opportunities. Public Awareness and Youth Energy 101 Outreach To take advantage of the career opportunities with renewable The State Energy Sector Student ambassadors will be trained through a public awareness energy and energy efficiency campaign to help students and businesses, Coloradoans must Partnership (SESP) is an adults increase their awareness of know about the associated jobs and the benefits of energy efficiency and training needed for them. Outreach renewable energy. Green practices workshops will be delivered innovative, three-year put into motion by these newly through the SESP to provide this aware youth and parents will result information and referrals for grant partnership between in measurable energy savings. And, participation. the program will expand citizen Smart Grid Training participation in activities that will Colorado businesses, Several Colorado communities are create jobs and business opportuni- implementing smart grid ties. technologies. Partnering with these training providers and The Energy Sector communities to provide the needed Entrepreneurial Pilot Project training to engineers and other government to give Partnering with venture capital occupations will help support sources, business incubators and implementation of the SESP grant. Colorado small business develop- businesses the workforce ment councils, the SESP will help support 30 entrepreneurs in starting GOVERNOR'S SUMMER they need to thrive, grow energy efficient or renewable JOB HUNT energy related businesses. This program will start in 2011. The Governor's Summer Job Hunt and help Colorado workers (GSJH) was established in 1981 as Youth Conservation Corps a way to help Colorado's youth The Youth Conservation Corps is a make the transition from school have a career in the energy program that works. The corps provides an employment to work by matching their skills efficient or renewal energy opportunity for young people to and interests with employment work on conservation projects as opportunities. Over the life of the program, more than 300,000 fields. part of a team. Teams work together to provide water or energy young people (ages 16-21) have efficiency measures to low-income found summer employment.

38 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report During PY09, employer The Southeastern Region - This involvement with the GSJH year, Lamar-area employers program occurred in many ways: identified their top three concerns hiring youth, participating in regarding today's youth in the mock interviews, job shadowing workforce: lack of strong work and holding roundtable ethic, failure to show up on time discussions on youth employment and being able to hire youth who topics. Dedication and commit- can act professionally in the ment from the local workforce Governor Bill Ritter and 9News Anchor workplace. This information was centers resulted in 56,862 register- Adele Arakawa join CDLE and Work- conveyed to youth during job ing for services and 26,500 young force Center volunteers at the Teenline9 skills workshops at area schools people entering employment. call-in event. and during condensed job skills This was an increase from PY08 workshops at the workforce WORKS! has also created the despite the downturn in the center. The Lamar Workforce Youth Energy Conservation economy. Center also participated in the Corps that assists the first annual Girls in the Middle The media sponsor of the GSJH is Weatherization Department Conference held at Lamar KUSA-9NEWS, taking our within Arapahoe County with Community College with middle message to Colorado's youth and providing energy audits for both school aged girls attending. employers efficiently and Arapahoe and Adams Counties. professionally. Numerous local Trinidad's Youth Employee of the Jeffco Young Adult Job Fair was newspaper articles were written Week articles were published by held at the Jefferson County this year giving the public a view the Chronicle News from July Fairgrounds with over 1,700 on youth employment issues. through August and featured 13 youth attending. ”Get a Job” Public service announcements youth and 11 employers who workshops were held with youth filled the airwaves on youth job were also honored at a banquet. receiving information on how to opportunities. The GSJH was also get a job, interviewing skills, pre- Eastern Region - The Limon promoted throughout the state via employment skills, how to stand workforce center held a FFA- onsite presentations, personal out to employers at a job fair and sponsored Interactive Career Fair. contacts, focus of the month more. The five career areas being displays, employer mailings and presented were: computer (IT), networking with community The Pikes Peak Youth Zone education, health, law enforce- agencies and schools. recognized Weisburg Landscape ment and skilled trades. The Maintenance for helping youth Snapshots of Youth Activities Circle of Life interactive game had gain valuable work experience. Across the State students investigating different This company is committed to Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! agencies to discover what the training and grooming its Youth in the Works!, in employees for meaningful careers partnership with the Denver in the green industry. The Youth Office of Economic Development Zone also recognized Pikes Peak Youth Team, sponsored a GSJH Community College’s information Youth Job and Career Resource technology (IT) department for Fair at the Colorado Convention providing jobs for 16 year olds. Center. This regional event Pikes Peak Community College received additional support from developed training opportunities KUSA 9NEWS, GSJH and WIA One of the many youth job fairs held for young people and internships funding. The event provided across Colorado as part of the Gover- that would be springboards to information for more than 2,200 nor's Summer Job Hunt career paths. youth. Arapahoe/Douglas

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 39 Winning in a Challenging Economy agency was all about and what Colorado Construction was available for them now and Career Days in the future. The GSJH and Colorado workforce center youth teams The Sterling workforce center, served on the planning committee Northeastern Junior College and for Colorado Construction Career other county agencies hosted a Days, which is an industry career fair for high school sponsored event for high school students throughout the region. students, grades 10 through 12, to he Governor's A Sterling Youth Rally was held explore various aspects of T to advertise what services are construction: building, highway, available to help them prepare engineering and architecture. Summer Job Hunt (GSJH) for, find and keep a job. Activities such as operating Workforce Boulder County heavy equipment, designing a was established in 1981 (WfBC), Adams County, and the traffic circle, testing materials, Denver Division of Workforce making a sheet metal tote and wiring an electric box offered as a way to help Development provided work readiness activities and classes to students a hands-on glimpse of hundreds of young adults. Some the diversity of careers in the industry. Colorado's youth make were conducted onsite at the workforce centers and others Small groups of students were were conducted through local escorted by construction industry the transition from schools, libraries and resource volunteers who served as a source centers. Topics included applica- of information about the business school to work by tion completion, writing resumes, as well as guides to the activities. interviewing tips, customer The October 2009 drew over 1,700 service, appropriate dress and students from around the state, as matching their skills appropriate behavior on the job. well as youth that are participat- The Adams County Workforce ing in programs within the Center and Early Childhood Colorado workforce centers. and interests with Services Division developed an in-house handbook for temporary The Mesa County and Pikes Peak Workforce Centers have been employment staff employed specifically for the GSJH. WfBC established over looking at projects to increase the 100 new partnerships with a wide number of job seekers in the opportunities. Over the variety of public, private, green, construction trades. They both non-profit and government held Construction Career Days employers to support the GSJH. for youth in their areas. These life of the program, events are fashioned similarly to The Mesa County Workforce the Colorado Construction Career Center created a new partnership Days on the Front Range. Both more than 300,000 with Mesa State College to get centers were involved in many publicity for Center services in facets of the event from providing Mesa State College's phone young people (ages 16- funding to helping students directory. This directory runs directly. through the school year and helps 21) have found summer recruit youth during the off Youth Job and Career Fairs season. The workforce center is a South Central Region - The fabulous resource that is not employment. STEM (science technology, utilized to its full capacity by engineering and math) initiative college students, even though the was introduced to Trinidad High GSJH serves up to age 21. School freshmen and

40 Partnerships for Economic Recovery WIA Program Year 2008 Annual Report sophomores. This was instrumen- the Rifle Energy Fair and also tal to the design of a student encouraged local youth to look at career fair. Businesses were energy related careers/jobs. contacted to make career presentations. Students were given Employment Services of Weld workshop packets including County - Weld County career information and Trinidad participates in many job fairs State Junior College course throughout the year, and 2009 was requirements targeted for careers no different. One of the valued in STEM occupations. partnerships for the youth job fairs in Weld County is the City of The Metro Youth Job Fairs Greeley. They are able to leverage The owners of Danielson Design, a (Arapahoe Douglas Works!, Jeffco, resources and have a city banner Trinidad employer, receive an employer award from CDLE Executive Director Broomfield, Adams County and to promote fairs in Greeley for Don Mares for providing teens an Denver) always serve a large two weeks. The workforce center introduction to careers in design work. turnout. Employers' evaluations has also developed a new stated how great it was to see partnership with Fort Lupton youth appropriately dressed for High School, a collaborative effort Graves, Colorado Workforce their job search and interview to help students find employ- Development Council, presenting needs. The Adams County ment. Together they hosted a teen awards to 15 businesses nomina- Workforce and Business Center job fair. ted by workforce centers. The organized bussing with all of the business recipient award read: The Larimer County Workforce major school districts to ensure "Young people can develop into Center (LCWC) hosted two youth in pertinent middle and successful open houses in the confident, creative and intelligent high schools could attend. spring of 2009 at the Loveland leaders if the opportunities to The Western Colorado Energy and Fort Collins Workforce succeed are available. By and Mining Project in the region Centers, highlighting youth investing in these critical years, encouraged youth to explore and services. These events provided you have greatly affected the go into energy related careers. In an excellent opportunity for youth future of our communities." the Western Region, that includes and their parents to acquaint Seventeen youth were recognized the coal mining industries and themselves with the LCWC and for outstanding work and oil/gas in Mesa. Colorado Work- receive assistance registering with achievements. Their plaque read connectingcolorado.com. force Center staff participated in "Reach for the Stars Award: In The Western Region participated Recognition of your outstanding with the Delta Montrose Technical work performance." College as part of the technical school's career fair. Workforce “The program's success is due to center staff helped with teaching community-minded employers," how to develop a resume and says Donald J. Mares, Executive how to interview. Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Annual Appreciation Ceremony Employment. "If tomorrow's "Thank You for helping young workforce is to meet the needs of people succeed!" That was the business, then Colorado educators message of the GSJH Appreciation and employers must be working Ceremony held August 20, 2009 at together. Every employer who the Governor's Mansion. Lynne hired a young person this summer Valencia, KUSA 9NEWS, emceed Natalie receives the youth award from was working in collaboration with the program with Donald J. Don Mares, CDLE Executive Director. our schools to build and She faced obstacles and barriers to Mares, Executive Director of strengthen our future workforce." success, but overcame them through Colorado Department of Labor hard work and a positive attitude. and Employment, and Booker T.

Partnerships for Economic Recovery 41 Winning in a Challenging Economy Cost Effectiveness, Evaluation, and Waivers

he OJT and T COST EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS Dislocated Worker Program Customized Training Expenditures - $7,600,942 Colorado works to ensure all its Cost per client served - $4,296 resources are expended in the waivers provide major most effective and cost efficient Overall Assessment way. We have a continuing policy The above discussion on each incentives for employ- of examining outcomes and cost program does not include savings effectiveness of all our programs in public assistance and increased to guide us in this effort. In this revenue from clients moving ers to engage in the analysis, we consider benefits for from being tax consumers to our clients and cost savings/ being taxpayers. We do know that workforce system as increased revenue for govern- 21% of our Adult clients and 41% ment entities. In many cases, of our Youth clients in PY 2009 there will be a reduction in were receiving public assistance they attempt to weath- governmental costs due to when they came to us. From the elimination or reduction of wage gains seen and anecdotal er the current econo- dependence on TANF, Food evidence, we know that many, if Stamps, Unemployment not most, of these clients are no Insurance benefits and other longer receiving or have reduced mic downturn. These forms of public assistance. their dependence on public Studying increases in taxes paid assistance. We do not have any waivers allow regions and decreases in reliance on way to quantify this without public assistance would require information that is not currently coordination with several other available to us. to increase employer agencies with privacy rules that make it extremely difficult, if not STATE EVALUATION ACTIVITIES reimbursement for on- impossible, at this time. Colorado is currently studying the possibility of implementing a In accordance with Colorado's the-job training and data warehouse that will enable a philosophy of local control, each return on investment approach to region designs and conducts its its programs. Currently, we can own evaluation. CDLE evaluates reduce the required only look at average cost per each region's outcomes by participant as a guide to this, utilizing the Common Measures employer contribution combined with our results on the of performance for adults, performance measures. Total dislocated workers and youth percent of formula funds programs, as outlined in TEGL for costs of customized expended has dropped somewhat 17-05. Tools are provided allow- from PY08 due to the availability ing each region to track its perfor- training through a sliding of Recovery Act funds. mance on these measures as the year progresses and to let them Adult Program track impact on performance of scale based on the size of Expenditures - $7,052,373 each client. CDLE's compre- Cost per client served - $1,705 hensive monitoring guide, the employer. recognized as a model by the U.S. Youth Program Department of Labor (USDOL), is Expenditures - $7,888,661 the end result of an on-going Cost per client served - $2,504 monitoring and technical

42 Cost Effectiveness, Evaluation, and Waivers WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report assistance process that has built a individuals served by a local • Up to 90% for employers with strong working relationship activity under the waiver. 50 or fewer employees between the State and local • Up to 75% for employers with workforce regions. Quarterly, Transfer of Funds - Colorado was 51-250 employees state workforce liaisons from granted an extension of its waiver • Up to 50% for employers with CDLE meet with the regions they of the 20% transfer of funds be- over 250 employees oversee to review client service tween WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs at the local levels, program expenditure rates The customized training waiver and performance outcome results. level. Regions may transfer up to 50% of their formula funds provi- allows a sliding scale for the Through these reviews, staff employer contribution toward the identifies areas that may require ded they have sufficient resources to continue operating their cost of customized training. The additional technical assistance employer match permitted is: and training to rectify deficiencies formula programs and meet WIA prior to start of annual state performance outcomes. Several • 10% or greater for employers compliance monitoring. local regions have opted to move with 50 or fewer employees funds from the dislocated worker • 25% or greater for employers WAIVERS program to the adult program as with 51-250 employees local economies have improved • 50% or greater for employers Common Measures - During and layoffs have decreased. The with over 250 employees PY09, Colorado continued to opposite has happened as implement the waiver to replace economies have weakened. Individual Training Accounts the WIA performance measures at (ITAs) for Youth - Local regions WIA Section 136(b) with the Youth Element Procurement - may now offer the use of ITAs for Common Measures. To build on Colorado was granted an out-of-school and older youth training provided in the Common extension through PY09 of its program participants. This waiver of the requirement to Measures baseline year and in provides the youth customer a competitively select providers of subsequent years, CDLE three of the 10 youth program choice regarding selection of continued to provide technical elements. These elements are Paid schools on the Eligible Training assistance to workforce center and Unpaid Work Experiences, Provider List and allows local staff to insure a full understand- Supportive Services and Follow- regions the ability to consistently ing of the programmatic and up. By including these elements in apply their local ITA policies to all reporting impacts of the the design framework of the WIA WIA customers, with the measures. Policies were issued to Youth Program, local workforce exception of in-school and guide staff in the development of centers have been able to provide younger youth. effective methods to address the greater continuity of service for new definition of certificates for youth and enhance their case Eligibility for Training WIA youth participants. management process. Providers - Training providers offering coursework to WIA Local Activity Funds - Colorado OJT and Customized Training customers are now allowed up to requested and received an Waivers - Through these waivers two years on the State's eligible extension through PY09 for its local areas in Colorado have training provider list before they "local activity funds waiver," gained major incentives for must provide subsequent per- which is now targeted to layoff employers to engage in the formance data to maintain their aversion activities. Under this workforce system as they are eligibility. This waiver promotes waiver, local areas will be allowed attempting to weather the current increased participation on the part to use up to 20% of their economic downturn. The OJT of providers launching new train- dislocated worker formula funds waiver allows regions to increase ing programs (particularly e- for incumbent worker training their employer reimbursement for that is part of a layoff aversion learning), and encourages co- on-the-job training through a enrollment of customers between strategy. All training delivered sliding scale based on size of under this waiver is restricted to WIA and discretionary grants employer. Under the waiver, such as Colorado's e-learning skill attainment activities. Local reimbursements will be grant. areas are required to meet permitted: performance outcomes for any

Cost Effectiveness, Evaluation, and Waivers 43 Winning in a Challenging Economy

WWinninginning inin aa ChallengingChallenging EconomyEconomy LOCAL REGIONS Adams County Workforce & Business Center

REGIONAL PROFILE than in Colorado as a whole. More Adams County is one of the five most children under the age of 18 and more residents of Asian and Hispanic ission: populated counties in Colorado, M covering 1,191.93 square miles and heritage reside in the area. According nine municipalities, and is projected to the JobLink Volume Report, of the To create opportunities to be the fastest growing county in 56,448 estimated residents who Colorado over the next two decades. utilized the services of the Workforce According to the U.S. Census Bureau, & Business Services Division in PY for success by connec- the population in 2009 was recorded 2009, 18,540 (32.8%) were Hispanic, at 440,994 residents, which 6,865 (12.0%) were Black or African ting businesses to a represented a 66.4% growth rate from American, 1,635 (3.0%) were of Asian the 265,000 residents recorded in descent, and 5,816 (10.0%) were of 1990. mixed ethnicity. quality workforce. Households in Adams County tend The overall unemployment rate went to be larger than the Colorado up 4.6%, from a low of 5.3% in PY average (2.81 persons per household 2008, to 9.9% in PY 2009, the highest compared to 2.53 persons per unemployment rate in the Denver Vision: household in Colorado). The larger Metro area. The economy and overall family size explains why the per labor market conditions remained capita income in Adams County is soft and were a direct reflection of the To be the leader in approximately $5,000 less than the continued increase in job seekers state average, while the median from PY08 to PY09. The total visitors workforce develop- household income is essentially to the four Workforce & Business static. Center locations who were Unemployment Insurance claimants ment that maximizes Residents in Adams County are increased to 65% (36,515) in PY09 younger and more ethnically diverse from 61% (32,242 of 52,450) in PY08. opportunities and part- Demographic Characteristic Adams County Colorado Population 2009 Estimate 440,994 5,024,748 nerships to promote Population, Percent change, April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009 26.7% 16.8% Persons per household, 2000 281 253 the economic growth of Median Household Income, 2008 $56,601 $57,184 Per Capita Income, 1999 $19,944 $24,049 Persons under 5 years of age, 2008 9.1% 7.3% the community and Persons under 18 years of age, 2008 28.7% 24.4% Persons 65 years and older, 2008 8.0% 10.3% enhance the quality of life White, 2008 56.6% 71.3% Black or African American, 2008 3.5% 4.3% Asian, 2008 3.3% 2.7% in Adams County. Hispanic or Latino, 2008 35.6% 20.2% Language other than English spoken in home 21.6% 15.1% High School Graduates, percent of person age 25+, 2000 78.8% 86.9% (Source: U.S. Census Bureau; State & County QuickFacts, 2009 Estimates)

46 Adams County Workforce & Business Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Staff assisted services, provided to Household Projections for Adams County, 2005-2030 36,659 customers, helped to produce 15,818 entered employments for the program year.

In PY09, a total of 1,462 customers were enrolled in WIA programs, either regular formula funds or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds: Welfare and Colorado Works have PARTNERSHIPS FOR increased. ECONOMIC RECOVERY • 405 customers in the Adult program • Relocation - Adams County The Adams County Workforce & • 138 customers in the Dislocated Government Center Business Center has maintained Worker program In early 2011, the Adams County its focus on the development of • 181 customers in Adult ARRA Workforce & Business Center will jobs and engaging employers to • 187 customers in Dislocated be moving three of its four use the services and human Worker ARRA locations (Westminster, Thornton capital the workforce system has • 282 customers in the Youth and Brighton) to the new Adams to offer in the current economic program (In-School/Out-of-School County Government Center in recession. The following youth) Brighton, Colorado. initiatives reflect this focus. • 269 customers in the Summer Youth ARRA Program Motherhood Project The Motherhood project provides The Veterans' program continued to women offenders who are the be successful in PY09, with 5,908 parent of a child under the age of veterans served and 1,127 entered 18 with the skills, programs and employments (New Agent report) services that will reduce the during the year. The Veterans' barriers to employment, stabilize referral ratio was at 57.57% for the their environment, establish a Artist rendering of main entrance year with the non-vet referral rate at connection with children and of the new Adams County 35.42%, which exceeded the family, and promote Government Center mandate to provide Adams County responsibility and self-sufficiency. Workforce & Business Center The Government Center has been designed as a civic campus, with This project addresses specific veteran customers with priority of workforce challenges of female service. its exterior public plaza acting as ex-offenders, providing gender the county's front door. Built using specific employment and Service Delivery Strategies state of the art green technology, supportive services. The grant’s • Department Reorganization the new Government Center in goals and objectives are to deliver: In July 2009, the Adams County Adams County will be a unique Workforce & Business Center and exciting visitor and user • Assessment services experienced a reorganization experience. • Work readiness training under the newly formed Human • Vocational training Services Department, which • Job placement combined the Workforce Center • Supportive services and Head Start Programs to form • Case management the Workforce and Early • Follow-up services Childhood Services Division. The strategic direction, or the goals for During the assessment, the continuous improvement, remain participant and case manager will the same, and partnerships with work to mutually identify goals other programs such as Aerial view of new Adams County and develop a Success Pathway Community Development, Child Government Center

Adams County Workforce & Business Center Winning in a ChallengingEconomy 47 that outlines the goals and steps GED Attainment for Disconnected that the participant will take to Youth achieve her goals. Outcomes will The Adams County Workforce & focus on obtaining and retaining Business Center received a $20,000 employment and reducing grant from the State Youth Council recidivism. that will be used to target older disconnected youth between the ages HIRE Colorado of 17 and 21, who have extremely low HIRE Colorado provides training uccess Story: TABE scores (between 2nd and 5th S and subsidized employment grade reading and math). The opportunities for those who have April, a single mom with program will focus on high school exhausted their unemployment dropouts who wish to obtain their little income, came to insurance benefits, have children GED but would likely fail using and meet TANF 3 & 4 income standard programs within the eligibility levels. the Center in August community devised for this purpose. 2007, requesting The work experiences are designed The Adams County Workforce & to provide temporary income and Business Center will partner with the scholarship develop new skills while seeking Center for Empowering Education to permanent employment. The accomplish this task. This service assistance to program benefits employers by provider has a unique approach to allowing them to continue or complete her RN assisting youth to obtain their GED by expand operations and helps TANF keeping their teacher-to-student ratio by reducing or stabilizing caseloads at 20 or below per class. training. She through diversion from the Basic completed her Cash Assistance program. The Center for Empowering Education has guaranteed that if a coursework in Since the program began in March student does not pass all or one of the 2010, 161 participants have been standard GED tests, they will provide December 2008, enrolled and engaged in subsidized services for free, after the initial fees employment. Over 70 employers have been paid, until that student received her RN have participated in the program in passes. The most unique feature of Adams County and expressed their license in April 2009 the program is the one-on-one satisfaction with the quality and instruction provided to students. professionalism of the participants. and is now employed The philosophy of providing As of July 1, 2010, 38 participants as a full-time nurse. specialized attention, small have obtained full-time jobs at an classrooms and an environment that April has thanked average wage of $14.91 per hour, 12 motivates and sets the student up for of whom were hired by HIRE success will assist the Adams County Workforce Center staff Colorado employers. Workforce & Business Center to serve numerous times for all PY09 Common Measures Performance the services they provided to help her complete her education and start her career.

48 Adams County Workforce & Business Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report ADAMS COUNTY

25 youth within the community who had an opportunity to visit with 23 Ridgeview Academy, along with otherwise would not have access to participating employers and two culinary students, provided a catered such services. schools. soup and salad buffet for participating employers, resource Logistics Career Fair Youth Resource Fair providers and volunteers. The Adams County Workforce & The Adams County Workforce & Business Center, Employment Business Center Annual Youth Youth Council Initiatives Services of Weld County and 9 News Resource Fair was held February 17, The Adams County Youth Council co-hosted the Fourth Annual Logistics 2010 at the Adams County Regional was instrumental in the development & Manufacturing Career Fair on Park Exhibition Hall. of an expanded youth barrier policy, February 3, 2010 at the Adams which has made it possible for a County Regional Park. This is one of greater number of young customers the few industry-specific job fairs held to qualify for services. The barriers each year in the Denver metro area, identified were: and addresses some of the primary occupations within Adams County • Resides in a neighborhood with few such as transportation, distribution, job opportunities or enterprise zone warehousing and manufacturing. • Resides in an area of frequent gang 9 News held a morning and afternoon 2010 Adams County Workforce & activity which makes getting to and Job Line 9 to publicize the event the Business Center Youth Resource from a job risky day before the fair. In addition, a live- Fair attracts hundreds of students remote broadcast took place at noon • Inconsistent employment during from the venue. Over 1,300 job Over 1,600 youth participated in the seekers attended this year's event and event and had the opportunity to visit the past six months with over 40 employers and resource providers. This annual event is • Resides in Section 8 housing or offered to area students to assist them reduced/free public housing with making connections vital to obtaining seasonal employment and • Resides in other rent-restricted volunteer opportunities. They also housing have a chance to meet with resource providers that can offer services to • Aged out of foster care them and their families. • Victim of an abusive environment 2010 Logistics & Manufacturing Students from Ridgeview Academy Career Fair attendees visit with assisted Workforce & Business Center or condition, or experienced a participating employers staff and Youth Council volunteers at traumatic event or natural disaster the event. Chef Apodaca from

Adams County Workforce & Business Center 49 Winning in a Challenging Economy The Adams County Youth Council is Workforce Investment Board also developing a user friendly In PY09, the Adams County Workforce application for the approval of new Investment Board continued its vendors who wish to conduct business collaboration with the with the Adams County Workforce & Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! Workforce Business Center. Board to effectively merge efforts to develop jobs in the healthcare and uccess Story: The application is designed to assist energy sectors. Both boards support S council members in making informed taking a regional approach to investing Broc, a single dad living decisions about training institutions and in local businesses to jumpstart the community agencies based on economy of Colorado. with his parents, came performance driven results that will into the Workforce benefit youth customers. The Adams County Workforce Investment Board also supports an in- Center in August 2009, WIA Youth Program depth needs/solution analysis to acquire The Adams County WIA Youth knowledge in redeveloping the business wanting to pursue a Program has initiated a new unpaid model currently in use for business career as a paralegal. internship project designed to provide services. The analysis will test the opportunities for youth to receive possibility of implementing a job He had had several exposure to future career paths. This multiplier and calculating saturation innovative approach coincides with the rates (i.e., for every one job created in a short-term jobs and "Career Cluster Model" of education, specific field, the creation of related which ties work participation decided he needed a positions will multiply). experiences to various core classes that stable career. He high school students may consider Once certain occupations reach a high taking. saturation rate, the demand for those was very serious and occupations will fall. The concept of job multipliers and saturation rates will determined to provide logical/rational decision-making succeed in this field, tools to guide future WIA participants and assist the Workforce Investment despite knowing that Board in partnering with those businesses that offer the most job growth most paralegal jobs potential. require experience. Awards and Recognitions He was granted a WIA • Alfred P. Sloan Award Winner Students are exposed to future The Adams County Workforce & scholarship, completed career paths through local workforce Business Center was awarded the projects and resource fairs 2009 Alfred P. Sloan Award for his training in February Business in Workplace Flexibility. The six-week internships will take place 2010 and is now The Award was part of When Work in various private and public Works, a research-based initiative to employed as paralegal organizations that are willing to mentor highlight the importance of workplace and guide participants down their flexibility as a strategy to increase assistant at the highest chosen career path. Upon completion of workplace effectiveness, achieve the unpaid internship, students will salary he's ever made. positive business results and help receive a small stipend. employees succeed at work and at home. Another goal of the project is to teach youth about the benefits of delayed • CDLE Best Practices Award- June gratification by learning how to 2010 complete required work and tasks prior During the Rocky Mountain to receiving monetary incentives. Workforce Development

50 Adams County Workforce & Business Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Association (RMWDA) The region's best practice Conference, June 9-11, 2011 in Vail, presentation highlighted the Colorado, the Adams County Ultimas document management Workforce & Business Center software program that has received a Best Practice Award in converted Adams County's WIA Innovation for Smart and Dynamic programs into a virtually Workflow Solutions. paperless system.

• Workforce Champions Award From left to right, Kevin Hougan, Michael Wukitsch, vice president Linda Murphy, Chris Kline and Joe of human resources at Children's Barela receive 2010 Workforce Hospital and Chair of the Adams Champion awards County Workforce Investment Board, along with Champions award at the 2010 Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! RMWDA Conference. This award Chair, Kevin Hougan, is presented to leaders who foster Clarke Becker of CDLE presents Joel president of the Aurora Chamber collaborative and innovative Parriott of Adams County with a Best of Commerce, were presented workforce development initiatives Practices Award with the 2010 Workforce in their respective regions.

Adams County Workforce & Business Center 51 Winning in a Challenging Economy Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS!

REGIONAL PROFILE he Arapahoe/ T Geography and Demographics By July 2010, Economic Modeling The Arapahoe/Douglas workforce Systems Inc. estimates population Douglas region has a region is made up of Arapahoe for the two-county and Douglas counties. Together, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! these two counties make up the workforce region at 868,687, with significantly higher southeast portion of the Denver- 570,374 living in Arapahoe Aurora Metropolitan Statistical County and 298,313 in Douglas concentration of Area, which also includes Adams, County. Between 2010 and 2020, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, population for the two-county Elbert, Gilpin and Jefferson region is expected to grow a contract or entre- counties. modest 9.3% to 949,633.

Between 2010 and 2020, the preneurial workers Arapahoe County was one of 17 original counties when the working age population in the Colorado Territory was organized Arapahoe/Douglas workforce than the Denver- in 1861, and is currently the region between 25 and 64 years eighth most populous of the 64 old will grow by 12,000, but the counties now in Colorado. group between 35 and 54 years of Aurora MSA. As of Douglas County is 842 square age will shrink by 21,235, a 7.9% miles in area, and according to decline. This reflects baby June 30, 2010, the U.S. Census is the eighth boomers 'aging out' of the richest county in the nation, with workforce and may result in a a median household income of skilled-labor vacuum in some 31.2% of the $97,480, and the eighth fastest industries, particularly those growing county, with population requiring high skill levels. At the region's total labor rising 59.5% between July 2000 same time, demand will increase and July 2009. for health care, professional, force was employed in contract or contingent positions; the average for the Denver-

Aurora MSA was 25.5%.

52 Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report PY09 Common Measures Performance technical and scientific, real estate and financial services.

Economy and Labor Market The Arapahoe/Douglas workforce region and the Denver-Aurora MSA in general enjoy a workforce with educational attainment well above the national average and a wide variety of high-level work skills. The employed civilian population 16 or older in the two- county region numbers 434,541. 2010, 31.2% of its total labor force By industry, the highest number was employed in contract or down in the Denver-Aurora MSA of workers residing in the contingent positions; the average by 33,352; in the region, 5,729 jobs Arapahoe/Douglas workforce for the Denver-Aurora MSA at the were lost during the same period. region (16.6%) are in the same date was 25.5%. This trend In the Denver-Aurora MSA, educational services, health care is expected to continue upward, construction took the hardest hit, and social assistance super sector; and may accelerate as local making up 39.8% of the total job professional, scientific, businesses struggle with flat loss. management, administrative demand. Entrepreneurial support and waste management In the region, industries that lost companies with fifty or fewer (14.6%); finance, insurance, real the most jobs were construction workers create 40% of new jobs, estate, rental and leasing (12%); (4,378 jobs lost), and real estate, but currently there is no provision and retail trade (11.7%). rental and leasing, with a loss of in WIA supporting 2,042 jobs. The biggest gainer in entrepreneurial training using The 40,851 persons in the work- the Denver-Aurora MSA was formula funds. force region who do not have a finance and insurance, with a gain high school diploma are of con- Economic Base - In the second of 1,276 jobs. For the region, the cern. Of these, 15,899 (2.99%) of calendar quarter of 2010, biggest gainer was also finance, the working-age population have businesses in the Arapahoe/ which added 1,523 jobs in the educational attainment below the Douglas workforce region two-county area. 9th grade level. To be employ- employed 537,690 individuals, able, these individuals may need Recovery was stalled for most of which accounted for 34% of total extensive bridge programs to PY10 in the workforce region. employment in the Denver- attain success in the labor force, The non-seasonally adjusted Aurora MSA and 17% of the total including lengthy instruction in unemployment rate in the two- employment in Colorado. basic and pre-vocational skills, county area for the year beginning occupational training and/or Between April 1, 2010 and June July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, subsidized work experience. 30, 2010, the top five sector 2010 averaged 7.3%, but had risen employers in the two-county from 7.1% in May 2010 to 7.7% in At the same time, the fact that region were retail (59,488), June 2010. over 50% of the indigenous labor professional, technical and force is at the associate level or The exhaustion rate for scientific services (57,902), finance above makes the region very unemployment claims in and insurance (54,554), health competitive to site selectors and Colorado ranked third worst in care and social assistance (48,796), an attractive place to relocate a the nation at 65.2%, exceeded only and government (48,644). business. by Alaska (67.1%) and Florida Between January 2009 and June (70.3%). In the Arapahoe/Douglas 2010, total employment went workforce region, as of June 30,

Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! 53 Winning in a Challenging Economy The new Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Occupational Saturation tables tell this story as well, with current saturation in the local labor market at 12.65%, down from 13.47% in July 2009. Occupations with very low saturation tend to be high skill Arapahoe/ occupations, such as software applications engineer (4.5%), Douglas Works! while middle skill positions, such Colorado Best Practices Award, as computer support specialists, Outcomes Using Occupational tend to be highly saturated, in Saturation Tables. Left to Right: expended $10,311,523 excess of 20%. Patrick Holwell, Workforce Economist (ADW), Clarke Becker Training is needed for a wider (CDLE), Joe Barela, Division in PY09. Taking only segment of the unemployed Manager (ADW) population in order to meet the Website Redesign and Launch - its internal expend- high-skilled labor needs of local On May 21, 2010, businesses. Data and direct Arapahoe/Douglas Works! experience with workforce center itures into account, launched its new and improved clientele suggest that classroom website, http://www.adworks.org. training is not enough; businesses The website, which was designed the return on each have raised experience demands using focus group input from in the face of high numbers of business and job seeker applicants. To meet demand-side customers, stakeholders, WIB public dollar spent in need, workforce centers may need members and staff, offers new to combine classroom and hands- dynamic workforce information the region increased on training in more instances. service delivery to site visitors as follows: Technology-Driven Service • A new interactive, searchable, demand for goods Delivery Changes and dynamic Calendar of Upcoming Events Data Analysis and Knowledge and services by Management - During PY09, • Online registration for all Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Upcoming Events (workshops, $40.23. continued its approach to the hiring events, orientations, etc.) management, collection, aggregation, trending and use of • Up-to-date offerings via RSS data to facilitate continuous feeds improvement and alignment throughout the organization. The • An up-to-date comprehensive region has been recognized list of community resources easily accessible to job seekers nationally and throughout Colorado for its assessment of the • Easy access to program economic impact of its operations information and labor market in PY08 using input-output data analysis. Its occupational saturation rate was one of six best • Complete transformation of the practices in workforce Business Services pages for development recognized by better ease of use and CDLE in 2010. connection to business and

54 Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report economic development worker inventory to individual Sector Strategies - During PY09, representatives businesses and business groups, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! and participates in community aligned its internal structure and • Planned design of a web-based events in such a way as to processes around sector strategies business customer relationship increase the credibility and so that being demand driven (CRM) database to roll out in branding of Arapahoe/Douglas would not be confined to one or PY10 Works! among local businesses. several programs or projects, but would be the focus of all Business and Economic The BED team also acts as a operations. This included a re- Development Team - The data sets catalyst within Arapahoe/Douglas organization of Arapahoe/ developed by Arapahoe/Douglas Works! to align programs and Douglas Works! into three major Works! have also been used in services, thereby shortening cycle work systems: internal staff training and in the time in making the match • Talent Placement, which creation of a more systematic between open jobs and qualified includes Wagner-Peyser approach to proactive business skilled workers to fill them. applicant services, the BED outreach. Arapahoe/Douglas team and its Business Works! has also developed Assessment Center. Talent methodology to identify and Placement also ran the HIRE profile key industries so that Colorado program under ARRA positions critical for global and oversees the Disability competitiveness and the ongoing Benefits Planners. Hiring economic vitality of these sectors events are also overseen by this can be addressed through WIA, group. set asides and discretionary • Talent Enhancement, which grants. includes TANF/Colorado Works, Employment First and To this end, Arapahoe/Douglas Parents to Work, all contract Works! has created the Business programming from the and Economic Development Arapahoe County Human (BED) team, which is chartered to A/D Works! full-service one-stop in Services Department, the ARRA validate critical labor need in key Greenwood Village Community Block Grant (Work local industry sectors with real NOW) and the offender time voice of customer (VOC) As of July 1, 2009, program. Workshops offered to input, align with WIA and other Arapahoe/Douglas Works! began job seekers by the region are training programming to address direct operation of the Wagner- overseen by this work group these needs, and then proactively Peyser program. This allowed but are integrated throughout all programs. market the skilled worker increased alignment between inventory on the Metro Denver applicant/business services and • Talent Development, which (MD) rolls in Connecting WIA and other programming, and includes MIS, WIA Adult, Colorado. increased proactive marketing of Dislocated Worker and Youth WIA, TANF, Wagner-Peyser and Programming, including the The approach of the BED team is grant-funded caseloads based on Governors Summer Job Hunt to build relationships with leaders skill sets, background, and core services delivered in in key area industry sectors by educational attainment and the region's Youth Resource joining area chambers of training in progress. Center through the Wagner- commerce, economic Arapahoe/Douglas Works! also Peyser Act. This work system is development entities and other hosted targeted hiring events with also responsible for operating business and industry businesses in key industry sectors various 10% Discretionary associations. Arapahoe/Douglas to place WIA participants on the Grants and oversees the Disability Program Navigator Works! then positions a BED team path to completion of and the Workforce Economist. member on each entity who uses occupational training. its data sets to market skilled

Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! 55 Winning in a Challenging Economy In addition, the BED team has • State Energy Sector Partnership strengthened the overall sector (SESP) - National Sector Grant strategy by building a powerful communication loop between • Youth Energy Conservation internal programming and local Corps uccess Story: businesses. The region has S placed liaisons from both Talent • State Business Services Group Development and Talent Unemployed for two Enhancement units with the BED • Economic impact assessment, team so that program caseloads which necessarily folds in impacts on Denver-Aurora years, Don came to A/D can better be marketed and training efforts under WIA can MSA better be focused on critical Works! for job assist- • Technical assistance in using skilled-labor needs in key occupational saturation, regional sectors. economic assessment and ance. The Parents To industry profiling done for Cross Regional Approaches - The Boulder, Adams, Jefferson and Denver workforce regions Work Program and the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Board, now comprised of 56% business leaders, has been Expansion of Training Opportunities Under ARRA A/D Works! Business instrumental in driving cross ARRA allowed Arapahoe/ regional approaches to workforce Douglas Works!, in effect, to and Economic development. double services to adults and The Arapahoe/Douglas dislocated workers. In PY09, the Development team region served 339 dislocated Workforce Board also workers, 338 adults, 360 youth participated in the leadership and 330 unemployment claimants helped Don prepare a track at the 2010 Rocky Mountain with ARRA monies, and placed Workforce Development 68 persons in permanent jobs résumé and secure Association (RMWDA) using OJT under HIRE Colorado conference in June 2010. and 250 persons in Work NOW (ARRA community block grant). an interview. Don It helped to develop the statewide sector-driven strategic goals that Training opportunities were landed a job earning will be implemented as the center expanded using existing WIA piece for the PY10 Continuous policy encouraging occupational the highest wage in his Improvement Management training in targeted industries, System Plans for each region and and HIRE Colorado had sub-region in the state. tremendous economic impact career. After accepting using experiential training With its restructure around sector subsidized by OJT that resulted in the position, Don told strategies, Arapahoe/Douglas permanent jobs for 68 persons as Works! is uniquely positioned to of June 23, 2010. Work NOW take a leadership role in multi- the Parents To Work provided subsidized work regional strategies and has done experience, which released so through the following special earnings into the community that Supervisor that "A/D initiatives and grants: were used to purchase goods and services, and provided hands-on Works! changed his life." • Get Into Water - State Sector training and recent work Grant experience to participants.

56 Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report PARTNERSHIPS FOR WIRED Expert Technician TANF/Colorado Works, ECONOMIC RECOVERY Academy , which provided designed to put job-ready TANF training for critical IT occupations recipients to work Initiatives, Projects & and reengaged graduates in Discretionary Grants intensive post-training job search Employment First, designed to through ARRA Reemployment by put food stamp recipients to work Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Design program operated the following initiatives, Return on Public Investment projects and discretionary grants ARRA Reemployment by Arapahoe/Douglas Works! during PY09: Design, in partnership with expended $10,311,523 in PY09. Community College of Aurora Taking only internal expenditures The Get Into Water grant, a through its Lowry campus, into account, return on each multiregional effort driven by a provides workshops and targeted public $1 spent in the region request from the Colorado hiring events to workers who division of the American Water increased demand for goods and exhausted or are near exhausting services by $40.23. The region Works Association and a unemployment benefits consortium of water utilities provided in-person services to throughout the state for the 45.8% of total active registrants. workforce development system Using this adjusted number, to ensure a training pipeline of return on each public $1 spent trained workers is available to moves to $18.42 in increased fill critical positions earnings. In PY09, 15,949 Arapahoe/Douglas Works! active ARRA Teacher Education registrants entered employment, program, designed to ensure a with average annual earnings of steady supply of qualified special $34,398. With an employment education teachers for local public retention rate of 75.61%, this put school districts $414.8 million in earnings into the community to purchase goods Arapahoe and Douglas County and services. Individual program Community Services Block BRAC, operated under a National accomplishments included: Grant (Work NOW), designed Emergency Grant to serve persons to help persons in poverty laid off from the DOD finance • 2,027 placed using the Rapid develop recent work history and department at Buckley Air Force Attachment to Employment receive hands-on occupational Base with intensive job search (RATE) model by the training through subsidized work assistance through workshops Employment First Program, experience, with retention aided and targeted hiring events an average of 169 placements by supportive services such as per month. At an average wage transportation State Energy Sector Partnership of $10.40 per hour, this put over Implementation grant, designed $640,000 in earnings into the HIRE Colorado, through which to support development of a joint community to purchase goods Arapahoe/Douglas Works! helped Arapahoe/Douglas and Adams and services. businesses create permanent jobs WIB strategy serving Adams, in the community for lower Arapahoe and Douglas counties • The TANF/Colorado Works income participants through Program, using the RATE subsidized on-the-job training Front Range Energy Coalition model, placed 340 people, resulting in permanent hire Planning in support of the Front putting nearly $90,000 of Range strategy for the State earnings into the community. WIRED Individual Training Energy Sector Partnership Accounts, using monies not spent • Parents to Work placed 76 child by other regions to provide Child Support Enforcement support obligors at an average occupational training in critical (Parents to Work), designed to put wage of $10.82 per hour, putting occupations needed by key non-custodial parents who are in over $26,000 of earnings into the regional industries, such as arrears on child support community. information technology (IT) payments to work

Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! 57 Winning in a Challenging Economy • WIA Adult and Dislocated and is also working part time as a nce again, I Worker Programs placed 314 marketing coordinator at Wonder “O people in PY09, putting in excess Marketing earning $18.00 an hour. of $8.7 million in earnings into can't thank you enough the community

for the efforts you put • 1,401 veterans were placed, resulting in $32.95 million in earnings going out into the community forth to make Tuesday's • 499 disabled persons were placed, hiring event such a resulting in $9.85 million in earnings into the community

wonderful event for • 1,447 youth entered employment, Youth In The Works! youth resulting in earnings in excess of resource center $13.5 million into the community Charles Schwab. ARRA Adult - Recently laid off from HIRE Colorado - As of June 2010, the his job as a computer support Your partnership has HIRE Colorado program had placed consultant, Bob sought out 68 participants in permanent jobs Arapahoe/Douglas Works! for using an OJT subsidy. Using input- assistance in upgrading his Microsoft been key in helping output analysis, Arapahoe/Douglas SQL certifications. With support from Works! determined the 68 placements the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) us to shift our mo- resulted in the creation an additional through ARRA funding, Bob updated 58 jobs because of increased demand, his certification and is employed putting an additional $3.1 million in making $95,000 a year. mentum, most earnings out into the community to purchase goods and services. 50+ & Fabulous Program - Sara especially with the utilized services in the 50+ & Fabulous The return on public investment from Resource Center to help her secure the HIRE program was $5.07 for each employment at Sky Ridge Medical Series 7 holders I $1 public dollar spent in increased Center. A new résumé and one-on-one earnings, and $9.03 for each $1 public employment consultation helped Sara was so encouraged dollar spent in increased sales by local to land an intensive care unit (ICU) businesses. This shows the economic secretary position. Sara is enthusiastic recovery power inherent in using OJT with her new position and when asked to see. I look forward as a tool to stimulate job creation. for feedback about Arapahoe/Douglas Works! services, she noted, "I'm still in to keeping our Individual Success Stories happy shock." Youth In The Works! - Corey, an 18 partnership moving year-old out-of-school youth, attended the Learn 2 Work youth series where forward for some time he participated in presentations and activities, and completed work readiness, electronic applications, to come.” résumé writing, dress to impress, how to interview successfully and A Game - Andrew Bercich, workshops. Charles Schwab With support from Youth In the Works, Corey is now happily employed. He is working as a Product Job Fair Employer/Job Seeker Demonstrator with Advantage Sales Consultation and Marketing earning $10.00 an hour

58 Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Workshop Attendee - 'Stacie' about her experience with • Driving development of a job attendedArapahoe/Douglas Works!' Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, she multiplier study identifying interviewing workshop in July with stated, "I want to thank you for your industry groups with the greatest hopes of learning the techniques to assistance over the last two months; job creating potential by region for mastering her interviews. With a it has truly been a pleasure working Arapahoe/Douglas, Adams, rejuvenated outlook on with you. Thanks again for Denver, Jefferson and Boulder interviewing, Stacie continued her everything." counties job search, was invited to interview with SourceCorp and was offered a Workforce Investment Board Regional Awards & Recognitions position as a data entry clerk. Stacie The Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce was appreciative of the workshop Board showed exceptional • 2010 Colorado Department of and facilitator's feedback and stated, leadership in PY09 in a number of Labor & Employment's Best "I felt better after my interview tangible ways: Practices Award, Outcomes Using because staff made me feel Occupational Saturation Rates comfortable, which helped me in my • Insisting on the highest possible • 2010 Workforce Champions real interview." return on public investment from workforce development dollars; Award Employment By Design - Heather, driving annual economic impact • 2009 COMTO, Business Partnering an unemployment insurance assessments of operations Committee Award claimant, enrolled in Employment • Biennial strategic planning effort By Design seeking employment • 2009 Colorado State Youth assistance. Two months after drove revision of Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Council, Think Big Youth Energy enrollment, the program provided Conservation Corps Project Award Heather with workshops, one-on- mission, vision, core values and key results one assistance and resources to help • 2009 State of Colorado Creative her in her job search. Heather • Joint strategic effort with Adams Solutions to Workforce Issues secured employment with Colorado County Workforce Board around Board & Region Award Retina Associates and when asked energy and health care sectors

Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! Winning in a Challenging Economy 59 Workforce Boulder County

REGIONAL PROFILE enrollment at CU in the fall of Description of Boulder County 2009 was 29,134. Front Range Boulder County is one of 65 Community College (FRCC) has a counties in the state. The City of Boulder County campus in Boulder is the 8th largest city in Longmont. FRCC's Boulder Colorado. Boulder County is County campus enrollment for large and diverse, encompassing fall 2008 was 6,880. 741 square miles and featuring Labor Market ission: everything from the spectacular M scenery of Rocky Mountain Boulder County has a diverse National Park to lush farmland. economy, which has helped keep To provide the unemployment rate below The population of Boulder national and state averages. More than 7% of jobs in Colorado are in comprehensive and County is approximately 303,482, with about 103,650 in the City of Boulder County. The top five Boulder, another 86,303 in the industries in the County, based on effective employment, City of Longmont, 26,165 in number of employees, are: Lafayette and 19,379 in Louisville. professional, scientific, and The remaining population is technical services; education training and dispersed throughout the smaller services; health care and social towns of Lyons, Nederland, assistance; retail; and manufacturing. supportive services. Ward, Jamestown, Superior and Erie, and unincorporated areas, including the communities of Retail makes up a large portion of Niwot, Gunbarrel and Boulder County's total Allenspark. Boulder County has a employment and is the fourth highly educated population, with largest industry. This industry approximately 57% holding a saw a slight improvement in the bachelor's degree or higher. first half of 2010. urpose: P According to the Longmont Area Boulder County is home to the state's largest university, the Economic Council's 2009 Existing To promote the University of Colorado (CU). The Industry Report, Longmont's viability of the community by fostering opportunities through creative partnering and bold use of resources.

60 Workforce Boulder County WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report industrial base is comprised of PY09 Common Measures Performance 199 primary employers (up from 173 last year) that provide more than 10,800 jobs, with 66% of the companies headquartered in Longmont. Just under half of their primary employment is in advanced technology.

The Boulder County labor force is approximately 170,654 workers. Of these, 159,369 are currently employed. According to the Colorado Department of Labor, the Boulder County educated and trained. Boulder and specialized techniques for unemployment rate has decreased County has a greater than average obtaining a job. WfBC provided from 7.4% to 6.6% for June of degree of higher education expanded training opportunities 2010, as compared to the opportunities and a highly for both youth and adults through statewide unemployment rate of educated workforce. According to partnerships described in the 8.3% in June 2010. the state Connecting Colorado Partnerships section that follows. database, 62% of WfBC's Economic Conditions in PY09 applicants have at least some WfBC Profile Sixteen companies in Boulder college and 39% have a 4-year WfBC staff strives to provide County requested Rapid college degree or higher. quality services through its Response services due to layoffs. programs to job seekers and This is an improvement from the Changes in Service Delivery employers. 22 requesting such services in WfBC hired two temporary PY08. Layoffs again affected a employment advisors to provide WfBC Mission: to provide wide cross-section of industries. jobseeker services to increasing comprehensive and effective numbers of customers; one of employment, training and Between July 1, 2009 and June 31, these is bilingual and able to supportive services. 2010, 20,175 individuals from the provide services to Spanish- Boulder region requested speaking monolingual clients. A WfBC Values: Workforce Boulder County temporary trainer was hired to • Service first (WfBC) services. This is a slight assist with additional demand for • Collaboration and teamwork increase over PY08. While the training services and to provide • Excellence in skills proficiency difference between this program services under the Reemploy- • Respect for others year and the previous one is not ment Services Program (RES). • Integrity dramatic, we are still serving • Effective communication more individuals than at any time RES funds were used to assist • Sustainability in the past seven years. The total unemployment insurance • Responsive government for PY09 represents a nearly 64% claimants with direct services in increase over PY07. finding employment. These WfBC Purpose: to promote the services are provided one-on-one viability of the community by Top industry groups in Boulder and in group settings. In PY09, fostering opportunities through County include professional, WfBC provided RES services to creative partnering and bold use scientific and technical services; more than 1,800 individuals, an of resources. education services; manufactur- increase of 33% over PY08. Clients ing; construction; and transporta- who have multiple challenges in WfBC Key Customers: job seekers tion and warehousing. Because finding viable employment may (ready-to-work, entry-level, Boulder County has a high also be referred to our business challenged), businesses, educa- concentration of employment in services staff to receive one-on- tional organizations, and commu- the education, professional, one counseling and coaching, nity agencies technical and information sectors, specific labor market information the workforce must be highly

Workforce Boulder County 61 Winning in a Challenging Economy WfBC Key Message: Whether Resume, Not Working? Try you're looking for a new career, Networking!, and What's Your changing careers, or searching for Interview IQ? In PY09, WfBC the right person to fill your successfully introduced a new position, WfBC has your solution. workshop on using LinkedIn for WfBC continued WfBC is your partner in making job search purposes. Boulder County a vital place to work, live and play. • Self-Directed Labs (SDLs): self- working with the Leeds directed and self-paced Microsoft Services to Job Seekers Word, Excel, PowerPoint and WfBC provides a comprehensive Access Database tutorials. Also School of Business on and integrated one-stop system at available is self-paced two convenient locations in preparation for GED/Workplace Boulder and Longmont. Job Literacy Certification. the Data Mining Project. seekers have access to resource centers, learning labs and job Services to Employers search assistance from the WfBC's business services team This collaboration employment advising team. The serves employers throughout team provides desk-level Boulder County, taking job orders, assessment and labor market doing file searches for potential among WfBC, Larimer information, offers referrals for applicants and hosting job fairs. community resources, does file WfBC has identified four business searches for jobs through JobLink sectors (technology, manufacturing, and Pikes Peak and manages the resource center. health care and retail) to monitor and research projected growth to Both WfBC offices have 22 pieces better understand their needs. Workforce Centers, of assistive technology software and devices available in the WfBC's business services include: resource centers for clients with and education (CU disabilities ranging from mobility • Posting of jobs in our local office impairment, blind/low vision, and in Connecting Colorado deaf and hard of hearing, and • Conference rooms for Boulder, CU Colorado learning disabilities. interviewing and testing • Rapid Response • Career Development • On-the-job training Springs, and CSU) Workshops (CDWs): one- to • Internships three-hour facilitated workshops • Labor market information in career development skills, • Consulting services focused on resulted in an industry resume writing and Internet job finding the most qualified search. WfBC has four ongoing applicants workshops titled Career and occupation Exploration, Re-Zoom Your In PY09, WfBC co-sponsored business forums with other organizations, leveraging resources research report for all and increasing its visibility in the community. During the annual Workforce Development Month, 64 Colorado counties. WfBC partnered with the Broomfield Workforce Center to present "The State of the Economy" with Richard L. Wobbekind from the LEEDS School of Business. This forum had nearly 100 attendees. Career development workshop in Boulder WfBC also continued a partnership begun in PY08 with the Colorado

Workforce Boulder County 62 WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Association for Manufacturing Disability Program Navigator developed which partnered the and Training (CAMT), Colorado (DPN) WfBC WIA Adult Program, Urban Workforce Alliance The Disability Program Navigator Longmont United Hospital and (CUWA) and Jefferson County Initiative is committed to ensuring Front Range Community College. through the WIRED Initiative, to that the WfBC center is universally This opportunity then expanded provide training and certification accessible to all clients regardless into the development of in advanced manufacturing of their disabilities and need for internships for our Youth and programs (Six Sigma, Lean Basics, accommodation. This mission is Young Adult Program. The Quality Basics, Quality Technician, dependent on staff awareness and projects have increased skill levels, and Yellow Belt) at no cost to training, assistive technology and language skills and developed employers. an in-house Disability Program work readiness for youth and Navigator. WfBC Youth Programs adults through internship In PY09, WfBC served 1,843 youth The Disability Program Navigator opportunities. The Longmont clients and saw approximately Initiative maintained regular United Hospital HR Manager 1,400 young people at the Youth contact with partner agencies such joined the Workforce Job and Career Fairs. The WfBC as The Division of Vocational Development Board at the end of youth team continues to grow Rehabilitation, The Center for PY08, increasing the investment of stronger by building key People with Disabilities, Imagine, this partnership. partnerships, leveraging resources The Employer Outreach Team, through TANF Reserve Funds, The Job Developer's Network, Colorado Urban Workforce marketing its programs and Boulder County Community Alliance (CUWA) services, and hiring interns to Services Department and the CUWA is a financial and assist in the delivery of services. Mental Health Center of Boulder logistical partner. This entity County. consists of members from all Expansion of the youth program metro area workforce regions and services continues to open up Monolingual and Bilingual who are committed to working new career pathways to youth Services together to collaboratively seeking experience and WFBC continues to serve Spanish address the needs of business understanding of work speakers in the Longmont and through multi-regional opportunities. Among the youth Boulder offices. Demand for strategies. While no single region programs WfBC operates are the services has increased with the can effectively meet all these Governor's Summer Job Hunt and downturn in the economy. WfBC needs, together they can have the Summer Youth Employment continues to refer monolingual significant impact. Program providing paid applicants to ESL classes provided internships to 42 youth. In by St.Vrain Adult School, Boulder Longmont United Hospital addition, for the last several years, Adult Literacy, FRCC and (LUH) Boulder has operated the: Intercambio. Most employers Boulder County has had a long- Youth Internship Program - The require basic English skills and a standing partnership with LUH. purpose of this program is to: GED. Vocational ESL training and In PY09, the WIA Adult program family literacy programs continue continued to recruit and provide • Establish partnerships between to be highly needed in the training to CNA interns for the WfBC Youth Programs and community. hospital. LUH has a need for community employers experienced CNAs and has a PARTNERSHIPS FOR policy of not hiring CNAs • Provide work experiences and ECONOMIC RECOVERY without experience. career opportunities that are rewarding and satisfying to both WfBC has continued to build on WfBC partnered with LUH to youth and employer relationships formed from begin an internship program previous discretionary grant where it hired CNA interns and • Assist youth in becoming funded projects. For example, LUH provided work experience. independent adults and from the Northern Health Care developing strong connections Consortium grant, a CNA to caring adults internship program was

Workforce Boulder County Winning in a Challenging Economy 63 Since the program began, 34 workforce education. The CNAs have gone through the information gathered was used to internship and all have been develop a Renewable Energy placed in permanent jobs with Sector Implementation Grant, LUH. This program year, we which was funded in October placed six interns. One of these 2009, and will align action has just been accepted into strategies with gaps identified by n PY09, WfBC medical school. Two other interns the participating renewable I performed so well, they were energy companies. served 1,843 youth promoted to floor supervisor when they were hired, moving Private Sector OJTs - Simple from $10.50/hour to $15/hour. Solar clients and saw WfBC agreed to support five OJTs As a supplement to this program, with Simple Solar for a three approximately 1,400 a new position, the patient care month period. Simple Solar assistant, was developed to committed to hiring three young people at their ensure trained staff were individuals after successful available to sit with patients who training. This project began in Youth Job and Career required 24-hour supervision. August 2009. Three individuals This position provided CNA received training in PV solar training to staff performing non- installation. They all continued Fairs. The WfBC patient care duties. their employment after the training period ended and are youth team continues WIRED Individual Training currently employed. Accounts to grow stronger by Bioscience Boost Training - WfBC collaborated with Front building key Range Community College to provide classroom training for 20 individuals on FDA guidelines for partnerships, bioscience manufacturing companies. leveraging resources ScrumMaster Certification - 10 through TANF individuals were enrolled in, and successfully completed, the ScrumMaster Certification class A Simple Solar trainee working on Reserve Funds, offered by Agile University in a solar installation on the roof of Boulder. Five went on to get the Lafayette Police Station marketing programs permanent full-time jobs with salaries ranging from $40/hour to $104,000/year. HIRE Colorado and services, and hiring HIRE Colorado provided funding for subsidized jobs in both public interns to assist in the SECTOR Initiative: Renewable and private sector organizations. Energy Eighty-seven individuals were delivery of services. WfBC partnered with the placed in internships in Jefferson County Workforce government and non-profit Center on a SECTOR Planning agencies. Three individuals were Grant focused on the renewable placed in on-the-job training in energy sector cutting across both private businesses. Sixty-one are regions. This grant was designed currently working through these to gather information regarding placements. Internships were gaps in economic development, funded at 100% and OJTs were workforce employment and funded at 50% of wages.

64 Workforce Boulder County WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report 50+ Workshops and Networking Events The goal of this program is to increase employment opportunities for older workers (i.e., 50 years and older) and provide individual and group counseling, as needed. While the number of workers over 50 years old using workforce center services has steadily increased, in PY08 this number exploded due to the economic implosion on Wall Street and the ballooning unemployment rate. For PY09, the 50+ population comprised nearly 30% of our clients. WFBC provides several services exclusively for 50+ workers: • 50+ Networking Group: to determineappropriateness for resources between Boulder and Networking presentations the group and resources Broomfield and improve WfBC's are held monthly and showcase needed, or to help in a crisis visibility in the community. speakers from area employers situation. One-on-one job search support is also offered. Data Mining Project - WfBC and organizations. continued working with the Leeds • Transition, Transform, Latino Chamber of Commerce School of Business on the Data Transcend, Careers After 50: WfBC has formed a partnership Mining Project. This project began Participants explore with the Latino Chamber. Staff towards the end of PY08. The challenges and benefits of the has participated in after-hours economic team, including staff 50+ experience, learn about the and other activities to form from The Leeds School of "make or break attitude" and relationships with Latino business Business, developed industry explore how to confront leaders, which could potentially profiles for each workforce region. difficult job situations unique to lead to more opportunities for our This assists the workforce centers their age group. Latino labor force. to identify existing and emerging • Rebound Group: Rebound workforce opportunities for each Groups are designed to provide LEEDS School of Business region, focusing on key a stabilizing and supportive Business Forum - WfBC SECTORS. This collaboration factor in the lives of people 50 partnered with the Broomfield with workforce centers (Larimer, and older dealing with Workforce Center to host The Pikes Peak and WfBC) and depression and/or anxiety as a Leeds School of Business Forum education (CU Boulder, CU result of unemployment. Being featuring "The State of the Colorado Springs and CSU) with peers experiencing the Economy." Richard Wobbekind, resulted in an industry and same challenges and hearing Ph.D. from the University of occupation research report for all other people's coping strategies Colorado Leeds School of 64 Colorado counties. Phase II of and successes contributes to Business presented a snapshot of this project will continue in PY10. relieving depression and the Boulder, Broomfield and State anxiety, which helps the older of Colorado economy, including Longmont Area workers gain employment. economic forecasting, to over 80 Economic Council (LAEC) • One hour individual local businesses, partner agencies The LAEC has provided Intake/Counseling for 50 + and government personnel. This important support to WfBC, from clients: A licensed professional event was held in conjunction providing data to leadership to counselor, experienced in with other Statewide Workforce important contacts through the older worker employment Development Month activities. Human Resources Roundtable. issues, meets with each client The forum has proved to be an effective way to leverage

Workforce Boulder County 65 Winning in a Challenging Economy WfBC has used economic reports job fairs, sharing program provided by John Cody, president information and posting events and CEO of LAEC, for market on the WY-CO website. evaluations and other business BETR Project - ReelBiz Virtual data. LAEC hosts Investor Series Business Tours Breakfasts and sponsors the A virtual tour of businesses was Cornerstone Awards Luncheon to developed as part of the Business uccess Story: recognize companies that have S and Education Talent Readiness taken risks by expanding (BETR) Project to promote Rob had been operations in the Longmont area. understanding of tasks workers The luncheon celebrates the are expected to perform and skills challenged by a lack of courage and determination of needed for future careers. The these companies and the resulting project targets teachers, parents enthusiasm on his jobs benefits to the community. and students at the high school Longmont Area Human level. Through videos, businesses and also had difficulty Resources Roundtable (LAHRR) can showcase their companies The LAHRR is a forum in which and share available jobs in their interacting with human resources professionals workforce. They discuss the can discuss issues, stay abreast of education and skills needed to coworkers. This past important changes within the pursue employment in their field, field and network with peers. The especially jobs in science, summer, Rob was group encompasses all sizes of technology, engineering and organizations to lend a broad math. WfBC and Michael Conti hired into a workforce view of the various functions and Video Production generated 18 challenges of the human ReelBiz videos from funds internship at Boulder resources professional. In PY09, provided by the BETR project at one of WfBC's business services no cost to the business. staff took on the role of LAHRR Community Youth Job Fair executive committee chair. WfBC held two job fairs Computers, a non- WyCo Workforce Partnership cosponsored by St Vrain Valley The WY-CO Workforce School District, the city of profit that refurbishes Partnership is a collaboration of Longmont and the Governor's workforce centers in Boulder, Summer Job Hunt in Longmont donated computers, Larimer and Weld Counties in and Boulder. These fairs brought northern Colorado and the together approximately 70 and he achieved great Cheyenne Workforce Center in employers and 1,400 youth who southeastern Wyoming. The were able to attend job search success. After he was purpose of the partnership is to strengthen employer and job hired, Rob excitedly told seeker services and resources throughout the region. PY09 activities included publishing a family member, "I have monthly economic snapshot reports, participating in the found my future!" Geospatial Job Fair and Career Conference in September 2009, participating in the Longs Peak Networking Group’s Job & Career Fair, evaluating software Youth filling out applications at the applications that provide virtual Boulder Youth Job Fair

66 Workforce Boulder County WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report orientations, application semi- specific career and can pay for assist clients in finding a job. nars and practice interviews. tuition, fees and books; can The program also assists clients They were also able to "shop" for provide childcare while clients in pre-employment job skills, job career paths and candidly speak are in training, and/or employ- application skills, interviewing, with career professionals about ment; can provide supportive resume writing and information, current and future job markets. services; and can assist in obtain- job retention tips, employee ing an internship to develop job hints and tips, GED preparation Human Services and skills. classes and testing, and job Community Services Projects referrals. Work First has a Subsidized Workforce Investment Board HIRE Colorado - TANF Reserve Employment and Service to the WfBC began and completed money provided funding for two Community (SESC) program. recruitment efforts to establish projects, HIRE Colorado and The subsidized portion provides 12-month full time, temporary board membership that would Youth Employment Program paid positions. Over the 18- consist of industry sectors where (YEP!). Community Services month program, which ended on it could gain greater connection Block Grant (CSBG) funds were June 30, 2010, 69 interns were and vital information in terms of leveraged with HIRE Colorado placed in internships. Thirty- service delivery and the ability to provide subsidized employ- four of these entered permanent to meet the needs of the those ment to 34 individuals. employment, and 14 of those sectors. Workforce center staff Work First - The Work First became Boulder County recruited three new members program serves persons who employees. from the Latino Chamber of receive TANF cash assistance Commerce, First Bank of Boulder from the Boulder County Employment First - and a local staffing company. Employment First is a manda- Department of Social Services. The entire board serves as a way The program assists clients in tory program for persons receiving food stamps who do to stay tuned in to labor market identifying and obtaining needs specific to the Boulder occupational training for a not meet exemption requirements. The goal is to County Community.

Workforce Boulder County Winning in a Challenging Economy 67 Denver Division of Workforce Development

REGIONAL PROFILE and the nation throughout PY09. Denver is located in the center of Denver began the program year the Front Range Urban Corridor, at 9% in July 2009, slowly decreasing to 7.7% in November ED-WD between the Rocky Mountains to O the west and the High Plains to 2009, peaking at 9.3% in March Strategic Changes: the east. According to the U.S. 2010, and rounding out the year Census Bureau, the city has an at 9% in June 2010. Denver's • Set funding priority area of 154.9 square miles, and unemployment rate consistently was home to 610,345 people in averaged 0.5% to a full that 65% of business 2009. It is the most populous city percentage point higher than and the most populous county in Colorado's unemployment rate and job seeker invest- Colorado, and ranks as the 24th and the same to 1.7% lower than most populous city in the United the nation's unemployment rate ments should target States. during that same timeframe. The total civilian labor force for growth industries The Denver Regional Council of June 2010 was 318,334, of which Governments (DRCOG) projects 289,630 were employed and • Created group that the population will grow to 28,704 were unemployed. 762,612 by 2035, a 25% increase recruitment model from 2009. According to the U.S. In PY09, Denver had almost Census Bureau's latest American 300,000 customer visits, a 30% allowing prescreen- Community Survey, 82.5% of increase over PY08, but with only Denver's residents have a high a 2.3% increase in job openings ing and hiring serv- school degree or higher, and 38% listed. As a result of ARRA have a bachelor's degree or funding, Denver served an ices to be custom- higher. Of the customers increased number of total adults, accessing Denver Workforce dislocated workers, and youth in intensive programs in PY09 ized to specific in- Services, 77.2% have a high school degree or higher and (2,886) as compared to PY08 (1,527). This marks the fifth dustries and 32.9% have a bachelor's degree or higher. consecutive year that Denver has seen an increase in the number of employers Denver's unemployment rate jobseekers accessing services. • Expanded network followed the trend of the state Conversely, Denver has seen in

of industry training

providers by adding

partnerships with regis-

tered apprenticeship

programs and trade

associations

68 Denver Division of Workforce Development WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report PY08 and PY09 an overall 30% PY09 Common Measures Performance drop in number of businesses accessing Connecting Colorado to post job openings as compared to PY07. PY09 Achievements Driven by our sector approach to workforce operations, Denver had many notable achievements through increased resources. Business and job seeker talent development investments included:

• Placing over 600 youth in work- key stakeholders. Based on an trained in health information based mentoring opportunities industry analysis, OED-WD technology. High-demand • Investing over $1.6 million in focused its PY09 business occupations include patient customer skills trainings and engagement outreach, account representatives, medical certifications for 618 adult development and training on coders and medical insurance job seekers construction/skilled trades, health billing specialists. National and care, energy/green jobs and core state emphasis on energy • Providing 447 adult job seekers growth (retail, accommodation independence and energy with internship and job and hospitality) as target industry efficiency underpins demand for training sectors. These industries were skilled trade workers and for up- • Investing approximately $2 selected because they offer a and-coming green jobs and million in local businesses broad range of career pathways specialized positions. providing job placement and show sustained and expanded demand for workers in Data Analysis Approach - Within subsidies; 75% of investment each industry sector, OED-WD was in targeted industries the Denver area through labor market projections. staff used data from multiple • 4,324 job seekers received job sources to determine target search support services Additionally, there is a consistent occupations for employment and need for skilled construction and training investments. All occupa- • 1,993 individuals accessed trade workers because of Denver ions associated with each industry CareerReady Colorado area projects such as: Better were identified and ranked based Certificate training Denver bond initiatives during on demand data obtained from • 1,806 individuals accessed the next five years; redevelopment CDLE's LMI section and local Technical Skill Workshop of the Denver Union Station industry experts. Then, the 'top' Trainings through Denver property; and the buildout from occupations were sorted by Workforce Development 2008 to 2016 of the Regional education/training level required. Transportation District's (RTD) This more expanded data set is Strategic Changes FasTracks, a multi-billion dollar the tool OED-WD staff uses to Denver OED Workforce comprehensive transit expansion guide job seekers towards growth Development had several key plan across the eight-county occupations within the target advances during PY09, including: metro Denver district. industries depending on their Sector Expansion Team (SET) - education level, self-sufficiency In the health care sector, in wage needs and career ladder The continued development of the addition to increasing demand for SET is part of a broader strategy aspirations. This tool was also workers expected from the aging used to inform job seekers for leveraging industry sector population, recent passage of partnerships that includes partici- regarding the wage subsidy and national health care reform ITA awards process. pation of employers, workforce legislation creates a demand and development organizations, opportunities for a workforce educational institutions and other

Denver Division of Workforce Development 69 Winning in a Challenging Economy Finally, 'top' occupations data LeaderQuest) to explore short- were integrated within the target term training opportunities in the occupations with layoff-impacted information technology industry. omeless Initiative: occupations using the Economic Denver staff took the lead on H Modeling Systems Inc. (EMSI) recruiting participants, holding tool. group orientations at TechSkills, Recovery Act funding determining eligibility and enroll- Supportive Services Access ing participants in the program. A Database - OED-WD's Supportive total of 13 participants were Services Unit created an Access gave Denver an approved for N+/CISCO training database that has streamlined from the four regions. All partici- distribution of supportive serv- pants are currently attending ices to customers and increased opportunity to support training with an anticipated the ability to do quality assurance completion date of September 30, on supportive service applica- 2010. a larger number of tions. With completion of the database, customers can key in PARTNERSHIPS FOR processing requests directly, ECONOMIC RECOVERY homeless job seekers which decreases time involved and potential errors on previous- Colorado Hotel and Lodging ly handwritten requests, due to Association (CHLA) Partnership than in the past options allowed in the database. The OED-WD/CHLA partnership The database also provides access was developed to build new to real-time budget information, career opportunities for indivi- under WIA alone. allowing us to review obligations duals who have little or no work versus expenditures at any given experience in the hospitality in- time. Reports have simplified the dustry and are looking for careers This year we trained reconciliation/replenishment with advancement opportunities. The program was initially devel- process and cut staff processing oped by a team that included a time in half. 28 homeless job workforce staff representative, Regional Approach In Youth Colorado Hotel and Lodging Services - The 2009 Governor's Association staff representatives, seekers, over 75% of Summer Job Hunt was implemen- Colorado Restaurant Association ted using a regional approach. In staff representatives, general a collaborative effort to consoli- managers of the hotels, manage- which were ex- date youth job fairs, Denver ment of local restaurants and Youth Workforce partnered with education providers from schools Broomfield, Adams County, that provide certification and offenders, in energy Jefferson County and Arapahoe/ training in the restaurant and Douglas Works! workforce hospitality industry. centers to provide hiring oppor- efficiency and weather- This partnership was branded as tunities for Colorado youth and H3R (Hospitality Hires for Hotels local employers. and Restaurants). Outcomes for zation, and all obtained Cross-Regional Collaboration - this project included: Denver collaborated with • Businesses identified needs for Jefferson County, Adams County individuals with basic industry training-related jobs. and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! to knowledge and access to job- provide ARRA-funded services to ready candidates with industry dislocated workers in the metro skills certification Denver region. Staff members met jointly with two training • OED screened candidates and providers (TechSkills and provided training dollars

70 Denver Division of Workforce Development WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report • Over 30 individuals were industries: solar energy techno- placed through the program logy, green construction, energy efficiency and weatherization, Green Jobs Training Partner- green jobs administration and ships sales. In addition to program Denver OED-WD partnered on planning efforts, the OED-WD three successful grant proposals, totaling nearly $13 million, Assessment and Training Center through the U.S. Department of developed an assessment process Labor's Green Jobs Training grant with grant staff that requires all opportunities, funded through the participants to take the WorkKeys Denver Youth Employment Program Recovery Act. assessment for the CareerReady Kickoff Event Colorado Certificate.

Green Careers for Coloradoans Youth Sector Initiatives (Energy Training Partnership) Denver OED-WD staff created provides training opportunities to two innovative opportunities for employed journeyman workers, youth 14-24 to gain industry- apprentices and dislocated con- recognized certifications and struction workers for the emerg- career exposure through the Pre- ing green skills and certifications Professional Occupations-Health needed by Colorado's Energy- (PPO-H) and Health Medical Efficient Building, Renewable Occupations (HMO) programs. Electric Power, and Energy The programs have two tracks: Denver’s Recovery Act logo Efficiency Assessment industries. The grant also reaches out to • The Pre-Professional Occupa- The State Energy Sector Partner- tions (PPO) Program is de- ship (SESP) is an innovative, community-based organizations' newly trained workers to intro- signed to serve as classroom three-year partnership of Colora- training and work experience duce them to the value of regis- do businesses, training providers for youth 14-24 (14-21 for some tered apprenticeships for a Green and government to give business- programs). It is an entry-level Career Ladder. Denver assisted es the workforce they need to program that allows partici- with program planning and thrive, and help Colorado workers pants to use career exploration apprenticeship outreach, and in have a bright future with a career and job shadowing to focus on developing a regional workforce in the energy efficiency or renewal health careers, and provides five energy fields. Training opportu- referral process to access expand- industry-recognized certifica- nities will focus on industry- ed training opportunities. tions that will assist participants recognized certifications and de- Microsoft Elevate America in gaining entry-level employ- grees. The grant includes seven Program Partnership with the ment within medical settings. components: Apprenticeship Denver Public Library • The Health Medical Occupa- Partnership, Energy Scholarships, In cooperation with Microsoft tions Program (HMO) allows Public Awareness & Youth Out- Corporation and the State of youth to gain up to 160 hours of reach, Energy Entrepreneurial Colorado, Denver OED-WD and work experience within a Pilot, Youth Conservation Corps, the Denver Public Library provi- structured hospital setting. Energy 101 and Smart Grid ded 2,545 Microsoft vouchers for Training. OED-WD staff is on e-learning courses at no cost to Innovative Youth Partnerships loan to serve as the Front Range individuals interested in acquir- OED-WD Youth Program staff project manager for the grant. ing or updating their technical developed partnerships with skills to compete for the jobs of Young Americans Center for The Denver Green Jobs today and tomorrow. Microsoft e- Financial Education and Leader's Initiatives (Pathways Out of learning vouchers give users a Challenge to create a Civic Poverty) will provide job training choice of pursuing a "learning Leadership Program and an to residents of the Five Points area collection" within either Windows Entrepreneurial Program. of Denver focused on creating a XP & Office 2003 or Windows career path in high-growth green Vista and Office 2007.

Denver Division of Workforce Development 71 Winning in a Challenging Economy As part of their work experience, Authority, Goodwill Industries of youth participants shadowed Denver and Servicios de La Raza A major Denver business owners, elected officials administered the placement of and city agency/department over 632 at-risk youth, 14-24, in economic development win, heads. Participants in the Civic subsidized jobs. In addition, 514 Leadership Program gained youth were placed in work competencies in the area of the new SMA Solar experiences by OED Youth leadership skills, civic communi- Program staff with other funding cation, critical thinking, financial sources. A total of 1,146 youth Technology manufact- responsibility and civic engage- were placed in work experiences ment. or subsidized employment. uring plant was Participants in the Entrepre- CareerReady Colorado neurial Program gained an in- Certificate in Denver Public recognized as the "deal depth understanding of innova- Schools (DPS) tion, insight into sustainable Denver's OED-WD Assessment business opportunities, informa- Team administered the WorkKeys of the year" by the tion about resources for business tests in applied mathematics, planning and ideas about how to reading for information and Metro Denver develop and implement a locating information for the business concept. CareerReady Colorado certificate to DPS graduating seniors in Economic Develop- “Transitions for Young Adults” April 2010. WorkKeys tests were Offender Program - OED-WD offered by DPS in conjunction Youth Services staffed and ment Corporation. with "ACT Week" where college facilitated the creation of this testing and WorkKeys testing program. The partnership occurred simultaneously. The Denver Office of included Denver County Courts (Denver Juvenile Probation and A total of 112 seniors in career and technical education (CTE) Economic Develop- Denver District Attorney), Savio House, Bo Matthews Center, Blue programs at seven area high and Yellow Logic, Youth Biz, schools and the Career Education Center were tested. DPS's vision ment led the effort in Project Voice Gang Rescue and is that all CTE seniors graduate Support Project, and Worker to with a DPS diploma and a developing a Job Connection. CareerReady Colorado Certificate Youth obtained skills in to assist in creating a strong package of incentives construction and "green" high- future workforce. growth industry jobs. They were and leveraging federal provided with first aid/CPR certification, OSHA safety training and forklift certification. work-force funds to This program was chosen as a national best practice. offer SMA wage subsidy Recovery Act Summer Youth Program - Denver OED-WP support and assistance awarded contracts to three At the CRC Recognition Event in community-based organizations Jefferson County, Gov. Ritter poses with recruitment of 300 to administer the Summer Youth with Denver area employers Employment Program funded by currently using the CareerReady ARRA. The Denver Housing Colorado Certificate employees, to "seal" the deal.

72 Denver Division of Workforce Development WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Leveraged ARRA Funding OED-WD was awarded $260,466 in ARRA funding through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). All funds were allocated as wage subsidy reimbursements for TANF and other low-income job seekers enrolled into paid, on- the-job training placements with local businesses in high-demand occupations in growth industries.

Projected goals were for 45 wage subsidy placements with an estimated $5,842 in subsidized wages per placement. OED-WD has made 56 OJT placements to date, 62% of which are in target industries. As of the end of the fiscal year, 44 OJT placements are on schedule to transition to In addition to clinics, customers force development funds to offer unsubsidized employment by the will attend one Job Club and one SMA wage subsidy support and end of the grant. Job Search Lab each week. assistance with employee recruitment. Facilitated Job Search Model Economic Development Deal of OED-WD partnered with the the Year Sector Expansion Team Community College of Denver to A major Denver economic Partnerships create a new curriculum and development win in one of Denver's OED-WD continued to related tools for the implemen- Denver OED-WD's target industry maintain a regional, industry- tation of a new Facilitated Job sectors, the new SMA Solar focused approach within the Search model. Global Career Technology manufacturing plant, following sectors: construction, Development Facilitator (GCDF) was recognized as the "deal of the energy, health care and core concepts and best practices were year" by the Metro Denver Econo- growth. The Sector Expansion leveraged during this project to mic Development Corporation. Team engaged in numerous key balance the best of theoretical SMA Solar Technology, a German- partnerships in PY09, including: concepts with practical implemen- based manufacturer of solar tation potential. inverters, announced last year it Energy/Green was opening its first North The resulting class "GO4 Job American manufacturing site in • Contacts with green manu- Search Success (G4)" is a premier Denver. facturing, weatherization and OED-WD service designed to energy efficiency businesses Production began in the summer provide job-ready customers with • Customized training of 2010 with 300 employees and a the support necessary to conduct partnerships with registered an effective job search. capacity to expand to 700. SMA Solar Technology's U.S. expansion apprenticeship programs Under the program, customers will have a total capital invest- • Urban Canopy program to train will take the following clinics: ment of approximately $10-15 and place homeless veterans in Networking & the Hidden Job million over the first five years of partnership with Veterans Market, Resume & Cover Letter operations. The Denver Office of Green Jobs, Denver Human Customization, Mock Economic Development led the Services, Denver Parks & Interviewing, Workplace Success, City's efforts in developing a Recreation and the Associated and Creating Your Job Search package of incentives and leverag- Landscape Contractors of Action Plan. ing its allocation of federal work- Colorado

Denver Division of Workforce Development 73 Winning in a Challenging Economy • Get Into Water, a water and wastewater industry partnership, developed through a ector Expansion CDLE SECTORS planning S grant Team accomplishments: Construction • Redevelopment of Denver Union Station - provided hiring, 68% of training • pre-screening and wage subsidies for contractors services and 79% of Denver OED-WD's Best Practices • Wage subsidy partnerships Award received June 2010 from with Better Denver Bond CDLE for its Pre-Professional wage subsidy project contractors and the Occupations - Health Program Denver Housing Authority ARRA-funded redevelopment strategic plan/planning process; positions were in collaborating in the implementa- project contractors tion of the five newly awarded targeted energy, • Customized training energy grants in Colorado; partnerships with registered sharing best practices in youth apprenticeship programs services; convening regular construction and meetings of all statewide WIB The Denver Workforce chairs to establish healthy Investment Board (WIB) health care dialogue for common strategic The Denver WIB hosted all Colo- actions; and collaborating on rado WIB chairs and workforce marketing strategies. industries. directors for a statewide gathering in January 2010 to discuss Promotion of Youth Programs - regional collaboration and the PY09 brought youth services • Developed 184 role of WIBs in setting a vision much support from WIB and policies for meeting the talent members who not only attended needs of Colorado businesses. youth services events and relationships with promoted youth council This gathering was the culmina- recruitment, but were also tion of a mentor-mentee relation- businesses and enlisted to assist by providing ship between the Denver Office of Economic Development- contacts and resources to support non-profit organiza- Workforce Development and the the Youth Health Care initiative, Gulf Coast Workforce Board in the Bridges to Work (BTW) youth Houston, Texas, supported by the internship program and the tions operating U. S. Department of Labor's Peer- Summer Youth Employment to-Peer Technical Assistance Program. Project. within target Members of the WIB also: The discussion brought forth industries that ideas about: consolidation of • Donated classroom space for workforce regions around labor summer youth training sessions provided on-the-job market areas with common goals • Contacted Denver area and outcomes, and cost savings/ businesses to support the efficiencies; complementing the Bridges to Work Program training opportunities annual WIA/Wagner-Peyser compliance planning process • Provided lunches for youth with a parallel and corresponding training sessions

74 Denver Division of Workforce Development WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report • Provided support for the ARRA programs and funding streams to to be part of the 2010 Youth Summer Youth Celebration and prepare job seekers from all Development Symposium on youth leadership activities "points of entry" for jobs in November 8-10, 2010 in Chicago. emerging, growing and promising • Sponsored a kickoff breakfast industry sectors by informing 5281 Award - Georgia Howard, for the Youth Healthcare customers of labor market OED-WD staff member, received Initiative information and trends, and the “5281 Award,” a prestigious Denver OED-WD Awards focusing resources and award given to City and County investments on those sectors. of Denver employees for excep- CDLE Best Practice Awards - tional work. She was recognized Denver Workforce Development Microsoft Elevate America for her efforts in developing was presented two of the six Program - Denver County was nearly 100 jobs and trainings in statewide best practice awards at recognized as a best practice by the energy and green sector, the RMWDA conference: "Prepar- Rutgers University and CDLE for ensuring that resource allocations ing Youth for Success in Health its partnership with the Denver resulted in quality jobs with self- Care Careers," a program that was Public Library in the Microsoft sufficiency wages, helping also nationally recognized by the Elevate America program. support businesses, jobs seekers U.S. Conference of Mayors, and and the quality of life for all the "A Comprehensive Approach Youth Services Awards - The Denver residents. Georgia also to Sector Implementation across National Association of Workforce authored two industry grants in Workforce Programs." These Development Professionals the energy and green jobs sector, awards recognize Denver's selected Denver's Opportunity resulting in nearly $4.6M for commitment to working through Knocks! Youth Workforce workforce training and develop- Programs for Juvenile Offenders ment.

Denver Division of Workforce Development 75 Winning in a Challenging Economy Jefferson County Workforce Center

REGIONAL PROFILE Description of the Region Situated on the western edge of efferson County has metropolitan Denver, the Jeffer- J son County Workforce Center a well-educated and (JCWC) serves a diverse and unique workforce, ranging from urban and rural municipalities to diversified workforce thriving mountain communities. JCWC's main office is in Golden Laramie Building, home of the Jefferson County Workforce Center with over 311,000 in its with two satellite offices in Idaho Springs and Black Hawk. Jeffer- of life, Jefferson County is a son County is the second largest premier business location. labor base, making it county in Colorado with a population of 533,339. Gilpin County Employer Statistics • Astaggering 90.8% of private the second largest in supports an active gaming industry and has a population of employers in the Jefferson, 5,042. Clear Creek County, with a Gilpin and Clear Creek County Metro Denver and population of 9,322, is a historical regions have fewer than 20 and recreational area. employees. This rate is just slightly higher than Colorado Colorado. Because Jefferson County has a nationally statewide, which is 89.6%. acclaimed K-12 school district Jefferson County is through which residents and • 9% of employers have 20-249 businesses have convenient access employees. to higher educational institutions one of the primary • Just .3% of employers have 250+ such as the Colorado School of employees Mines, Colorado Christian Uni- population centers for versity, and Arapahoe, Front • The top-employing industries Range and Red Rocks Commun- in the Jefferson, Gilpin and ity Colleges. Companies in Jeffer- Clear Creek County area are: the state, companies son County enjoy a pro-business government, retail trade, tax climate with one of the low- accommodation and food located in the county est tax rates in the United States. services, health care and social With a friendly business environ- assistance, and professional and ment and an unmatched quality technical services. have the advantage of a large and highly skilled workforce.

76 Jefferson County Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Labor Force PY09 Common Measures Performance Jefferson County has a well- educated and diversified workforce with over 311,000 in its labor base, making it the second largest in Metro Denver and Colorado. Because Jefferson County is one of the primary population centers for the state, companies located in the county have the advantage of a large and highly skilled workforce. Sector-based Approaches WIRED’s Aerospace Industry Coordinator - JCWC was home to their story, ask for assistance and 80 attendees from business, edu- WIRED's Aerospace Industry have their questions answered. Coordinator. The coordinator has cation and the workforce system. a statewide focus and the object- Green Jobs Certificates - Lightly Destination Employment - This ive is to build workforce relation- Treading, the sole contractor for three-part program was devel- ships with Colorado's aerospace Xcel's auditing rebate program, oped by the Career Services Team community, yielding an invalu- has partnered with Red Rocks and provides intensive job search able network. This past year, Community College (RRCC) to tools to dislocated workers in a outreach to the industry included: provide the BPI Field proctor group setting. This gives job training. Lightly Treading has also seekers an opportunity to hone • Understanding the industry's joined RRCC, Alameda Gateway their job search skills and focus on dimensions, specialties and Community Association, Veterans marketing themselves in this issues; Green Jobs, the City of Lakewood challenging job market. Mayor's Office and the JCWC to • Engaging in industry's recruit- • Part 1: No Job, Now What? ment and training needs; provide the first commercial auditing field training program Customers learn about tools • Assessing the workforce sys- for community college students. and resources, identify strengths tem's ability to serve aerospace; Upon successful completion of to navigate through job loss and RRCC's Building Science course, and develop new job search strategies • Facilitating industry collabora- students may complete tions around strategic planning commercial audit field experience • Part 2 provides three job search and workforce education. and receive payment as interns workshops: Money Matters through a grant from JCWC. (money management) Inform- Last fall (2009), the Metro Denver RRCC's audit students, along with ational Interviewing and WIRED Initiative hosted an event Veterans Green Jobs graduates, Career Exploration at the Denver Chamber of Com- are receiving invalu-able field merce called Internships in Aero- experience proctored by • Part 3: YOU! The Ultimate space: Hands-on Talent Develop- professionals from Lightly Tread- Asset, a three-day workshop to ment. The program, organized by ing and American Management fine tune job search skills and the industry coordinator, featured Systems. obtain additional resources to a panel discussion by four aero- tackle any job market. Enhanced Service Strategies space executives and was de- ARRA Funding: Grow Your signed to highlight best industry Own - For program year 2009, internship practices. Panelists Job Clubs - Two job clubs, which provide support, networking and there were several opportunities were from Lockheed Martin, for JCWC customers to participate United Launch Alliance, Sierra job search techniques for "Profes- in internships and on-the-job Nevada Corporation, and Rede- sional" and "Boomer" job seekers, training opportunities. fine Technologies. The event drew were initiated in 2009. In these job clubs, participants can tell

Jefferson County Workforce Center 77 Winning in a Challenging Economy Funding included specific community assistance block grants, WIA formula dollars and ARRA funds. By June 30, 2010, the workforce center sponsored $1,156,535 worth of subsidized employment opportunities. GCDF Training - Continuing the CDLE awarded goal of maintaining a high level of quality service, seven work- Governor Ritter visits Jefferson a Best Practice Award to force center staff and two part- County Workforce Center to launch ners completed specialized the CareerReady Colorado training to become Global Career Certificate Jefferson County Development Facilitators providers, students, job seekers (GCDFs). In addition, four and parents to convey needed Workforce Center for received GCDF Instructor certifications. skills, workday activities and opportunities in various indus- Grow Your Own - A PARTNERSHIPS FOR tries. The videos were funded by ECONOMIC RECOVERY the Colorado Department of Collaborative Process Labor and Employment (CDLE) Governor’s Visit to JCWC and will be part of a highly On December 10, 2009, Governor popular suite of online videos and Marketing Bill Ritter visited JCWC to housed on the BETR website: officially launch the CareerReady www.betrproject.org. Campaign for Colorado Certificate, a tool that helps match the right person with Jeffco Public Schools the right job. The governor also The JCWC presented Jeffco Subsidized unveiled three legislative propo- Public Schools with the Business sals intended to help employees Agency & Partnership Award of Employment and small businesses with job 2009. This award was sponsored training and retraining programs: by the JCWC, Colorado Depart- ment of Labor and Employment, Opportunities. This • Incentives for health care professionals to work in rural the State Workforce Council and program has matched areas the Jefferson Economic Council. The school district has been faced • Extended eligibility of the with new challenges, including hundreds of job existing CollegeInvest nurse the lack of resources to meet the loan forgiveness program needs of their students. These seekers and • Implementing employee- students, who will enter a chang- funded job retraining accounts ing job market, must now be pre- businesses with that would offer incentives to pared for jobs that mostly do not businesses that match contribu- exist today, and they must learn tions how to solve problems that can- internships and on-the-job BETR ReelBiz Videos not be foreseen. Jeffco Public Twelve businesses participated in Schools has openly collaborated training opportunities. filming ReelBiz virtual video with the JCWC to find new ways tours for the Business and to meet these challenges head on. Education Talent Readiness Outcomes from this partnership (BETR) initiative. These videos have been overwhelmingly will be used by education positive.

78 Jefferson County Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Best Practice Award with employers to help their low- 22 received intensive job readiness In June 2010, CDLE granted the wage workers overcome barriers and job development services, JCWC a best practice award for that keep them from getting to and participated in training Grow Your Own - A Collabor- work, staying at work and being workshops, paid internships and ative Process and Marketing productive at work. WorkLife on-the-job training programs. The Campaign for Subsidized consists of seven employer part- PIPP training subcommittee created six online training Employment Opportunities. This ners with 4,500 employees. Since sessions titled "Planning for Life program has matched hundreds January 2010, WorkLife served 89 After High School" that are of job seekers and businesses with individuals and provided 144 available for viewing at www.e- internships and on-the-job train- hours of skill-enhancement Colorado.org. Online sessions ing opportunities. training to incumbent workers provide information and resour- and management staff. The ces for youth with developmental Training Grounds partnership strives to increase disabilities, their families and Training Grounds is an educa- long-term self-sufficiency of service providers. tional opportunity collaboration eligible, low-income Colorado between Jefferson County Human Community Service Block Grant families by providing long-term Services, Warren Tech Culinary (CSBG) planning skills and numerous Arts, JCWC and Jeffco Public JCWC, in collaboration with resources to Schools Transition Services. The Jefferson County Community help them purpose is to not only serve up Development, received $527,470 keep their Coda™ brand specialty coffees in ARRA funds for a CSBG-R to jobs. and other delectables, but to give provide employment and training real-world, hands-on training Person-Centered Independence services to targeted Jefferson experience to TANF customers Planning Project (PIPP) County residents. The goal of the and to students enrolled in Jeffco JCWC, in collaboration with the program was the reduction of Transition Services - students with Tri-County Youth Council and poverty, the revitalization of special needs. This is a win-win- other community partners, communities and businesses, and win for everyone involved. completed the PIPP in October the empowerment of low-income Training Grounds is located on 2009. This 18-month demonstra- families and individuals in urban the first floor of the Laramie tion project supported the and rural areas. Building, on the Jefferson County successful employment and JCWC developed key partner- Campus in Golden. transition of youth with ships with several community developmental disabilities organizations and almost 50 through services provided by the businesses to provide paid workforce system. internships, on-the-job training and vocational training programs Youth were referred by key to approximately 180 individuals partners throughout the from July 1, 2009 through July 31, workforce system that included 2010. These individuals ranged in Jeffco Public Schools, Division of age from 17 to 70+. Vocational Rehabilitation, School to Work Alliance Program, Work-Readiness Academy Jefferson County Department of The Work-Readiness Academy Human Services' Children Youth Training Grounds employees was developed to teach work- & Family Division, Develop- readiness skills and connect youth receive hands-on experience mental Disability Resource Center to businesses through internships serving customers on the Jefferson and Devereux Cleo Wallace County Campus treatment facility. using their skills to secure and retain employment. Other WorkLife Partnership The project impacted over 300 portions of the program were WorkLife Partnership (formerly youth, family members and developed to connect youth with Employer of Choice) collaborates service providers. Youth ages 18-

Jefferson County Workforce Center 79 Winning in a Challenging Economy their desired careers through HIRE Colorado vocational training and career One hundred ninety-five exploration programs. There were participants were served in the 22 participants at the start of this HIRE Colorado program, a JCWC was awarded a program, yet 12 remained fully subsidized employment program engaged and successfully created to provide a safety net for completed it. individuals who exhaust their SECTORS planning unemployment insurance (UI) Summer Youth Internship benefits. The goal of HIRE Program Colorado was to provide paid Jeffco served 364 youth through grant to identify skills work experiences for economic- this opportunity for young adults ally disadvantaged job seekers, to explore different career areas support the creation of new jobs gaps and common while learning work-readiness across the state, and help stabilize skills and gaining work experi- the State's TANF program by ence. This program offered issues within the providing an alternate source of businesses extra help during the income support for eligible summer, at no cost, while giving families. renewable energy young job seekers needed workplace experience and Colorado Association for opportunities. Manufacturing Technology sector, which could be (CAMT) Advanced Manufactur- Gilpin County Workforce Center, ing Grant partnering with Chinook This grant, funded through the used to attract new Associates and Golden Gate Metro Denver WIRED initiative, Canyon State Park provided trained 233 incumbent workers internships for nine youth in employed by businesses that businesses and keep natural resource and park supply products or support to the management. Participants came aerospace, bioscience, energy, IT out of the experience with many and manufacturing industries. current ones. This treasures: excellent resume- The training helped organizations building skills, career exploration by improving overall processes in a field of interest, new know- and operating efficiencies and grant led to the award ledge, hands-on experience, new reducing waste, resulting in skills from construction to financial benefits and a competi- leadership, successful teamwork tive advantage. Fifty-seven of the $500,000 experience and the satisfaction of dislocated workers (many of seeing the fruits of their labor. whom found jobs as a direct result of the training) were also Foothills Energy served. The training programs included Partnership SECTORS Lean Six Sigma, Lean Basics, Quality Basics, Quality Techni- cian, Yellow Belt and ISO Lead implementation grant Auditor training. Participants received a certificate from CAMT upon completion. Grant partners with Broomfield and include the Jefferson and Boulder Economic Development Councils Jefferson High School students who and the Boulder Workforce Boulder workforce centers. successfully completed internships Center. More than 20 businesses with Skinner Middle School as participated. summer camp counselors

80 Jefferson County Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Renewable Energy Initiative Center and the Rocky Mountain Veterans Federal Job Search JCWC was awarded a SECTORS Trade Adjustment Center to share workshops were conducted. planning grant to analyze data business and industry data, Thirteen of the 36 participants in and identify gaps within the collaborate on projects, and attendance obtained employment. reinforce the goal of cross- renewable energy sector. JCWC Business Outreach Accomplish- and its partners utilized business marketing each other's programs. Results of this group are better ments surveys and telephone followup communications, more compre- • Assisted over 600 businesses sessions to gather information on hensive assistance to our custom- with hiring events, job postings, primary and secondary industry ers, the ability to package pro- labor market information, players, primary and secondary grams more efficiently and effect- networking events, internships, occupations and associated skill ively, and less duplication of Rapid Response and aligning sets, and labor shed data. Results effort. companies with resources yielded common issues and Veterans Workforce Investment • Organized 54 customized problems and data needed to Program (VWIP) hiring events and job fairs for attract new businesses and keep The Jefferson County Veterans companies with a total of 8,482 existing ones. This grant led to the Team planned and coordinated a job seekers in attendance; award of the $500,000 Foothills successful VWIP Green Industry hosted and participated in Energy Partnership SECTORS Resource Fair on February 24, major job fairs including the implementation grant with 2010. It was held at the Jefferson annual Casino Job Fair, Young Broomfield and Boulder County Fairgrounds and had over Adult Job Fair, CDLE's E3 workforce centers. 250 veteran attendees. Resources Career and Resource Fair and included industry experts, the Edgewater Community Fair Jefferson County Training educators, employers and • Worked with Aerotek recruiters Partners Pow Wow workforce veteran professionals. JCWC meets monthly with the to accelerate the matching of In addition, five Military Veteran our businesses with qualified Jefferson Economic Council, Job Search workshops, two Colorado Association for Manu- interns, which was in addition Military Veterans Networking to the JCWC OJT and work facturing Technology, Rocky workshops, and three Military Mountain Education experience programs

Jefferson County Workforce Center 81 Winning in a Challenging Economy Larimer County Workforce Center

REGIONAL PROFILE The Larimer County Workforce Center (LCWC) had a total of As of July 2010, the national un- 23,831 registrations in the pro- employment rate remained at gram year ending June 30, 2010. arimer County 9.5%, according to statistics re- This is a 4% increase in registra- L leased by the Bureau of Labor tions from the previous program Statistics on August 6, 2010. year and, cumulatively, it is a 35% Workforce Center had a Colorado's seasonally adjusted increase over a two-year time- unemployment rate remained frame. On June 30, 2008, the total of 23,831 unchanged at 8.0% for June 2010. LCWC had 15,604 registrations. This is a modest improvement The number of registrations registrations during from the 8.3% unemployment climbed to 22,969 registrations on rate in Colorado for the same June 30, 2009 and continued up- PY09, a 35% overall time last year (June 2009). ward to 23,831 registrations on Larimer County continues to stay June 30, 2010. increase over a two- slightly below the state with an estimated 7.8% unemployment Over these past two program year timeframe, along rate. years, the LCWC has experienced substantial increases in UI claim- with increases in UI In Larimer County, construction, ants (55%), along with veterans/ manufacturing, retail/service and eligibles (32%), welfare (38%), claimants, veterans transportation/warehousing con- high school graduates/GED (37%) tinue to experience high rates of and customers with a bachelor's and low income job job loss. The five hardest-hit degree or higher (38%). These occupational groups (and corre- demographics demonstrate that seekers. These sponding percent of unemploy- all segments of our community ment) in Larimer County are: have been impacted by the demographics construction and extraction current recession. (14.6%); architecture and engineering (8.1%); transportation Workforce Investment Board demonstrate that all and material moving (7.4%); (WIB) Restructure office and administrative support In the fall of 2009, efforts began to segments of our (7.1%); and management occupa- restructure the Larimer County tions (7.1%). Workforce Investment Board community have been PY09 Common Measures Performance impacted by the current recession.

82 Larimer County Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report (LCWIB) to create a more Skills Verification Northern Colorado. Through strategic, engaged, employer-led During this program year, the their research and employer con- board. This process was complet- LCWC began offering worker versations, the group discovered ed in January 2010 when 35 new certification and skills verification that the growing occupation that board members were appointed through use of Prove It! assess- cut across all industries was office by the Larimer County Commis- ments, WorkKeys assessments and administrative support, with sioners, including 21 businesses (including Performance, Talent and computer skills needed for job with representation from most Fit), the CareerReady Colorado seekers to be competitive and industry sectors. The executive Certificate (CRC), and KeyTrain meet business needs. committee of the WIB drafted the remediation for the CRC. 2010-2011 strategic plan, which The LCWC partnered with the established four ad-hoc commit- Prove It! provides over 1,100 skill Education Life and Training tees: Youth to Industry, Energy sets covering nine languages/ Center (ELTC) who provided Exploratory, IT Exploratory and dialects. It also allows employers classroom training on Microsoft Healthcare Exploratory. The to develop customized assessments Word, Excel and PowerPoint. In Youth to Industry committee will for their specific job. The assess- addition to computer skills, focus on initiatives to close the ments range from basic office skills training included a soft skills gap between industry and youth. to multiple software and hardware element that focused on effective The three industry exploratory operating systems, and health care communication skills, resume committees will work to uncover procedures. Prove It! is also popu- writing, interviewing, being skill gaps, training opportunities lar with job seekers who want to successful in today's business and workforce needs within the test their skills, identify weakness- culture and "Thinking like an three targeted industries. Some of es and verify strengths. Prove It! Employer." These workshops the other initiatives the board offers tutorials in all Microsoft were conducted by the BST. plans to complete in 2010-2011 programs, which customers find include developing a "State of the helpful in enhancing their skills. After the training, each participant Workforce" summit, a quarterly These tutorials do not replace the retook their computer assess- workforce report and dashboard, need for basic computer remedia- ments, with 77% of participants and a legislative agenda. tion but are very valuable to those increasing their typing skills, 75% with introductory level skills. increasing their computer literacy The Business Intelligence Group skills and 77% increasing their Created out of a need for agency The LCWC provided 20 Prove It! Microsoft Word 2007 skills. staff to become better informed and assessments for New Belgium Twelve participants have gained educated about the ever-evolving Brewery applicants and is actively employment and the remaining labor market, the Business Intelli- connecting with other employers participants are presently gence Group was formed in spring regarding its use and value. The completing internship programs. 2010. The group consists of a cross- CRC has been most frequently functional, inter-agency team in- used by local plumbing companies PARTNERSHIPS FOR cluding 12 representatives who, as seeking the Applied Math assess- ECONOMIC RECOVERY part of their role at the LCWC, ment for employees entering train- connect with business. The group ing levels of their apprenticeships. WIRED ITA Funds meets monthly to share local, The purpose of the WIRED ITA regional, and national industry ComputerTIPS funds was to provide training trends and discuss business needs. The Computer Training and opportunities to eligible In addition, a quarterly bulletin, Internship Program, also known as customers in the targeted WIRED "The Pulse," will serve to compile ComputerTIPS, was developed, industries including energy, IT information and educate job seek- using ARRA and HIRE Colorado and bioscience. This funding ers, LCWC staff and community funds, by the LCWC Business allowed us to serve 165 custo- partners. Lastly, the Business Services Team (BST) in October mers, expanding support to co- Intelligence Group will serve as the 2009. The BST used labor market enrolled dislocated workers as bridge that connects the regional information from Economic well as providing exciting oppor- efforts of the WIB to the efforts of Modeling Specialist Inc. (EMSI) to tunities and skill building for the LCWC. identify growing occupations in incumbent workers.

Larimer County Workforce Center 83 Winning in a Challenging Economy Examples of training funded through WIRED ITAs were: • Ten incumbent workers from National Jewish Health (NJH) participated in an AALAS Certified Prep Course offered by Front Range Community he class our College. The goal of the training “T was to prepare students, currently employed in the care four employees were of animals used in biomedical research, for increased job Larimer County ARRA logo responsibility and advancement. able to attend with the Adjustment Assistance (TAA) • Twenty customers were provid- and/or WIA-funded customers ed scholarships to attend the are attending this innovative two- Good Laboratory Practices year training program. WIRED funding was through Colorado State University's BioMarc. Students The degree program, which learned about the Federal Drug started in Fall 2009, addresses a well received… and Administration and the Organ- strategic need of Colorado's New ization for Economic Coopera- Energy Economy: a job-ready tion and Development princi- will have a direct workforce with the technical skills ples of Good Laboratory Prac- required by the energy industry. tice as they apply to the regula- The Clean Energy Technology tion and quality of non-clinical impact on their ability Program will prepare customers studies. for entry-level work in the grow- • Thirty-two entrepreneurs were ing clean-energy industry. This to be more proficient provided the opportunity to emerging field encompasses bus- attend the FastTrac TechVenture inesses and industries involved in training addressing the needs of alternative and renewable energy, in their jobs… We are entrepreneurs developing tech- as well as those firms that deploy nology, biotechnology and life energy conservation and clean sciences products. Attendees energy strategies. thankful for the assist- received the tools to determine the economic feasibility of their The Larimer County Youth business concept, reevaluate the Conservation Corps (LCYCC) ance to fund this train- feasibility of the technology, Energy Corps design a business model that The LCYCC Energy Corps, matches a personal vision, and administered by the LCWC, ing and the learning create a business plan to com- partnered with the City of Fort municate the opportunity to Collins Utilities, Town of Estes investors. Park and Platte River Power opportunity it provided." Authority to offer 400 free energy Front Range Community College assessments to local homes. Eight (FRCC) Clean Energy Techno- WIA eligible youth were hired Katie Scherer, Training logy Training Program and trained as LCYCC energy In support of growing green jobs corpsmembers. Manager, Abound Solar in Northern Colorado, the LCWC partnered with FRCC to provide Funded primarily from the customers access to FRCC's American Recovery and Associate of Applied Science Reinvestment Act (ARRA), corps degree in Clean Energy Techno- members installed compact logy. Approximately 10 Trade fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow

84 Larimer County Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report showerheads and faucet aerators, Assistance for Needy Families. oped and implemented two all-day programmable thermostats, Additionally, 59% of HIRE training sessions exclusively for retractable clotheslines, and Colorado participants found SEB claimants. This customized smoke/carbon dioxide detectors in permanent employment by June workshop addressed the challenges low-to-mid-income homes across 30, 2010. of job search during a period of Larimer County. Corps members Many participating employers long-term unemployment, the spent one-on-one time with each difference between a career job and homeowner discussing energy claim HIRE Colorado has had a large economic impact on their a survival job, and how to present practices and ways to reduce yourself on a resume. The energy consumption and lower organization. One employer was able to permanently employ five workshop included a panel utility bills. Youth also had the discussion with SEB claimants who opportunity to test for certifica- HIRE Colorado participants with had found employment. tion with RESNET Home Energy additional revenue generated by the participants' labor. The flexi- Survey Professional Certificate Onsite Partnership with training, increasing their bility of the program has also allowed the LCWC to meet speci- Unemployment Insurance employability upon program Beginning in February, Unemploy- completion. fic training needs for participants and employers through the ment Insurance representatives ComputerTIPS and HealthTIPS from the centralized Denver UI call programs. With these programs center came to the Loveland and and other placements, the LCWC Fort Collins offices on a monthly is on track to exceed all HIRE basis. UI staff saw over 200 Colorado program goals. customers in February and over 100 on each subsequent visit. The Colorado Enhanced Approved LCWC valued the opportunity to Training Program (CEATP) serve as a place for our customers The CEATP assists Unemployment to meet with UI staff in person and Insurance claimants to receive gladly managed this additional training services and additional level of work with existing fund- Unemployment Insurance benefits. ing, resources and staffing. The LCWC initially focused on Ashley Swett, Larimer County current Workforce Investment Act Larimer County Works (TANF) Energy Corps member, installs an (WIA), Trade Adjustment During PY09, the Larimer County energy-efficient programmable Assistance (TAA) and veterans who Works Program significantly thermostat in a local home. were engaged in training for an increased the All Family Work occupation on the approved Participation Rate to a 12-month HIRE Colorado CEATP occupational list. The average of 49.5%. This increase The HIRE Colorado program is LCWC individually contacted each occurred even with a sharp in- designed to provide wages and a customer via phone and case- crease in the caseload amidst a recent work history to out-of- managed the application of those budget reduction. Specific pro- work individuals and give local eligible from start to completion. gram services included placing 92 businesses access to subsidized This led to nearly 140 claimants TANF customers in internship sites, labor. To date, the LCWC has receiving CEATP enhanced UI 16 of whom were hired by the site placed 124 participants in benefits. or a related employer. Almost 200 employment with over 70 local TANF customers were placed in businesses, including veterans, State Extended Benefits (SEB) service to the community sites, older workers, low income Program which allowed them to develop life workers, single parents, offenders, This program year, the LCWC management and workplace skills and UI claimants. employment center responded while providing support to non- This demonstrates the ability of quickly to the added work of the profit and public agencies. Eight the program to successfully serve SEB and developed, organized and TANF customers were hired a variety of customers and to provided orientations to over 470 permanently as a result of their reduce impacts on Unemploy- SEB customers within a 3-4 month service to the community site. ment Insurance and Temporary timeframe. The LCWC also devel-

Larimer County Workforce Center 85 Winning in a Challenging Economy Employment First (EF) Program Enhancements The EF program began offering an extended orientation for new participants that included a two- hour workshop on organizing your job search and improving inter- To date, the LCWC viewing skills, two of the components that all EF participants are has placed 124 required to complete. By offering them at the onset of participation, participants in the LCWC hoped to reduce the LCWC customer Dan works as an length of program enrollment and automotive controls engineer at employment with over promote participation in other Lightning Hybrid in Loveland, LCWC job search services. Colorado. 70 local businesses EF staff partnered with Wagner- built upon his prior experience. In through HIRE Peyser staff to develop and deliver May 2010, Dan was offered a full- a curriculum that was upbeat and time position at Lightning Hybrids Colorado, including active; the program has been a hit! involving the building of automo- Thus far, the LCWC has seen an tive systems controls. Dan says this veterans, older increase in placement rates since is "the coolest, most awesome job beginning the new orientation ever!" workers, low income process, jumping from 9.76% to 15.39% in the first month of the WIA Dislocated Worker - Daniel workers, single program. In June 2010, the rate was was laid off in December 2008 as a 19.04%, the highest monthly shop foreman where he installed parents, offenders entered employment rate in the countertops for over eight years. state among similar-sized counties. Through WIA services, Daniel and UI claimants. enrolled in the Energy Boost Client Success Stories program at Front Range Commu- nity College, an 80-hour custom- This demonstrates HIRE Colorado Customer - Dan ized training program that retrains came to the LCWC seeking assist- job seekers for production workers the ability of the ance to update his computer skills in the renewable energy field. He through the HIRE Colorado also started an AAS degree in program to ComputerTIPS program. Through- Clean Energy Technology. Daniel out his career, Dan experienced received a job offer as a production successfully serve its several layoffs and had been operator from Vestas Wind Energy unemployed for almost five Company in May 2010 and varied customers and consecutive years. A 43-year-old completed his certificate in Clean single parent, Dan was looking for Energy Technology shortly reduce impacts on a career where he could combine afterwards. his technical background and Unemployment expertise in a field that would lead Workforce Board Leadership to stable employment. Insurance and Temporary Through the Colorado Continuous While attending the ComputerTIPS Improvement Management System Assistance for Needy Reverse Job Fair event, Lightning (CIMS), the LCWC participated in Hybrids, a local small business in the Business Recognition Award Families. the clean energy field, selected Dan supported by the Colorado Workforce Development Council. to be one of eight HIRE Colorado Yvonne Myers, the LCWC's current interns. Dan was chosen for an WIB Co-Chair and Health Systems electrical engineer position that Coordinator for Columbine Health

86 Larimer County Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Systems, was nominated and based on her history of working chosen for this award for her contri- across regional and state butions to workforce development boundaries to create new services in Larimer County. In recognition to help people find jobs. of Yvonne, $2,000 was provided in her name to support Larimer Larimer County Youth County residents with training Conservation Corps (LCYCC) scholarships. Training will be Leadership Opportunity provided through the Front Range The LCYCC empowers youth to Community College. become engaged citizens by LCYCC corpsmembers meet with completing service projects for the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar Economic Development environment and community while and Undersecretary Harris Sherman Excellence Award promoting skill development for to present their recommendations Joni Friedman, director of the personal and professional growth. for the future of public land usage. LCWC, was honored with the Eight corps members traveled to land usage to Secretary of the Regional Economic Development Denver, Colorado to participate in Interior Ken Salazar. This Excellence Award during the the America's Great Outdoors recognition was a highlight for Northern Colorado Economic public listening session. Using their corps members in attendance, who Development Corporation’s annual summer field experience, corps utilized their corps experience to meeting on November 20, 2009. members presented their recom- help shape future public policy. Friedman received this award mendations on the future of public

Larimer County Workforce Center 87 Winning in a Challenging Economy Pikes Peak Workforce Center REGIONAL PROFILE less than 25% of the peak experienced in 2006. Home Economic Conditions sales were approximately 36% Like many areas throughout the below the past average. United States, the Pikes Peak Foreclosures also continued to region struggled through increase by 19% in 2009. another difficult economic year. PPWFC maintained A summary of the major • Surviving for now, but economic indicators for PY09 sustaining for the future? strong connections with reveals the Pikes Peak region Because many indicators experienced a second straight remained in decline, the interpretation is that the Pikes the Army Career year of declining economic output that included: Peak region will experience at best a "flat" economic year • Ongoing high unemployment: through PY10. Alumni Program at Ended PY09 at 9.1%. Demographics and Clients Fort Carson and the • More applicants but fewer employment openings: Posted Served job openings from Connecting The Pikes Peak Workforce family support centers Colorado decreased from Development region consists of 11,623 in PY08 to 8,868 in El Paso and Teller Counties and at the three local Air PY09. maintains an estimated population of 633,177, reflecting • Regional job loss: In 2009, the a 2.5% increase since 2008. The Force installations to area lost 10,800 jobs due to the top 80% of jobs are contained in recession. nine categories that include: provide support and • Declining sales tax revenues: government, retail trade, Sales tax revenues continued to accommodation and food decline during PY09 when services, health care and social training to military compared to PY08. assistance (health care), professional and technical personnel being • Declining real estate industry: services, administrative and Single family home permit waste services, manufacturing, activity in 2008 and 2009 was discharged and spouses of those serving in the military.

88 Pikes Peak Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report construction, and finance and PY09 Common Measures Performance insurance. For the top employment industries, average annual wages varied widely from a high of $71,545 for professional and technical services to a low of $15,870 for accommodation positions.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center Customer Demographics - Total participants that received services during PY09 increased from 63,280 during PY08 to 74,310 in PY09 representing an increase of PARTNERSHIPS FOR at Fort Carson and family 11,030 or 17.4%. During PY09, ECONOMIC RECOVERY Pikes Peak Workforce Center support centers at the three local experienced a significant custo- Facing another difficult econo- Air Force installations to provide mer increase of veterans, seniors mic year, increased customer de- support and training to military and persons with post-secondary mands and a high level of uncer- personnel exiting their service education levels. This suggests tainty from the business commu- and to spouses of those serving the recession is now impacting a nity, the Pikes Peak Workforce in the military. far greater range of individuals Center elected to take a proactive Special Populations and persons with a higher level approach to the new economic of education. reality. This included evaluating the changing employment land- Limited English Proficiency - The Pikes Peak region enjoys a Changes in Job Openings scape and implementing new diverse community, due largely Posted - The number of job program innovations to improve to the military presence and to openings posted in Connecting efficiency, plus streamlining the large hospitality industry Colorado during PY09 declined operations while anticipating that attracts immigrant workers. by 2,755 from 11,623 in PY08 to manpower changes to better Pikes Peak Workforce Center 8,868, reflecting a 23.7% serve the public. These provided intensive services, decrease. However, some approaches are described below. including GED preparation, industries experienced a adult skills enhancements, significant job posting increase Veterans Services computer skills upgrades, job including arts, entertainment PPWFC provided services to readiness and English language and recreation, educational 14,909 veterans, including 3,615 proficiency to this target group. services, federal contractor job with disabilities, 2,001 recently released from active duty and 60 listings, manufacturing, retail Serving the Disabled - Pikes homeless. Additionally, Pikes trade, and transportation and Peak Workforce Center also Peak Workforce Center veteran warehousing. houses the Disability Program staff taught 60 three-day Tran- Navigator (DPN). This role Industries with significant sition Assistance Program (TAP) provides direct guidance to decreases in their job postings job search workshops at Fort those with disabilities, and included accommodations and Carson and Schriever Air Force assists employers, educational food services, administrative and Bases for over 2,000 transitioning institutions and community support/waste management/ service members. Also, six two- agencies to increase their remediation services, health care day job search workshops were awareness of services for and social assistance, manage- taught at the El Paso County jail disabled clients and of the ment of companies and for veterans transitioning out of benefits of employing enterprises, professional/ incarceration. Pikes Peak Work- individuals with disabilities. scientific/technical services, and force Center maintained strong public administration. connections with the Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP)

Pikes Peak Workforce Center 89 Winning in a Challenging Economy Satellite and Partner Sites Agency, Aspen Diversified • The PPWFC Teller County Industries, Peak Vista, Westside office in the Aspen Mine Cares, Help the Needy, Pikes Center is co-located with a host Peak Community Foundation/ of community agencies such as Community Center develop- Senior Center, CASA, Food ment and the Fountain Y09 marked the third P Pantry, Community Partnership Community Center. Family Resource Center, Pikes year of the Industrial Peak Mental Health, Communi- Workshops and Technology ty of Caring, Help the Needy, Resources Teller County Department of PPWFC workshops are designed Revolution program, Social Services and Teller as concise, comprehensive and County Salvation Army. practical tools to chart a career which has received Together, they serve low income path and perform an effective job- residents. A Teller County search. Over 3,100 individuals satellite office is located in the regional and national took advantage of these Woodland Park public library programs, which included with a career center. This has Guided Job Search, Resume and become a model for workforce recognition as a best Portfolio Development, Emotion- center/public library collabora- al Intelligence, Stress Manage- tion. practice for innovative ment, Volunteer Programs, • The Monument office is co- Federal Job Applications, Online located with Tri-Lakes Cares Search and Social Networks, and youth workforce whose services include grocery Computer Basics. programs (clothing, commodi- readiness and ties, emergency groceries and In addition, the Computer Café senior supplemental groceries), offered an "a la carte" menu of on- seasonal programs (school demand career exploration pro- employer engagement. supplies, holiday food baskets, grams. Success Profiler, O*Net, and gift program), post- SkillCheck® and WorkKeys® Through the Industrial secondary education, limited software were some of the financial services and referral comprehensive battery of skills services. Also in the building tests, career exploration and Revolution, youth are with the northern branch of behavioral assessments provided. PPWFC are the Health Advoca- Computer labs were made exposed to emerging cy Partnership/Penrose St. Francis community nurse and available for self-directed the Monument Clinic staffed education and training, including industries that require with a volunteer doctor. • Additional Community key competencies in Partnerships - PPWFC continued partnerships and co- science, technology, location efforts with the following entities: Adult Education, Vocational Rehabili- engineering and tation, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Veterans Services, Community mathematics (STEM). Partner Outreach, Marian Self Sufficiency Center, Tri Lakes Cares, Community Partnership, Woodland Park Library, Luther- Hanna Yirga rings the PPWFC Job an Family Ministries, Pikes Gong in the Resource Lab signaling Peak Community Action to all that she got a job!

90 Pikes Peak Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report PLATO®, KeyTrain™ and provided for all new Pikes Peak Teknimedia™ training programs. Workforce Center participants

Certificate Programs - Pikes Peak • Pikes Peak Workforce Center Workforce Center promotes the staff have been invited to contribute expertise to state projects Workforce Skills and CareerReady such as WorkKeys and to pre- Certificates, which are based on sent at state and national con- the ACT WorkKeys® assessments. ferences, and university settings Three core areas are assessed: including: Reading for Information, Locating Information and Applied Math- o National Association of Industrial Revolution 2010 ematics. All assessments are based Workforce Development customer Desire Valdez (left), with on real-world work applications Professionals (NAWDP) Joint Apprenticeship Training and help employers know the o National Career Develop- Center staffperson Vanessa skill levels of their current and ment Association (NCDA) Thomas, learning about potential workforce. electrician career opportunities o Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association The Workforce Skills Certificate is Through the Industrial Revolu- endorsed by the Pikes Peak Work- o University of Colorado tion, youth are exposed to emerg- force Center, Greater Colorado Graduate Counseling ing industries that involve key Springs Economic Development Department competencies in science, tech- Corporation, the Greater Colo- nology, engineering and math- rado Springs Chamber of Com- BRAC and CAA Programs ematics (STEM). The program merce and Pikes Peak Community Pikes Peak Workforce Center runs in June and incorporates: College. In PY09, Pikes Peak continued providing services to Workforce Center delivered the eligible Base Realignment and • Four hours of classroom WorkKeys® testing to 832 indivi- Closure NEG and Career Ad- instruction each day, covering duals: 20 achieved Platinum, 235 vancement Account participants. STEM, financial literacy and A total of 513 persons were "soft skills" training Gold, 297 Silver, and 68 Bronze trained through the CAA pro- certificates. gram, targeting spouses of mili- • Labor market information tary personnel. The BRAC pro- overview and discussion of in- Notable Activities gram wrapped up during PY09 demand industries on a Pikes Peak Workforce Center con- with 33 new participants during regional, national and global tinued to expand, enhance and the year. This grant provided scale improve its menu of program- training to military spouses who • Site visits with local employers ming activities and services had been dislocated from their that include facilitated throughout this year. Notable jobs as a result of their spouses' discussion, mentoring and activities included: military reassignments. hands-on learning experiences • Coordinated plans with Strategy Industrial Revolution Management at Pikes Peak • Each youth earning hourly PY09 marked the third year of our Community College on pro- wages for the six hours/day, Industrial Revolution program, grams and projected demand four days/week spent in the which has received regional and occupational skills training program national recognition as a best • Staff served as contributing practice for innovative youth • Supportive services to cover editor to the area Diversity workforce readiness and employ- transportation, child care and Forum's guide for small er engagement. The Industrial other necessary wrap-around businesses Revolution was created in re- resources sponse to local youth's lack of • Provided staff training in crisis • Partnership with Pikes Peak necessary skills to be competitive Behavioral Health Group/ management and suicide in high-demand industries. Many response Aspen Diversified Industries young people had difficulty (ADI) to provide certified • Developed a Concierge/House understanding the value of Ambassador program and add- mathematics and technology ed a live orientation program outside the academic setting.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center 91 Winning in a Challenging Economy classroom teachers, one-on-one ARRA Summer Youth job readiness training, and GED Employment Program preparation and testing services During Summer 2009, over 320 youth were placed in work Tangible benefits of this program experiences through the ARRA include: Summer Youth Employment • Local school districts accept Program (SYEP). With remaining course credits for youth ARRA funds, 132 additional PPWFC leveraged participating in the program. youth were placed in work experiences during a second year • Participant math scores have resources with the public SYEP, which ran from May 1, increased by as much as three 2010, to June 30, 2010. There was full grade levels in just four an overwhelmingly positive library system in its rural weeks' time. response from the Pikes Peak • Employers rave about how business community, with over 200 employers participating in areas to locate inspiring these young people are, inspiring business leaders SYEP during PY09. to play a more active role in workforce center Governor’s Summer Job Hunt mentoring at-risk youth. The Governor's Summer Job Hunt • An outreach video was created (GSJH) was injected with fresh resources, staffing, and posted on YouTube, greatly creative energy during PY09. increasing awareness of youth Through proactive recruitment and job development, over 60 volunteers and workforce development in the Pikes Peak region. employers were represented at http://www.youtube.com/ the spring GSJH career fair. In technology in a state- watch?v=QxZdLxOln-w addition to one-on-one career placement and job readiness • Best Practices Awards - services, Pikes Peak Workforce of-the-art resource Recognition by the Rocky Center created a networking Mountain Workforce group called the Governor's center housed in the Development Association Summer Job Hunt Club to help (RMWDA) and the National youth effectively work together to Association of Workforce search for jobs. local library. This Development Professionals (NAWDP). The GSJH Job Club has received widespread attention from the effort has multiplied • Participation of 17 local local media and has been report- businesses in the programs. ed in regional publications, on the outreach of the social networking outlets and through news websites. An outreach video was created, high- workforce center while lighting positive experiences of local businesses and their youth expanding the commu- employees, to encourage regional employers to hire young people. nity services of the Innovations in Client Services One Stop Immersion Program - library system. The Pikes Peak Workforce Center One Stop Immersion Program has 2010 Industrial Revolution been designed to orient board participants at AngloGold Mine members, business and education learning about earth sciences, community members, elected geology, and mining operations officials and others to a workforce center.

92 Pikes Peak Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report University Internships - Pikes Pikes Peak Workforce Center Peak Workforce Center makes adult programs staff presented available college internship this customized training program experiences for students in coun- at one conference and via a seling, human services, education statewide webinar during PY09. and related fields. University programs can benefit from the Layoff Aversion Program skills of students while providing Pikes Peak Workforce Center is a rich training ground for assess- the only area in Colorado to ment, referral, stress manage- provide training funds through ment, career counseling, crisis the state's local activities waiver management, test administration for layoff aversion. Demonstra- Quincy Sullivan, PPWFC work and teaching with diverse population of layoff aversion lies in a experience participant, tions. Licensed, professional staff company's ability to increase helps with a community garden provide qualified supervision. productivity and profitability through training their workers in PPWFC One-Stop Concierge/ appropriate disciplines and Participants make direct contact House Ambassador - Modeled on innovative technologies. with clients; center services; the hotel concierge, this integrates Companies must apply for these assessments used with adult, specifically trained volunteers and funds and provide a justifiable youth, veterans or other popula- staff into the One Stop partici- argument that the requested tions; unemployment insurance pant's front line experience. The training will indeed decrease the claims; crisis and referral; labor One-Stop Concierge provides a chances of layoffs in the near market information tools; hopeful and hospitable greeting future. Pikes Peak Workforce business resources; technology and a concise, live overview of Center staff members review and career development; and ITA services. This program element applications and assign funds to awards. meets the universally expressed approved trainings. Online Outreach with One Stop need for "someone to talk to" in a brief, initial encounter, while Of special note is the number of Tools-Careers Work! - Launched businesses that were funded to at the end of the program year, helping the participant to the next appropriate program step. provide advanced training to their this effort uses online technology workers in "green" and renewable to engage regional homes and PPWFC “Ask An Expert” Media energy technologies. One schools, adults and youth in Event - Partnering with local company that consults on occupational exploration and TV/radio media, staff members building design trained their career planning as an extension of respond to live calls over several employees in all phases of the tools used in the workforce hours at the broadcasting station, geothermal heating and cooling center's live classroom for adult responding to questions on career for commercial applications. and youth job seekers, career transition, job search, and unem- planners and classroom teachers. ployment insurance. The result is Another business, a heating and plumbing contractor, trained their Workforce Center/Public Library enhanced public service exposure for both organizations. project managers in Leadership in Collaboration - Pikes Peak Work- Energy and Environmental force Center has leveraged re- Skilled Trades Apprenticeships Design (LEED) standards to make sources with the public library Pikes Peak Workforce Center them a leading contender for system in its rural areas to locate remains the only workforce construction jobs in which LEED workforce center resources, staff- region in Colorado providing is being implemented. Yet ing, volunteers, and technology in customized training contracts on another company's employees a state-of-the-art resource center behalf of residents pursuing received training in solar (photo- housed in local libraries. This apprenticeships in skilled trades. voltaic) panel installation and effort has increased the outreach In PY09, financial assistance, building energy audits to expand of the workforce center while including support services, was their business from energy expanding the community provided to 37 residents in their efficient lighting services to a services of the library system. first year of electrician, plumber/ more holistic menu of energy- Denver area libraries have visited pipefitter and electric line saving services. this Pikes Peak Workforce Center construction apprenticeships. program to study it as a model.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center 93 Winning in a Challenging Economy ARRA Impact Accounts were provided to 40 In PY09, Pikes Peak Workforce residents in the two classes held Center received allocations of during PY09. Adult and Dislocated Worker funds from the American The line construction trade is expected to grow significantly in PWFC uses Recovery and Reinvestment Act P (ARRA). From the outset, the near future for two reasons: regions were expected to expend (1) new renewable energy approximately 50 those allocations primarily on resources will be built and will direct training services. Pikes need to be connected to the Peak Workforce Center took the electric grid; and (2) current line volunteers who bolster initial guidance to heart, hired workers represent an aging additional temporary staff and workforce and may retire from customer service and succeeded in fully expending its their trade in large numbers over ARRA allocations by June 30, the next few years. 2010. provide support to staff Thin Client Technology In the course of these activities, Improvements ARRA-funded adult programs The Pikes Peak Workforce Center based on their provided residents with work was at or near end-of-life cycles experiences and on-the-job for the computers in its customer service areas and migrated to HP expertise and trainings at higher levels than at any point in the past. ARRA also Thin Client technology. These funded occupational skills devices have no hard drives, interests, including training and customized training connecting over a network to a as discussed above. server, which allows for more secure storage of data and registration Rocky Mountain Lineman applications. School With no moving parts, these specialists, clerical Adult programs continue to provide support to the Rocky devices have a much longer Mountain Lineman School, a lifespan than standard computers support, resume/ partnership between Trinidad and use significantly less power. State Junior College, Colorado By virtualizing 148 desktops, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center will mock interviewing Springs Utilities and Pikes Peak Workforce Center that provides reduce its annual energy pre-apprenticeship training for consumption by 64,415 kWatt coaches, IT support, the electrical line construction hours, reduce its annual carbon trade. Individual Training emissions by 58 tons and improve annual IT productivity by .5 of an research, class FTE. PPWFC Volunteer Program facilitators, etc. The During PY09, Pikes Peak Workforce Center utilized a cadre volunteer program has of approximately 50 volunteers who bolster customer service (e.g., in the computer resource been a win-win situation lab) and provide support to staff based on their expertise and for PPWFC and the interests, including registration PPWFC training program graduates specialists, clerical support, Ryan Baliko, James Clerar and resume/mock interviewing customers and businesses Mark Hess at the Lineman Gradua- coaches, IT support, research, tion, Trinidad Junior College class facilitators, etc. that participate.

94 Pikes Peak Workforce Center WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report The volunteer program has been a (UCCS), Pikes Peak Community tives, resulting in more career win-win situation for Pikes Peak College (PPCC), the Office of opportunities for job seekers. Workforce Center and the indivi- International Affairs and SCORE duals. Volunteers receive opportu- to form an Entrepreneurial HIRE Colorado nities for continued networking, Gardening Model called SEGway. HIRE Colorado was an innovative resume building, job search, program to create subsidized career exploration, development Members of SEGway meet employment that would provide a of new skills, and a feeling of bimonthly to review website safety net for individuals who direct contribution to the inquiries and requests for assist- exhausted their UI benefits, and community. The time and skills ance from new and existing help stabilize the State's TANF contribution the volunteer cadre is business owners. These requests program by providing an the equivalent of six FTEs. are then referred to the appro- alternate source of income priate community resource. Pikes support for eligible families. SEGway Peak Workforce Center took the Pikes Peak Workforce Center has lead on tracking web inquiries Pikes Peak Workforce Center was partnered with the Greater and then worked closely with the allotted $571,328 to provide Colorado Springs Chamber of Small Business Development subsidized employment (OJT or Commerce, the Better Business Center to fine-tune a web-based Work Experience), training and Bureau, the Small Business data management/customer supportive services to eligible Development Center, the Center relationship system. customers. Pikes Peak Workforce for Nonprofit Excellence, Pikes Center exceeded its goals by Peak Library District, University This effort is expected to have enrolling 233 participants and of Colorado-Colorado Springs significant impact on the region's placing 99 into work experience economic development initia- and OJT positions.

Pikes Peak Workforce Center 95 Winning in a Challenging Economy Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium

REGIONAL PROFILE establishing satellite offices, partnering with community The Colorado Rural Workforce agencies, publishing newsletters Consortium (CRWC) is one of the and websites, and offering online nine federally designated work- services. The majority of rural force regions in the state of Colo- workforce centers have co-located ural workforce rado. Consortium staff performs partners. The sub-regions work R administrative, policy direction, closely with their local chambers, and quality assurance and control economic development organi- regions are challenged functions. The Consortium zations, local agencies and includes 11 distinct geographic community-based organizations. by their geographic and economic sub-regions, each The CRWC board acknowledges governed by its own local Work- that its work and leadership force Board, local Elected Officials efforts must bring the highest size and provide Board and Youth Council. The value and most effective use of Consortium's website and local resources for customers and local services to as many office links can be seen at communities within each of its http://www.yourworkforcecenter. sub-regions. com/. remote customers as PARTNERSHIPS FOR Each Consortium sub-region is ECONOMIC RECOVERY possible by managed locally. Consortium staff administers and contracts out The CRWC supports the economic grants, formulates policy, moni- success of individuals, businesses establishing satellite tors for quality and compliance and communities by improving with regulation and policy, opportunities for growth through- offices, partnering manages and operates state-run out its 11 sub-regions and work- sub-regions, makes participant force communities. As a whole, payments and operates a the Consortium's vision of work- with community Consortium-wide management force development is critical to the information system. Rural success of this effort. The empha- agencies, publishing workforce regions are challenged sis for PY09 was to create employ- by their geographic size and ment, education and training provide services to as many policies that ensured programs newsletters and remote customers as possible by that prepare workers were websites, and offering PY09 Common Measures Performance online services.

96 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report responsive to present and future business and industry needs. The CRWC established policy direction to improve outcomes of career education, registered apprenticeship and work-based learning programs. A secondary emphasis was on focusing resources on occupations related to new or emerging industries contributing value to the rural economy. discretionary grants and other this data, staff can better prepare Highlights By Sub-Region funding sources to create a health the workforce, ensuring the care nursing career ladder to meet necessary skill sets for employ- Broomfield - In PY09, the Broom- local and regional industry needs. ment and business needs. Key field Workforce Center (BWC) This long-term effort resulted in industry sectors identified by the actively marketed services to the the creation of a Certified Nurse Pueblo Workforce Board are Broomfield business community Aide training program, a Licensed manufacturing, health care, and increased awareness of BWC Practical Nurse program, and an tourism, business and financial services. The BWC posted 6,637 Associates Practical Nurse pro- services, and green and renewable job openings and provided serv- gram. This collaboration has set energy. ices to 158 area employers. The the stage for many more career BWC kicked off the Governor's options to be developed, such as Rural Resort - The Rural Resort Summer Job Hunt by hosting the emergency medical technicians, sub-region has continued to up- 6th annual Broomfield Youth Job paramedics and medical techno- grade to newer and faster equip- and Career Fair at the beautifully logists. ment to better assist workforce remodeled 1STBANK Center. The clients, job seekers and employers, event was targeted to regional Northwest - Connecting Colorado and emphasizes use of Connect- youth between the ages of 15 and is a well used tool in Routt and ing Colorado. Of the 17,350 active 21. The event brought together 50 Grand Counties, and its use is job seeker registrations, 5,824 employers seeking several growing in the rest of the sub- were new registrations, and 3,791 hundred youth workers. region. The technology better individuals self-registered using assists job seekers and employers. Connecting Colorado. Local part- Eastern - During PY09, the sub- The sub-region has 10,477 active nerships with chambers of com- region strengthened and deve- job seekers registered; of those, merce, economic development loped several ongoing and new 5,131 are reactivations. An estima- groups, local community colleges partnerships throughout its 10 ted 1,494 of those active job seek- and community service organiza- counties. Among these was the ers self-registered using Connect- tions have enabled Rural Resort to Wind Energy and Workforce Part- ing Colorado, and 2,020 reacti- share resources to provide work- nership SECTORS Grant, newly vated themselves. Web employers shops, roundtables, and resource implemented to provide training entered 13 new job openings and and job fairs to the community. in renewable energy occupations active status was approved on 15 to over 70 unemployed job seek- new Web employers. South Central - Governor Bill ers. Eastern also had great success Ritter selected Monte Vista as one with its HIRE Colorado program, Pueblo - The Pueblo Workforce of five communities to participate which placed approximately 50 Center uses Economic Modeling in the Colorado Sustainable Main long-term unemployed customers Specialist Inc. as a resource for Streets pilot program in partner- in subsidized work experience local data that identifies labor ship with businesses, economic positions. market information reports such development, chambers and other as sector projections, wage data, governmental entities. The main Mesa - The Mesa County Work- locations of where workers are focus for this initiative is to bring force Center has provided leader- employed, demographic informa- a collaborative, integrated ship and numerous WIA tion about workers and projected need for workers. Armed with

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 97 Winning in a Challenging Economy process to leverage technical and Upper Arkansas - The Upper existing financial resources that Arkansas sub-region collaborated help communities enhance the with Pueblo and Southeast sub- sustainability of downtowns. The regions in receiving a $450,000 South Central sub-region part- SECTORS grant for manufact- nered with community colleges in uring training. Training needs the area to make the Elevate Ame- continue to be assessed and may Community rica Program successful, and par- come in the form of specific voca- A ticipated in the annual Agricul- tional skills in areas such as lead- tural Conference in February ership and supervisory skills or in Job Training Grant is 2010, which provides resources to other identified needs. Efforts farmers locally and statewide. continue to determine if strategies bringing the Western for training of workers in other Southeast - During PY09, the sectors can be accomplished. Southeast sub-region partnered and Southwest with the Southeast Colorado Bus- Western - A Community Job iness Retention, Expansion & Training Grant is bringing the Attraction Program (SEBREA), Western and Southwest work- Workforce sub-regions which assists area businesses in force sub-regions together to finding financial and operational address employer needs in the together to support needed to thrive in the energy and mining sectors by in- area. Through this partnership, creasing the capacity of local tech- the workforce center developed a nical colleges to provide energy- address the needs of stronger association with the eco- related training. The project will nomic development community, train over 2,500 workers through employers in the county commissioners and higher short-term, industry-driven train- education. ing while increasing the training capacity of Delta-Montrose energy and mining Southwest - The Southwest and Technical College and Southwest Western sub-regions were award- Community College. This sectors by increasing ed a three year, $2,000,000 energy federally-funded collaborative grant. The project built on an ex- effort is cross-regional and multi- isting collaborative effort between partnered, also involving the San the capacity of local the Southwest and Western sub- Juan Basin Technical College and region workforce centers, energy the CDLE Energy Office. technical colleges to industry employers, Southwest Colorado Community College BROOMFIELD COUNTY and Delta-Montrose Technical SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE provide energy related College to strengthen the region's economy through supporting The City and County of Broom- training. existing employees and new field is located in the North Metro entrants into the energy field. Denver area and is conveniently

98 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report located between Denver and Clients Served - Broomfield Sub-Region Boulder. Broomfield is 33.5 Job Openings Listed 6,637 square miles and borders several metro Denver counties. The Job Seekers 12,270 Broomfield labor force is highly skilled and educated. Total civil- Entered Employment 55.65% ian labor force in Broomfield Veterans Served 1,334 County for 2009 was 30,515, of which 28,281 were employed and Vets Entered Employment 51.71% 2,234 were unemployed. The WIA Adults 64 unemployment rate was 7.3%. In PY09, the Broomfield Workforce WIA Dislocated Workers 43 Center (BWC) served 12,270 job seekers, including 1,334 veterans. WIA Youth 54

Broomfield's economy is diversi- Development Month. The event regional employers created multi- fied, with the largest major indu- featured Richard Wobbekind, ple on-site hiring events that stry sectors falling into retail Ph.D. from the University Of benefited many BWC job seekers. trade, manufacturing, and Colorado LEEDS School Of Aerotek and the U.S. Census used professional, scientific and Business. Dr. Wobbekind gave a space at the BWC, on a regular technical services. The largest current assessment of the state basis, to conduct interviews with regional employers in the Broom- and local economy. The event job seekers, resulting in the hiring field area include Sun Micro- drew over 100 business commu- of multiple BWC customers. In systems, Ball Corporation, Level 3 nity representatives. PY09, BWC continued to market Communications, Hunter Doug- services to the Broomfield las, MWH Global, Sandoz, White- In recognition of the importance business community and increase Wave Foods and Vail Resort Inc. of small business development as awareness of workforce center Broomfield also has a large retail an economic driver in difficult services. industry with its 1,500,000 square- economic times, BWC partnered foot FlatIron Crossing Mall with with the North Metro Small Major Initiatives over 200 stores and restaurants. Business Development Center Examples of PY09 BWC initia- (SBDC) to host the panel discus- tives, strategies and practices to Arista continues to be developed sion "Nuts and Bolts of Starting a foster economic growth included: as a major town center that, at Business." The audience heard • BWC board and staff partici- buildout, will feature a boutique presentations from the SBDC, pation in the Workforce Board hotel, retail stores and restaurants, economic development, Micro- of Metro Denver office space and residential units. Finance, the local chamber of The anchor of Arista is the commerce and two commercial • BWC involvement in Metro 1STBANK Center, formerly the lending institutions. Denver regional partnerships Broomfield Event Center, which is through the WIRED initiative Metro Area Partnerships host to concerts, sporting events, • Broomfield Job Club - Weekly Broomfield partnered with the family events and community topical meeting for job seekers functions. Workforce Board of Metro that focused on networking and Denver, A/D Works, Metro job seeking strategies BROOMFIELD COUNTY Denver WIRED and Denver PARTNERSHIPS Economic Development to host • Participation in Broomfield the IT forum "Workforce Oppor- Economic Development's September Business Forum tunities in High-Growth Indu- Business Retention and In September 2009, BWC part- stries." The forum created an Expansion Project nered with Workforce Boulder avenue for industry leaders to County to hold its fourth annual share their insights into talent • Partnership with the Foothills Energy Partnership SECTORS Business Continental Breakfast for development and current business grant businesses in honor of Workforce needs. Partnerships with local and

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 99 Winning in a Challenging Economy • Implementation of HIRE higher than last year. The work- Colorado subsidized work force centers continued to see experiences high volumes of people seeking employment and information • Partnership with the ARRA regarding unemployment insur- Community Services Block ance. The sub-region had a 39% Grant increase in people self-registering • Completion of the ARRA electronically via Connecting Summer Youth Employment Colorado. In 2008, 10,680 used he basic Program resource room computers, while T in 2009, 26,862 took advantage of on-site free access to online components of Eastern’s EASTERN SUB-REGIONAL resources, a 150% increase. PROFILE SECTORS grant include EASTERN PARTNERSHIPS The Eastern workforce sub-region encompasses 10 counties and enhancing community covers over 17,000 square miles, During PY09, the sub-region one of the largest workforce strengthened and developed many ongoing and new partner- college health care regions in the State of Colorado. In PY09, the sub-region served ships throughout the 10 counties. just over 15,000 job seekers and Partnerships became more vital training programs; worked with almost 800 employ- than ever with the challenging ers across Logan, Sedgwick, economy and higher unemployment rates. Some projects and engaging the public Phillips, Morgan, Washington, Yuma, Elbert, Lincoln, Kit Carson events that were a result of these and Cheyenne counties. Six full- partnerships included: and private health time offices within the region are • Continuation of the Wind located in Burlington, Elizabeth, Energy and Workforce Fort Morgan, Limon, Sterling and care industry in Partnership SECTORS Grant Yuma. • Career Fair Logan County - working collabora- The population for the 10-county over 1,000 students from area sub-region was 107,721 in calen- high schools attended the event dar year 2008. Total civilian labor with over 80 presenters from tively to develop and force for June 2009 was 62,700, of local employers and community which 58,687 were employed and organizations 4,013 were unemployed, which support employee equates to a 6.4% unemployment • Fort Morgan Job Fair rate. This number is slightly • Sterling Career Fair recruitment and Clients Served - Eastern Sub-Region retention efforts; and Job Openings Listed 3,224 expanding the capacity to Job Seekers 15,358 Entered Employment 49.85% serve seniors at home, in Veterans Served 1,413 the community and in health Vets Entered Employment 51.99% WIA Adults 124 care facilities. WIA Dislocated Workers 41 WIA Youth 109

100 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report recruitment and retention efforts; Lake City and serves as the and inviting the community to regional hub for health care, retail learn more about intergenera- trade, services and transportation tional communications to expand for Western Colorado and Eastern and embrace the capacity to serve Utah. Primary industries are seniors at home, in the commu- health care and social assistance, nity and in health care facilities. which make up 15% of employment, with retail trade at 13%, The grant funding allowed the followed by accommodations and hiring of a project manager, deve- food service with 10%. Six of the lopment of a regional leadership top 10 employers are government Assembly of students at the committee and allocation of fund- services or non-profit health care Sterling Career Fair, September ing to education partners and entities, and 12 of the top 24 2009. community agencies. Staff also employers are government worked on creative uses of services/non-profit organizations. • Limon Interactive Career Fair funding for such initiatives as Consequently, most of the private for Youth development of short-term business community is comprised computer, customer service and of small businesses, predomin- • Continued involvement with the workplace skills training courses antly in retail and service related Morgan County Education through Morgan Community industries. Consortium in partnership with College and Northeastern Junior Morgan County Economic College. Staff also partnered with Mesa County is a single-county Development; the region is in a private hospital in Haxtun and sub-region with a rapidly grow- planning stages to build the developed a short-term Certified ing population of 144,440 and a same type of organization in Nursing Assistant training course. labor force of 78,614 in June 2010, Logan County in the north- which is a decrease of 7,299 from eastern corner of the region HIRE Colorado Program June 2009. It had an unemploy- • Development of short-term Staff immediately embraced this ment rate of 9.7% in June 2010, a computer skills classes in program and successfully 3.6% increase from June 2008. cooperation with Northeastern matched more than 40 long-term Even more dramatic is the in- Junior College unemployed customers with crease of the unemployment rate employers. The success of this by 6.3% since June 2007. The total number of registered job seekers Health Care Workforce program speaks to staff's previous was 25,172 in June 2010, an Partnership relationships with employers and increase of 3,865 over June 2009. This SECTORS grant was award- knowledge of the employer ed to the Eastern sub-region by community within the area. One The Mesa County Workforce the Colorado Department of feature of the program that made Center is a full-service, one-stop Labor and Employment (CDLE) it especially attractive to case partnership with many commu- in Spring 2010. It was built on the managers was simplified enroll- nity agencies and the State of work of a planning committee ment procedures. This stream- Colorado. These community that decided to pursue a health lined process allowed them to agencies and programs include care grant with an emphasis in quickly move people into employ- the Hilltop's Workforce Invest- gerontology. Eastern agreed to act ment. Across the region, staff ment Act programs, Wagner- as fiscal agent and lead convener. continue to work closely with the Peyser, Veterans Services, TANF, The Southeast workforce sub- different economic development Colorado Works, Employment region came on as the other work- partners, chambers, community First, Job Corps, Child Care force partner, and Jefferson colleges, community agencies and Assistance, Hilltop's Domestic County wrote a letter of support. town governments to address Violence Assistance, Colorado local and region-wide workforce West Mental Health, Rocky The basic components of the grant development needs. Mountain SER Migrant Services, include enhancing community CP of Colorado and Assistive college health care training pro- MESA COUNTY Technology. Since 2001, the Mesa grams; engaging the public and SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE County Workforce Center has private health care industry in working collaboratively to deve- Mesa County is the largest com- lop and support employee munity between Denver and Salt

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 101 Winning in a Challenging Economy provided the leadership and creating or expanding new servi- garnered numerous discretionary ces for job seekers. To expedite grants to create a health care delivery of services on-site, the nursing career ladder to meet workforce center provided group local and regional industry needs. orientation meetings twice a week and periodically for introduction of new programs. Job readiness MESA COUNTY workshops were offered twice a PARTNERSHIPS week to better serve job seeker he Mesa traffic. These were four-hour T Strategies to Address the interactive workshops highlight- Economic Downturn ing labor market information In July 2008, Mesa County was County Workforce interpretation and networking working with businesses through- techniques, identifying and out the area to recruit qualified upgrading transferrable job skills, workers and address a pro- preparing for and practicing job Center responded to nounced labor shortage in nearly interviews and more. A custom- all industries. By late fall, the ized workshop for ex-offenders energy industry went into a rapid was developed using materials the sudden change in decline, resulting in a sharp rise supplied by the Department of in unemployment claims. The Corrections. These were conduct- economic impact of the loss of the ed twice a month at the workforce energy industry, coupled with a the economy by center and once a month at the national recession, reverberated county jail. In addition to these throughout the economy and workshops, a designated employ- affected nearly all industries. In ment specialist facilitated a facilitating Rapid July 2008, the sub-region had an weekly customized job readiness average of 11 applicants per job workshop for the county's opening; but by June 2010, there Department of Community were 72 applicants for every job Response interven- Corrections and Meth Treatment opening. Center.

New Workforce Center Services - Business Services Team tions with affected The Mesa County Workforce Initiatives - The Business Services Center responded to the sudden Team expanded to all 25 work- change in the economy by facili- force center employees who businesses and tating Rapid Response interven- voluntarily served on the team to tions with affected businesses and assist with consultative meetings, creating or expanding Clients Served - Mesa County Sub-Region Job Openings Listed 6,615 new services for job Job Seekers 25,172 Entered Employment 48.97% seekers. Veterans Served 2,639 Vets Entered Employment 44.49% WIA Adults 321 WIA Dislocated Workers 95 WIA Youth 265

102 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report facilitating work experience opportunities to over 150 TANF- In spite of extreme challenges, all internships, job fairs, seminars, eligible job seekers. In March performance measures were symposiums and roundtable 2010, the workforce center re- achieved and many were exceed- meetings. Team members also met ceived an additional grant from ed. New education and training with several "green energy" the State Department of Human opportunities have been deve- businesses, which led to a major Services and CDLE to implement loped, and staff provided quality collaboration to seek outside the successful HIRE Colorado services to over 12,000 individuals funding. Another collaborative program, placing over 190 TANF- on a monthly basis through the effort, this time with the health eligible, long-term unemployed in large variety of programs care industry and local education subsidized employment. available at the workforce center. institutions, resulted in a CDLE SECTORS planning grant and, Fruita Satellite Office - With no NORTHWEST subsequently, an implementation additional staff, the Mesa County SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE grant to enhance the number and Workforce Center partnered with quality of health care support the Department of Human Serv- The Northwest sub-region covers staff. ices and the Health Department to 13,826 square miles and consists open a satellite office in Fruita, of five counties: Grand, Jackson, The Business Services Team was two days a week. This translated Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt. instrumental in organizing and into quality customer service to Full service workforce center recruiting businesses for the the western area of the county offices are located in Granby, annual Jump Start Job Fair in with a site offering a variety of Craig, Meeker, Rangely and January 2009, one of the most services to the community. Steamboat Springs. Two local successful job fairs in the commu- colleges are Colorado North- Workforce Center Accomplish- nity. In January 2010, the team western Community College in ments lead efforts to refocus the annual Rangely and Craig, and Colorado Workforce center staff provided job fair and created the first Mountain College in Steamboat pre-GED testing and GED prep- Community Resources Fair with Springs. Each county in the aration to 1,934 customers. The over 45 different community Northwest area has a significantly Professional Services Division partners offering services and different makeup with different provided WorkKeys, vocational resources to the unemployed and industries as economic drivers. assessments and computer classes underemployed. Grand and Routt counties, for to 3,378 job seekers. WIA staff example, have tourism and skiing ARRA Summer Youth Employ- provided employment and train- as major industries, whereas Rio ment Program - Through ARRA ing services to 701 adult, youth Blanco is strong in agriculture and funding, staff worked with the and dislocated workers, and the mining, energy production and Mesa County Department of resource room had over 37,600 exploration. The largest employ- Human Services Foster Care Pro- customer visits. Over 8,100 custer in the sub-region is local gram, Mesa County Valley School omers received food stamps and government, which is true for District #51 and a host of commu- employment assistance from the each county in the region. nity agencies to recruit low in- Employment First unit and TANF, come youth ages 14 through 24 for and child care units provided summer youth work experiences. application and financial assist- Much of the local economy is One hundred youth were placed ance to 2,710 families. This is a based solely on services and in internships to work in "green remarkable performance for such accommodations. It is anticipated job" occupations and as library a challenging 12-month period. that, with education and training and teacher assistants, grounds- in innovative newer technologies keepers and office workers The dramatic downturn in the for sustainable and alternative throughout the Grand Valley. Mesa County economy presented energies, the downward trend great challenges and incredible will reverse and construction TANF Grants - The workforce opportunities for the workforce trades will begin to expand, center collaborated with the center to provide quality cust- leading to more expansion in Department of Human Services omer services to job seekers and other venues. Local partnerships and received a TANF grant to employers. It has been a water- provide subsidized employment shed year for staff and customers.

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 103 Winning in a Challenging Economy with chambers of commerce, currently eight job seekers for economic development, local every opening in the region. colleges, local government HIRE Colorado Success Story agencies and other community The Steamboat Springs office organizations have proven to be placed a HIRE Colorado enrollee of great value. with the Colorado Department of Transportation as a trainee. He he Pueblo NORTHWEST was the custodial parent of four T PARTNERSHIPS children, and his wife worked a seasonal position that was set to Manufacturing Group The past year has seen a decline end. He participated in the WIA of many local industries with no program to train for his com- upward trend being forecast for spurred the attainment mercial drivers license and suc- the next four quarters. The con- cessfully achieved that license, struction industry has seen dra- but the job he had lined up did of a CDLE SECTORS matic drops. The sub-region's not work out. Through the labor force in the oil, gas and client's efforts and the hard work mining industry has decreased Grant for the develop- of Steamboat staff, the client due to the economy throughout began subsidized employment Moffat, Rio Blanco and Routt under the HIRE Colorado ment and delivery of counties. A large segment of local Program for the Colorado revenue is brought in by the large Department of Transportation in game hunting season that has higher level and Yampa. After a three-month declined 50% and does not look training period, the client was to improve next year. hired as a permanent employee. professional level Natural gas exploration has re- Self-Registration through duced 400 positions. Coal mining Connecting Colorado manufacturing has reduced 170 positions. Tour- In the Northwest sub-region, ism has grown at a 1.5% rate to Connecting Colorado is highly training as well as date, and agriculture remains used in Routt and Grand coun- effectively unchanged. Current ties, and its use is growing in the jobs openings are in skilled trades rest of the region. Availability of planning for a and tourism. During the current the technology better assists job economic downturn, the sub- seekers and employers by reduc- Manufacturing Center region's unemployment rate has ing the need to travel long dist- increased from 3.1% to 8.3% over ances to workforce center offices. the last two years. There are The Northwest sub-region has of Excellence for Clients Served - Northwest Sub-Region Southern Colorado. Job Openings Listed 3,566 Job Seekers 10,873 Entered Employment 47.73% Veterans Served 810 Vets Entered Employment 41.24% WIA Adults 75 WIA Dislocated Workers 43 WIA Youth 41

104 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report 10,477 active job seekers regis- Clients Served - Pueblo Sub-Region tered; of those, 5,131 are reactivations. An estimated 1,494 of active Job Openings Listed 2,460 job seekers self-registered through Job Seekers 21,336 Connecting Colorado, and 2,020 reactivated themselves. Web em- Entered Employment 49.23% ployers entered 13 job openings, Veterans Served 2,111 and active status was approved on 15 new Web employers. Vets Entered Employment 48.20% WIA Adults 262 PUEBLO SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE WIA Dislocated Workers 127 Pueblo County is a single-county WIA Youth 496 workforce region operated by State staff within the Rural Con- sectors not only support the provide assistance to business and sortium. The Pueblo sub-region current economic base, but will companies involved in wind averaged an unemployment rate ensure the workforce can compete energy. Ongoing discussions are of over 9.0%. Seven industries in the new energy economy occurring with the Vestas wind generate 80% of jobs in the city energy plant in Pueblo to provide and county of Pueblo. Close to new and/or incumbent worker 25% of jobs in the Pueblo sub- PUEBLO PARTNERSHIPS training in support of that plan. region are in government, with SECTORS Grants health care, construction, manu- Additional Partnerships facturing, retail, tourism and Manufacturing - A successful Workforce Investment Board administrative completing the top SECTORS project in Pueblo is the (WIB) - The Pueblo Workforce seven. Pueblo Manufacturing Group, WIB conducted strategic plan- which is comprised of representa- Pueblo has faced the same ning sessions resulting in new tives from local manufacturing vision, mission and value economic challenges that have employers, the local community called for innovation by all statements, and strategic goals college and the workforce center. and objectives to ensure the regions in strategies used to build The Pueblo Manufacturing Group a relevant and qualified work- board's agenda is business driven. spurred the development and The WIB also worked on the force. To assist in this endeavor, submission of a "Colorado the Pueblo Workforce Center uses recruitment of potential board SECTORS Grant" submitted to the members to ensure the needs of Economic Modeling Specialist Inc. Colorado Department of Labor software as a resource for local businesses were met. As a result and Employment for the develop- of the redefined strategies data that identifies labor market ment and delivery of "higher level information reports such as sector developed by the WIB, 12 new and professional level manufact- business leaders were recruited to projections, wage data, locations uring training as well as planning of where workers are employed in provide input from a variety of for a Manufacturing Center of business sectors and continue the the sub-region, demographic Excellence for Southern Colo- information about workers and process of providing a demand- rado." Partners in this grant sub- driven operation. projected need for workers. mission also include the Southeast Armed with this data, staff are and Upper Arkansas workforce Skills Upgrade Assistance - Staff able to better prepare the work- sub-regions. provided weekly scheduled workshops for job seekers on applica- force, ensuring the necessary skill Wind Energy - Pueblo Workforce sets for employment and business tions, resume preparation, job Center is partnering with Eastern, search, interviewing techniques, needs. Key industry sectors iden- Southeast and South Central tified by the Pueblo Workforce employer expectations and workforce sub-regions on a Wind networking. Additionally, the Board are manufacturing, health Energy SECTORS grant. The care, tourism, business and finan- workforce center provided purpose of this grant is to identify assistance beyond its traditional cial services, and green and re- ways to cultivate the sector and newable energy. These industry

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 105 Winning in a Challenging Economy job skills workshops and job positive improvement in UI seeking seminars. One type of claimant customer service. assistance was the Microsoft Elevate America program, which HIRE Colorado - This initiative consisted of training and certifi- was funded through TANF cation slots for learning and reserve funds and designed to help unemployed job seekers go ueblo’s HIRE becoming competent in Microsoft P programs. A second type of skills to work in subsidized internships upgrade assistance was the use of or on-the-job training positions. the center's computers to conduct Staff demonstrated to businesses Colorado initiative was skill upgrades for the Career- how they could benefit from the Ready Colorado Certificate. Job program by adding an employee seekers who upgraded their skills to help the business if they were funded through TANF in reading for information, short staffed or did not have the applied math and locating infor- funds needed to employ someone mation were tested and, depend- on their own. The goal for the sub-region was 75 participants. reserve funds and ing on their level of competency, were awarded a bronze, silver or Pueblo exceeded the goal by gold certificate. placing 82 participants. Several participants were hired by HIRE designed to help Serving UI Claimants - High UI Colorado host employers into claims generated 60-70% of traf- regular, unsubsidized employ- fic flow and requests for services ment following their internships. unemployed job at the workforce center throughout PY09. Two strategies were Business Services Initiatives - successfully employed in Pueblo The Pueblo Workforce Center held several internal job fairs with seekers go to work in to meet the growing UI challenge: four staff members from the companies hiring for positions CDLE Unemployment Division such as customer service asso- were given workstation space at ciates, and in occupations such as subsidized internships the Pueblo Center to serve UI welding and manufacturing, customers over a two-day period, construction and remodeling, and and two telephone lines were truck driving. Pueblo also served or on-the-job training designated as "Unemployment as the regional host for the U.S. Red Phones" to allow UI claim- Census Bureau to recruit, test and ants a direct line to UI represen- train new census enumerators. Additionally, resources were positions. Pueblo tatives each Friday afternoon for four hours. Both initiatives were provided for a new green energy successful and have resulted in a employer, Vestas, to recruit new employees for its Pueblo wind exceeded its goal of 75

by placing 82

participants.

2nd Quarter 2010 - Pueblo County Economic Base (Source: Economic Modeling Specialist, Inc.)

106 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report turbine manufacturing plant. The uring painter with a major corpo- Pueblo Business Services unit was ration in Pueblo, that door closed. also busy providing Rapid After a specially designed two- Response services to a number of week intensive Job Club with his businesses that downsized or laid-off colleagues, David wanted closed this past year, impacting an opportunity to go to college over 300 laid-off employees. but did not have the basic These individuals took advantage academic or computer literacy of workforce center training levels needed. programs and computer labs to Josefina is pictured giving her develop or improve their skills as Through services customized to “Presentation of Learning” on her they conducted their job search. meet his needs, David has begun college and now owns a compu- training work experience in the A number of Qwest Communi- ter. David is just one of many Building Your Work Career cation employees capitalized on examples of how leveraging program. the opportunity, and for several workforce funded programs with weeks reserved the Pueblo innovative staff intervention Next on Josefina's WIA Individ- Center's Computer Lab and results in customer successes. ualized Employment Plan, or IEP, worked together as a group to is to attend Colorado State help each other out. University - Pueblo. ARRA Initiatives - The Pueblo RURAL RESORT sub-region received ARRA SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE program funds to provide a number of job seeker services. The Rural Resort sub-region One initiative funded through the consists of five counties: Lake, Recovery Act was Reemployment Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and Services. This initiative allowed Garfield. They are operated by the the staff to provide workshops, Colorado Department of Labor career guidance and assessments Customer and dislocated worker, and Employment's Rural Consor- David, at the Pueblo Workforce to unemployed job seekers who tium. Full-service offices are Center. needed additional help with their located in Frisco, Leadville, job search. Edwards, Glenwood Springs and WIA Youth - Josefina, age 19, As part of the ARRA program, the Rifle. Services are also offered in who has never had a paying job, the Aspen area four days a month Pueblo region provided summer joined the WIA Youth program in through coordinated efforts with employment to 227 youth, February 2010. This high school local partners Pitkin County exceeding the goal of 185 youths. senior, who is also a participant in Human Services and Colorado Employment in areas such as the local high school Health Mountain College. weatherization, recycling, parks, Academy program, has a goal of and health care provided one day becoming a family meaningful work experience for The region's labor force is physician. Participating in the primarily engaged in tourism and low income youth or others that high school's Health Academy service occupations with the were the hardest to serve. program requires simultaneously accommodation and food services taking college courses and finding Success Stories industry employing the largest the resources to pay for classes. WIA Dislocated Worker - As an number of people in the region. Army veteran and dislocated Josefina was able to successfully This industry is closely followed worker with TAA status, David take and complete college courses by retail trade and construction. was faced with a dilemma. After with financial assistance from The current economy is mostly many years as a skilled manufact- Pueblo's WIA Youth program. dependent on services and retail

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 107 Winning in a Challenging Economy trade and has experienced a major conducted by instructors from decline in the construction trades. local businesses or current The oil and gas industry in the business faculty. The workshops western part of the sub-region is included topics such as "Entrepre- still active but at a more limited neurship Introduction," "Finan- level than in previous years, cial Management," "Accessing resulting in that industry's Capital," "Business Plans," and ural Resort and "Marketing." Workforce staff in R supporting contractors having each of the region's offices sent fewer job openings. notifications to job seekers Colorado Mountain College regarding the sessions, making All main industries have seen over 3,500 calls. Approximately partnered to provide more declines, and improvements are 560 attendees provided positive not yet apparent. But, with edu- feedback and gained new insight cation and training in alternative into starting and maintaining a offerings for job seekers and sustainable energies, new small business. improved construction and remo- at seven campuses deling projects will begin. As new A second series of workshops advances are made in construction focused on use of computer technology for those with little or no within the sub-region. trades, new developments are anticipated, and labor require- computer skills. This series of ments for the western portion of four "Never Ever Computer" Workshops started with the sub-region will lead to an up- workshops began with a three- swing for the oil and gas industry. hour session on "Basic Computer Startup," and continued with a series of Entrepre- RURAL RESORT "Never Ever II, III and IV." The PARTNERSHIPS workshops were well received neurship courses, and beneficial to clients who were Partnership with Colorado not computer literate, to the Mountain College (CMC) which were attended Due to the success of previous extent that workshops were workshops offered in conjunction repeated at many local campuses. by 560 job seekers and with CMC, this partnership was The local workforce centers used continued with more offerings for the interactive voice response job seekers at seven different (IVR) system to contact 4,000 conducted by campuses within the sub-region. registered job seekers throughout Workshops started in December the region. Five hundred instructors from local 2009 with a series of Entrepre- attended the 42 sessions offered neurship courses, which were businesses or current Clients Served - Rural Resort Sub-Region business faculty. Job Openings Listed 6,932 Job Seekers 17,876 Entered Employment 48.69% Veterans Served 1,366 Vets Entered Employment 46.84% WIA Adults 106 WIA Dislocated Workers 104 WIA Youth 87

108 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report at regional campuses. The Rural Clients Served - South Central Sub-Region Resort partnership with CMC has resulted in many attendees recog- Job Openings Listed 2,240 nizing the benefit of furthering Job Seekers 12,171 their education and led to their enrolling in additional classes. Entered Employment 47.57% The college also opened its com- 810 puter labs at all campuses to Veterans Served workforce clients any time they Vets Entered Employment 43.00% were not in use for scheduled courses. WIA Adults 200 Lake County Career Fair WIA Dislocated Workers 47 The Lake County Career Fair for 198 students, teachers and chaperones WIA Youth was held in April 2010 through a partnership with the Leadville Campus, while the Frisco Work- Lions Club. The Leadville tion of over 7,500 feet. The econo- force Center explored training Workforce Center presented the my in South Central is driven subsidy options. The three org- career fair to students who were primarily by agriculture. The anizations worked together to allowed to explore among six labor force focuses on the educa- develop "Energy Auditor" training career pathways and 122 occu- tion and health services industry, sessions. Each class was approx- pational areas in: arts, humanities employing more people than any imately 10 days long and was and communications; natural other industry. Unemployment capped at 10 students. The first resources; health and related remained high in the region class was filled, with seven fields; human services; during PY09, reaching 9.1% and students being WIA clients from engineering and industrial exceeding the state's high point of the Summit County area. The technology; and business, 8.3% during the current economic first class was a success and a marketing and financial services. downturn. second was planned with more Clear Creek, Chaffee and Lake clients from Lake County, Summit SOUTH CENTRAL County school districts were County, Grand County and Eagle PARTNERSHIPS County. Each class requires pass- invited as well as many freshman HIRE Colorado ing a formal written test and a college students, with over 500 Through funding from HIRE field test. As of June 2010, all 10 attending the one-day event. Colorado, 32 individuals were original students passed, and Professionals in various fields placed in various work experi- most are working and applying came from Lake County and other ences throughout the sub-region. the skills they learned. Classes parts of the state to act as present- All employers were very pleased have been expanded into the "BPI ers. Students were given a scav- with the HIRE Colorado program Envelope" and will continue for enger hunt to complete that con- and how it was able to help their the 2010/2011 school year. sisted of questions that only a businesses. Many program parti- presenter at the career booth cipants were able to stay on full could answer. Successful "scaven- SOUTH CENTRAL time after their contracts ended. gers" were awarded prizes that SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE consisted of different donations The South Central sub-region Sustainable Main Streets from the community. continues to provide services Initiative The Monte Vista Workforce Energy Audit Partnership throughout its 14,558 square mile area encompassing eight counties: Center belongs to the Colorado In March 2010, Frisco Workforce Sustainable Main Streets Initiative staff and High Country Conser- Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Huerfano, Las Animas, Mineral, Committee. Governor Bill Ritter vation contacted CMC-Brecken- selected Monte Vista as one of five ridge to plan a class based on Rio Grande and Saguache. The San Luis Valley is considered one communities to participate in the Building Performance Institute pilot program. The committee (BPI) training at CMC's Aspen of the largest high desert valleys in the world at an average eleva-

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 109 Winning in a Challenging Economy consists of the City of Monte Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa, Vista, private sector and non- Otero and Prowers. The popula- profit organizations, Monte Vista tion in the Southeast sub-region is School District, Monte Vista concentrated in Otero and Workforce Center, San Luis Valley Prowers Counties. The economy Economic Development, Monte is driven primarily by agriculture Vista Chamber of Commerce and and tourism. The labor force the Colorado Department of focuses on the education and he Southeast Transportation. The main focus health services industries, T for this initiative is to bring a employing more people than any collaborative, integrated process sub-region is working other industry. Leisure and hospi- to leverage technical and existing tality showed the highest number financial resources to help com- of vacancies followed by trade, with Pueblo and The munities enhance the sustain- transportation, utilities and other ability of their downtowns. services, which include construc- Institute of Advanced Additional Partnerships tion and manufacturing. The The South Central sub-region was unemployment rate reached 7.6% able to partner with community during PY09, just under the Manufacturing Training colleges in the area to make the state's high of 8.3%. Microsoft Elevate America at Pueblo Community Program successful. Numerous SOUTHEAST vouchers were issued and participants completed the program. PARTNERSHIPS College to implement The Monte Vista Chamber assist- Advanced Manufacturing ed with the annual Agricultural The Southeast sub-region is work- a USDOL grant for Conference in February 2010. ing with Pueblo and The Institute This conference provides guest of Advanced Manufacturing speakers and vendors to farmers training in advanced Training at Pueblo Community locally and statewide, covering College (PCC) on implementing a many agricultural topics. USDOL grant to train youth, manufacturing. adults and incumbent workers in SOUTHEAST SUB- advanced manufacturing. Participants take part REGIONAL PROFILE Participants take part in three months of work-readiness and technical skills training required The Southeast sub-region in three months of by employers in the manufactur- continues to provide services ing industry, including the work- throughout its 9,533 square mile work-readiness and readiness and academic segments area encompassing six counties: of KeyTrain. technical skills training Clients Served - Southeast Sub-Region required by employers in Job Openings Listed 1,374 Job Seekers 7,486 the manufacturing Entered Employment 41.46% industry. Veterans Served 491 Vets Entered Employment 55.48% WIA Adults 121 WIA Dislocated Workers 31 WIA Youth 112

110 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report After the work-readiness curri- this partnership, the workforce culum is completed, participants center has a stronger tie with the tackle PCC courses to obtain a economic development commu- Manufacturing Skill Standards nity, county commissioners and Certification (MSSC). The MSSC higher education. is an industry-led training, national assessment and certification system focused on the core SOUTHWEST SUB- skills and knowledge needed by REGIONAL PROFILE the nation's production workers. The Southwest Workforce sub- Courses include: safety, quality region is made up of five counties Secretary of the Interior Ken practices and measurement, and 11 communities situated in Salazar visits the Southwest manufacturing processes and the Four Corners of southwestern region. production, and maintenance Colorado. It includes the South- awareness. In addition, partici- ern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute used as a means of fuel to keep pants have to complete 140 hours reservations and makes up 6.3% the plant operating. of hands-on specialized skills of the land area in the state. The training in one of the following population continues to grow and Empire Electric Association Inc., a tracks: electrical maintenance, is estimated to be at 91,757. Tour- subsidiary of Tri-State Generation, welding or material management. ism services are the number one is in the process of purchasing land for a new work area HIRE Colorado industry in the sub-region, pro- complex. Included in the develop- The Southeast sub-region part- viding 38% of the jobs and 30% of ment is a "solar energy" farm, nered with numerous employers the job income in the sub-region. which will use a number of solar to promote and administer the panels. Customers can then buy HIRE Colorado program. This Other major sectors include agri- shares of solar energy. Customers program was very well received culture, mining and utilities, con- who use alternative forms of in the sub-region by employers struction, manufacturing, trans- energy, especially during peak use and job seekers. Southeast was port, warehousing, wholesale, hours, can receive a discount. initially given 32 slots for deve- retail trade, finance/insurance, loping subsidized work experi- real estate and government. Small Workforce Centers ence with local employers. Due to businesses make up over 90% of Three workforce centers in the the high success rate, the work- local employers, with the majority region, located in Cortez, force center was awarded an found in the service sector and Durango and Pagosa Springs, additional 10 slots. tied to the tourist industry. provide a full array of employment and training services. Co- Additional Partnerships Energy Industry located partners in the Southwest The Southeast sub-region was Coal bed methane production is Colorado workforce centers very successful with the Microsoft very active in the San Juan Basin, include: The Training Advantage, Elevate America Program. The a fossil fuel-rich basin in south- contractor for the Adult, Dislo- sub-region formed a partnership west Colorado, and accounts for cated Worker and Youth WIA with Lamar Community College over 40% of Colorado's natural services; Employment First and during this program to become a gas production. Besides oil and Colorado Works services in "Certi-Port" center for certification gas, the energy industry in Archuleta and LaPlata Counties; testing. Seventy e-learning general continues to grow to Cerebral Palsy of Colorado; Job vouchers and one IT professional include a bioenergy plant in Corps; and the School to Work voucher were distributed. South- Dolores County. The plant uses Alliance Program. east also partnered with the locally grown sunflowers and Southeast Colorado Business safflower, and is self-sufficient. The Colorado Division of Retention, Expansion & Attraction Sunflower seeds are roasted to be Vocational Rehabilitation and Program (SEBREA) during PY09. packaged and eaten. Sunflower Colorado Parole use the Cortez SEBREA assists area businesses in and safflower oil are manufact- Workforce Center on a regular finding the financial and opera- ured into cooking oil, and the basis to provide services to their tional support needed to thrive in remaining parts of the plant are customers. the Southeastern area. Through

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 111 Winning in a Challenging Economy SOUTHWEST identify key sectors in the South- PARTNERSHIPS west and Western workforce areas in need of workforce solu- Energy Grant tions to support growth and sus- The Southwest and Western sub- tainability. The planning grant regions were awarded a three process resulted in a local focus year, $2,000,000 energy grant in on the health care sector for the Spring 2008. The project built on implementation grant, which will The Southwest sub- an existing collaborative effort be initiated during PY10. between the Southwest and West- ern workforce centers, energy HIRE Colorado region’s Microsoft industry employers, Southwest The HIRE Colorado program has Colorado Community College been a success in the Southwest and Delta-Montrose Technical sub-region. It allowed workforce Elevate America College to strengthen the region's centers to create subsidized work economy through supporting experiences for eligible partici- existing employees and new pants, which was a win/win for program enabled many entrants into the energy field. job seekers and employers. Job seekers obtained employment Free short-term training was and employers did not pay customers to take free provided to hundreds of indivi- wages for the training period. duals, which helped them obtain Many individuals were hired as or retain employment in the permanent employees. energy industry. Some hands-on online Microsoft training included heavy equip- Additional Initiatives ment operation, commercial • The Tobacco Grant was award- driving, mine safety, welding and ed to the Southwest sub-region courses. Individuals computer-aided design. Training again in PY09, which provided was provided by technical support services to local veter- colleges. ans in need of work clothing, demonstrated their gasoline and utilities assistance. Health Care SECTORS Grant The Southwest workforce sub- • The Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) abilities by testing on region, in collaboration with the Western sub-region, was awarded paid tuition for eligible veterans a SECTORS planning grant and, to increase their skill levels. the Microsoft website subsequently, a SECTORS imple- • The Colorado Enhanced mentation grant. The planning Approved Training Program grant enabled the sub-region to (CEATP) allows individuals and, when successful, Clients Served - Southwest Sub-Region they attained Microsoft Job Openings Listed 1,294 Job Seekers 11,855 Certifications. Entered Employment 41.82% Veterans Served 940 Vets Entered Employment 37.04% WIA Adults 92 WIA Dislocated Workers 37 WIA Youth 96

112 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report to busy urban living with easy workers. Armed with this data, access to front-range metropolitan staff is able to better prepare the areas. The workforce center sys- workforce by ensuring the neces- tem within the Upper Arkansas sary skill sets are developed for sub-region is operated by the employment and business needs. Colorado Department of Labor The health care sector is prom- and Employment. The Upper inent in the region, and as a result, Arkansas Area Council of Govern- WIA funding supported the ments (UAACOG) is the subcon- attainment of many certifications tractor for WIA service delivery. for registered nurses and certified The Canon City Workforce Center nurse aides. and the Salida Workforce Center are full-service offices. Outreach UPPER ARKANSAS services are available in Fairplay, PARTNERSHIPS Workers prepare for upcoming Bailey, Guffey, Lake George, ARRA construction work in the Buena Vista and Westcliffe. Southwest region Advanced Manufacturing A diverse economy complements The Upper Arkansas sub-region who are receiving their regular the unique rural character of the collaborated with the Pueblo and unemployment insurance bene- region and helps mitigate the Southeast sub-regions in receiving fits, not extended, to receive ongoing recession and unemploy- a $450,000 sector grant for manu- up to 1.5% of their benefits ment rate, which reached 8.9% facturing training. Training needs while training to build skills for during PY09. Jobs in the govern- are being assessed and may be in an in-demand or renewable ment sector include employment the form of specific vocational energy occupation. in federal, state and local govern- skills or in areas such as leader- ments. This sector leads the region ship and supervisory skills, or in • Microsoft Elevate America with over 30% of the jobs in a other identified business needs. enabled many individuals to wide variety of work environ- ARRA Programs take free online Microsoft ments such as education, law courses. Individuals demon- The Upper Arkansas sub-region enforcement and corrections, and received ARRA program funds to strated their abilities by testing human service agencies. on the Microsoft website and, provide a number of job seeker when successful, attained Residents' outside income contri- services including reemployment Microsoft Certification. butes significantly to the sub- services. This initiative allowed region's economic base with 18% the staff to provide workshops, • Individuals received e-learning of jobs distributed over a large career guidance and assessments vouchers to upgrade their number of occupations. The to job seekers that were unem- computer skills. services sector accounts for 15% of ployed and needed additional the area's jobs, with occupational help in their job search. ARRA • CareerReady Colorado funds also supported the program Certificate assessments were settings ranging from medical offices and facilities to restau- activities of 171 participants offered to job seekers who must including 75 ARRA Youth achieve a certain score on the rants. The visitors sector, reflected by employment in the arts, enter- between the ages of 14 and 24 ACT's WorkKeys assessment years old. before they earn the certificate. tainment and recreation, consti- tutes 10% of the sub-region's jobs. The youth participated in summer UPPER ARKANSAS The workforce center uses the employment opportunities, work- SUB-REGIONAL PROFILE Economic Modeling Specialist Inc. shops, leadership development (EMSI) tool to review local labor and exposure to local colleges to explore career possibilities. The Upper Arkansas sub-region market information reports such Among the successes of the encompasses Chaffee, Fremont, as sector projections, wage data, Summer Youth Program was the Park and Custer counties. This where workers are employed, work crew that provided area is unique to Colorado in that demographic information about maintenance and lawn care to it provides an excellent alternative workers, and projected need for

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 113 Winning in a Challenging Economy seniors in the area, Headstart, the Certificate. Job seekers who, Town of Brookside and the after testing, needed to upgrade Family Center. There were their skills in reading for numerous compliments, not only information, applied math and about the work being done, but locating information could also about the conduct of the take upgrade coursework on youth in completing their tasks. workforce center computers, and depending upon their level HIRE Colorado of competency, they could be A special initiative, HIRE Colo- orkforce center awarded a bronze, silver or W rado was funded through TANF gold certificate. reserve funds and was designed to help unemployed job seekers • Colorado Enhanced Approved staff in Canon City and go to work in intern positions or Training Program allows on-the-job training positions at participants pursuing voca- local businesses. Staff was able to tional training to be considered Salida hosted a dozen demonstrate to businesses how for enhanced unemployment they could benefit from the benefits while they are in program by adding an employee training. Through this program, hiring events for if they were short staffed or did individuals can improve their not have the funds needed to skills and use the enhanced employ someone on their own. unemployment benefits to help employers and Several businesses participated in meet some of their expenses this special initiative and over 40 while in training. job seekers were able to get hired as a result of this effort. Workforce Board Initiatives successfully filled The Upper Arkansas Workforce Special Initiatives Board has developed a new • The Microsoft Elevate America strategic plan that outlines new their needs for skilled program provided training mission, vision and values vouchers to customers so they statements, and identifies sectors could learn and be certified in for potential growth and emph- workers in welding, Microsoft software programs. asis for the region's workforce investments. The board is also • Asecond type of skills upgrade working on recruitment of assistance was based on home health care, potential board members to help WorkKeys assessments for drive a business agenda that customers to achieve a ensures the needs of businesses CareerReady Colorado maintenance, ski and are met. Action teams are being

Clients Served - Upper Arkansas Sub-Region rafting recreation, Job Openings Listed 851 census taking, over-the- Job Seekers 10,751 Entered Employment 44.76% road truckers and Veterans Served 1,170 Vets Entered Employment 40.05% summer temps. WIA Adults 152 WIA Dislocated Workers 32 WIA Youth 170

114 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report formulated as the need arises. At the same time, the board has been involved in strategic planning with other regions and workforce boards throughout the State. Several representatives from the board attended a state conference in Vail and helped formulate goals for the newly reorganized State Workforce Development Council. 2nd Quarter 2010 - Upper Arkansas Economic Base (Source: Economic Among the goals were working Modeling Specialist, Inc.) across regions to improve programs, increasing collabora- employer roundtables on a Success Story tion among education, economic variety of topics such as: A Fremont County Navy veteran development and workforce background checks and drug received help with the filing of programs, providing better testing, drug awareness in the unemployment insurance claims, assistance to business, and workplace and Intermediate job referrals and counseling, as improving data so it is more Excel software. Feedback from life issues and potential loss of his useful for making decisions. business leaders that attended home became almost more than Upper Arkansas Board members indicated they appreciated the he could bear. Through work added a great deal of energy and workshops and found the search counseling, the veteran leadership to the effort of information to be relevant to began the process of seeking improving the State Workforce overseas employment because the their business needs. Council and making it more rele- work was much steadier and the vant to the needs of the citizens of • Workforce center staff in Canon pay was better. the State. City and Salida hosted more Throughout a two-year ordeal of than a dozen hiring events last Services to UI Claimants application after application, he year for employers. Employers High Unemployment Insurance never waivered in his determi- successfully filled their needs claims affected the traffic flow nation to obtain overseas employ- for a skilled workforce in such and requests for services through- ment. Finally, in March 2010, he occupations as welding, home out the program year. To address received an invitation to interview health care workers, mainte- this need, orientations were pro- for a heavy equipment operator nance workers, ski and rafting vided for workers, which exposition in Afghanistan and was recreation workers, census plained job search assistance and offered the job. Resources from workers, over-the-road truckers provided information on require- the WIA Dislocated Worker and summer workers. ments for receiving extended Program were leveraged to pay benefits. • The Annual Canon City Work- for supportive services while the force Center Job Fair drew 450 LVER case managed the veteran Another tool offered was the "red job seekers. The center had 23 through documentation, medical phone," which enabled customers vendors, some of whom inter- checkups and clothing purchases with unemployment issues to sign viewed applicants and hired on required to work overseas. up to speak to an unemployment the spot. Employers' evalua- representative on Friday of each Today, this veteran is gainfully tions consistently reported they week. The availability of the red employed in an $80,000 plus job in were very pleased. phone helped minimize customer Afghanistan as a heavy equip- complaints of not being able to • Staff has strong relationships in ment operator, and he has the reach a representative, and many the local communities, and they potential to become a supervisor. issues that would have prevented participate in numerous organ- With this job, he can fulfill his individuals from being paid were izational and chamber events dream of paying off his mortgage resolved. that enable the centers to while providing a stable income receive assistance from business for his family. Employer Services Initiatives and business leaders for center • The workforce center offered activities.

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 115 Winning in a Challenging Economy WESTERN SUB-REGIONAL office/admin, construction and PROFILE extraction, sales and food service occupations. From 2008 to 2014, The Western sub-region is made growth is expected to be signifi- up of distinctive geographic and cant across all occupations, with economic areas that contribute to strongest growth in construction its natural beauty and high qual- and extraction, office admini- ity of life. The region is comprised stration, food service and sales. of six counties: Delta, Gunnison, The Western Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray and The regional economy is domi- San Miguel. The largest city in the nated by tourism, with the resort Colorado Energy and region is Montrose, followed by communities of Crested Butte and the Delta and Gunnison. The Telluride providing a good por- region’s 2009 population was tion of local jobs and tourism Mining Training Project estimated at 101,065 according to dollars. The Black Canyon of the the U.S. Census. Gunnison National Park and the brings the Western and Curecanti National Recreation The Western workforce sub- Area also draw visitors. The region includes an eclectic group Western sub-region continues to Southwest workforce of county economies, ranging in be a source of coal, with the size, industry mix and distinctive majority of production occurring sub-regions together to competencies. Overall, tourism is in Delta County. Agriculture pro- the key driver, accounting for duction and agribusiness contri- 28% of total employment. Tour- address the needs of bute to the region's jobs and ism businesses include firms in economy. Housing construction accommodation and food serv- has been greatly impacted by the skilled workers in the ices; arts, entertainment and recent economic downturn and recreation; and retail trade. decreased housing market. energy and mining Secondary industries are based around manufacturing and ex- WESTERN PARTNERSHIPS tractive industries, with approx- sectors. The project will imately 9% of total employment. The Western sub-region continues to explore and develop partnerships for talent development train over 2,500 Other high growth industries include government, construc- between the regional workforce tion and health care, which system, economic development, workers. account for 36% of employment. training providers and employers Highest employment levels are in in the region. The effort focuses

Clients Served - Western Sub-Region Job Openings Listed 1,985 Job Seekers 12,979 Entered Employment 48.40% Veterans Served 1,349 Vets Entered Employment 44.58% WIA Adults 50 WIA Dislocated Workers 41 WIA Youth 98

116 Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report Energy and Mining Project College, Delta/Montrose Technical The Western Colorado Energy and College and the CDLE Energy Mining Training Project, a U.S. Office. Department of Labor Community Job Training Grant, is a regional SECTORS Health Care Grant effort bringing the Western and The Western workforce sub- Southwest workforce sub-regions region, in collaboration with the together to address the needs of Southwest workforce Region, com- skilled workers in the energy and pleted labor market data mining mining sectors. and sector planning, which was funded by a CDLE SECTORS Plan- Simulated high-tech mining The project will train over 2,500 ning Grant. The grant allowed activities provided through the workers in the energy field regional labor market research to Community Job Training Energy Grant. through short-term, industry- identify key industry sectors in the driven training while increasing both regions. After completing on industries in high demand the capacity of the Delta-Montrose sector planning, the Southwest occupations and continued growth Technical College and the South- and Western sub-regions targeted sectors, including energy and west Community College to the health care sector as the focus health care. Delta Montrose deliver industry driven training. industry. This led to the award of a Technical College and Mesa State This federally funded collaborative SECTORS Implementation Grant College continue to play a major effort is both cross-regional and to strategically address critical role in providing training to WIA multiple-partnered, involving the workforce needs of this industry's participants. Southwest and Western workforce employers. regions, San Juan Basin Technical

Colorado Rural Workforce Consortium 117 Winning in a Challenging Economy Employment Services of Weld County

REGIONAL PROFILE with cattle, grains and sugar beets ranking as the third leading Weld County is situated in the agricultural area in the United “With the north central part of the State and States and first statewide in the is bordered on the north by value of agricultural products opportunities and Wyoming and Nebraska and on sold. Also rich in mineral the south by the Denver metro- resources, Weld County ranks as politan area. Covering 3,999 the second leading producer of oil challenges facing Weld square miles, Weld is the third and gas in the state. largest county in Colorado and County, the greatest has an area greater than that of The Greeley MSA (Weld County) Rhode Island, Delaware and the experienced generally higher District of Columbia combined. unemployment rates compared to impact for the work- There are 31 incorporated towns the State average over the past in Weld County, and the county year. Weld County experienced a force board will be to seat and principal city is Greeley, 9.8% unemployment rate in June which is located in the west 2009 and a 9.6% rate in June 2010 central part of the county and (versus 8.3% for the state) com- retrain the under- contains almost half of the pared to a 5.7% rate in June 2008 county's population. In 2009, the and a 4.2% rate in June 2007. The employed population county had an estimated popula- number of individuals in Weld tion of 254,759 and experienced a County's labor force showed a for higher demand 40.9% increase in population slight decrease (-1.88%) from June from April 1, 2000 to July 1, 2009. 2009 to June 2010, and fewer indi- It is projected that the County's viduals (-1.66%) were employed. positions, help population will grow to 263,429 Anticipated job growth for 2010- by 2010 and 302,254 by 2015. 2011 is unclear due to fluctuating current employers economic conditions at the state The county's economy continues and national levels. to be a diverse mix of agriculture, develop their future manufacturing, advanced tech- Employment Services continues nology and service sectors. Weld to operate an integrated system leaders and align County continues to be a leading offering a wide variety of employ- agricultural producing county ment and training programs and career pathway efforts PY09 Common Measures Performance for students across the county....”

-Weld Board Member

118 Employment Services of Weld County WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report services to meet customer needs. challenges facing Weld County, Employment Services prides itself the greatest impact for the work- on being a customer-focused sys- force board will be to retrain the tem that provides customers a underemployed population for choice in how to access services. higher demand positions, help A review of PY09 data shows a current employers develop their 12.3% increase in total number of future leaders, align career path- active job seekers compared to a way efforts for students across the similar period last year. Weld county, develop a resource map of County experienced a 46.4% activities and providers concern- increase in the number of UI ing what is already going on and eligible claimant job seekers. Data to becoming community ambass- indicates more customers access adors regarding the role and func- services via web registrations tion of the workforce develop- through Connecting Colorado. ment board." review of the processes used by the Business Services Unit to Marketing Initiatives PARTNERSHIPS FOR respond to employer demand, Employment Services continued ECONOMIC RECOVERY to market available services and the second part included a through a variety of hiring events partnership with the Colorado Continuing Partnerships/Best and sector expositions during PY Business Services Alignment Practices 09. Marketing funds provided by Initiative. During PY10, we will Continuing over 30 years of the State Workforce Council continue to seek input from collaboration, the Employment continued to assist in sponsoring employers regarding how to Services and the Social Services events, increasing the public's improve processes to best meet divisions have developed inno- awareness of our services through their needs and continue to work vative partnerships for the deli- participation in job fairs, purchas- on aligning processes to the state- very of services for talent deve- ing marketing materials that wide effort. lopment. This relationship identify Employment Services to Workforce Investment Board enables us to operate the work get our name out in the commu- Private sector involvement has components of the TANF and nity, advertising events and other been, and continues to be, a key Employment First programs to marketing efforts. Employment emphasis in determining the assist individual recipients in Services collaborated with a design and delivery of employ- attaining a degree of self- variety of partners for hiring ment and training services avail- sufficiency. events including Adams County able through Employment Workforce Center, the City of Employment Services has also Services of Weld County. The Greeley, Erie and Carbon Valley collaborated on innovative and Weld County Workforce Develop- Chambers of Commerce, North successful projects to provide ment Board worked diligently Colorado Medical Center, Weld services to youth. These during PY09 to respond to the County Health Department, SOS initiatives include the Multi- challenges of the economic Professional Staffing and RCC disciplinary Youth Assessment decline. The board's strategic Medical. Ten events were Team (MYAT) Program; the plan focuses on a "Workforce conducted with approximately Teamwork, Innovation, Growth, Development Perspective" and 7,600 individuals attending. Hope and Training (TIGHT) identifies four key areas: oppor- Youth Corps; the TANF Summer Business Relations tunities for job seekers; major Youth Program; and the Pillars for Employment Services continued challenges; when combined, Successful Independence (PSI) its two-part process management future challenges and opportu- Program. Each program has been review of the Business Relations nities; and the role of the board to recognized by the Colorado Unit to determine areas that could impact those areas. Department of Labor and improve services to business As stated by a board member, Employment as a best practice. customers. Part one included a "with these opportunities and

Employment Services of Weld County 119 Winning in a Challenging Economy Colorado Urban Workforce them to training providers. The Alliance (CUWA) Weld County workforce board Through participation in CUWA, sponsored a transportation forum Employment Services continues and brought in an expert from to look at regionalism in services Norfolk Iron and Metal to discuss and programs and to work on impacts of implementation of the regional efforts. Also through Federal Motor Carrier Safety CUWA, Employment Services is Administration (FMCSA) upporting small involved in the State Energy Comprehensive Safety Analysis S Sector Partnership Grant to of 2010 with employers and provide energy scholarships to individuals interested in trans- businesses continues to customers earning certificates for portation and logistics issues. a career in the energy efficiency be a priority for Weld or renewable energy fields. Wyoming/Colorado Workforce County. Employment Partnership During PY09, Employment Services of Weld Services of Weld County maintained a strong relationship in ongoing regional collaboration County continues to efforts between Employment Services of Weld County, the Larimer County Workforce coordinate with South Weld County Learn and Center and the State of Wyoming Serve youth working at St. Vrain Workforce Development Services. Park take a break for a picture. Upstate Colorado This collaboration continues to provide direction for strategic Serving Southern Weld County Economic Develop- planning opportunities. To address increased growth and demand for services in the south- Sustainable Manufacturing ment and local ern part of the county, Employ- The goal of the Sustainable Manu- ment Services continued to facturing SECTORS planning increase its presence in the South chambers of grant was to identify strategies Weld County area through its two that address employer needs in satellite offices. The collaborative sustainable manufacturing, clean commerce to provide effort with the Carbon Valley and energy and agriculture advanced Erie Chambers resulted in two manufacturing, and then incorp- hiring events in South Weld in the labor market infor- orate those strategies into an Spring 2010. A focus on South implementation plan to meet County also took place to identify employer and economic develop- mation and other summer employment oppor- ment needs in the Weld and tunities for youth through the Adams County regions. Work services as small Governor's Summer Job Hunt continues with this SECTOR Program and the South County initiative and the various partners Learn and Serve Initiative. businesses identify a involved. Supporting Small Business Transportation Initiatives Supporting the needs of small workforce need. Weld County and its board con- businesses remains a priority for tinued to identify and respond to Employment Services as it transportation sector needs continues to coordinate services through encouragement of indi- with Upstate Colorado Economic viduals to consider truck driving Development and local chambers as a career option and linking

120 Employment Services of Weld County WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report of commerce to provide labor aration for college-level classes. Employment First market information and other These educational programs have The Employment First/Food services that businesses identify as been used to help youth with Stamp Job Search Program is a a workforce need. Employment credit recovery in expulsion and federally mandated program Services is involved in the Weld summer school programs for designed to ensure that all able- County workforce strategy team, county school districts. The versa- bodied food assistance recipients made up of representatives from tility of the Lab meets the require- are engaged in activities that will Aims Community College, the ments to allow clients from TANF improve their employability. In City of Greeley Chamber of and Employment First Programs Weld County, individuals apply- Commerce, representatives from to participate and benefit from the ing for food assistance who do not the Weld County Workforce educational activities. The Lab meet federal exemption criteria Development Board and Upstate also offers a variety of assessments participate in the Employment Colorado Economic Development. and tutorials, and served over First Program. Activities include: The team is developing ways to 1,700 customers during PY09. adult basic education, GED prep- provide customers with certifi- aration, literacy courses, post- cates and documentation concern- Business and Education Talent secondary education, vocational ing skills employers identified as Readiness (BETR) training, vocational rehabilitation, beneficial for employees. Due to The Tuesday Tours program marketing skills courses, workfare this team’s efforts, Employment under the BETR project was and part-time work. Participants Services will enter into a collabor- implemented to help participating must complete a minimum of 20 ative process with team members area teachers adapt their class- hours weekly in a work activity or to develop and offer a Soft Skills room curriculum to include a workfare component to receive Certificate Program. career/employment abilities and their food assistance allotment. skills to enhance their students' For 2009, there were 3,970 referrals CareerReady Colorado Certificate future. Six Weld County received, which was a 61.9% Employment Services provides businesses are participating in the increase from the year before. workforce customers the oppor- program: State Farm, RR tunity to acquire the CareerReady Donnelley, Meadow Gold Dairy, Colorado (CRC) Certificate Owen-Illinois Inc., the Humane through WorkKeys assessments. Society of Weld County and the Based on demonstrated levels in Colorado Department of Trans- reading, math and locating portation. In the future, Tuesday information assessments, job Tours will be split into Teacher seekers can document their Summer Tours and School Year abilities with certificates they can Tours efforts. provide to potential employers. In Microsoft Elevate America 2009-2010, 577 individuals took a Members of the WCYCC Sawyer CRC pretest, and 226 earned a The goal of this initiative was to Crew, certified in the use of CRC Certificate. donate training vouchers for chainsaws, remove trees for "Weld Microsoft eLearning courses and Weeds along the Poudre River." Assessment and Learning Lab selected Microsoft certification Colorado Works Program The Employment Services' Assess- exams at no cost. Vouchers were The Temporary Assistance for ment and Learning Lab provides made available statewide for Needy Families (TANF), Colorado an alternative learning environ- training in the following areas: Works Program, is designed to ment for comprehensive computer Microsoft eLearning for Windows assist individuals receiving public assessment and instruction to XP & Office 2003 or Windows assistance in making the transition enhance workforce skills. The Lab Vista & Office 2007, Microsoft from public assistance to employ- uses comprehensive K-12 educa- eLearning for the IT Professional, ment. The TANF program has tional programs, such as American and the Microsoft Business Certifi- four purposes: (1) provide assist- Education Corporation's "A+" cation Exam, to be divided among ance to needy families, (2) end the Courseware, which can be used Office 2003 and Office 2007. dependence of needy parents by for GED preparation, adult basic Employment Services of Weld skills education, literacy or prep- County issued 266 vouchers.

Employment Services of Weld County 121 Winning in a Challenging Economy promoting job preparation, work Multi-Industry Systems and marriage, (3) prevent and Technician (MIST) Program reduce out-of-wedlock pregnan- Employment Services was award- cies and (4) encourage formation ed a WIRED Innovations grant to and maintenance of two-parent develop and implement the MIST families. Employment Services Program. The MIST certificate is operates the workforce compo- an employer validated, academic nent of the program and has seen credit bearing and PELL Grant a 178.5% caseload increase from eligible certificate that is flexible he Weld County T June 2009 to June 2010. in delivery. The program has short-term elements that are open Youth Conservation HIRE Colorado Program entry/open exit and not depen- HIRE Colorado is an innovative dent on future external funding. subsidized program that provides Corps initiative MIST certificates were developed training, employment opportu- by Aims Community College in nities and work support for the collaboration with Employment harnesses the energy working poor, workers who have Services to meet identified hiring exhausted unemployment bene- needs of energy and manufact- fits, and low-income, low skilled and idealism of young uring employers. The Vestas workers. Participants are verified Blades business unit (which as TANF-eligible, and gain paid includes the Windsor and people to meet the work experiences and a variety of Brighton plants), the Vestas services and activities to assist Nacelles business unit and Hexcel needs of the Weld with alternate sources of income Corporation guarantee interviews other than TANF cash benefits. for individuals who complete As of June 30, 2010, Employment County community. either MIST certificate level. Due Services had provided services to to this program’s success and the 78 individuals. growing need for renewable Weld also received Disability Program Navigator energy training, two additional The Colorado Disability Program certificates levels and an AAS funds from the Navigator position is a referral degree were added to the MIST resource for customers with Program. The MIST Program served 172 individuals over the Governor’s disabilities to ensure universal access to all programs and course of the grant period. services. Navigator services Youth Strategies Commission on include: working with disabled individuals to assist in obtaining Recovery Act Youth Program - National and needed services, advocating on Employment Services focused their behalf for workforce needs, 75% of awarded ARRA Youth client-centered counseling, and funds towards employment work Community Services to being a resource for employers and workforce center staff. A support additional wide variety of partnerships have been developed under this initia- WCYCC participants. tive, and the Navigator works with community-based organizations such as the Community Transitions Team, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the City of Greeley's Commission on Disabilities to increase systems WCYCC/AmeriCorps members pose for a photo while working to restore access for disabled individuals. the historic Fort in Ft Lupton.

122 Employment Services of Weld County WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report experiences during Summer 2009 Multi-disciplinary Youth for eligible youth. Remaining Assessment Team (MYAT) - funds provided services to eligible MYAT is a collaborative effort out-of-school and in-school youth involving Employment Services, during the remainder of the pro- the Weld County Division of gram year; however, the primary Social Services, Weld County focus for services was towards the Public Health, North Range out-of-school youth population, Behavioral Health, Weld County particularly those who dropped School District 6, Life Bridge out of school. Under the ARRA Christian Church, St. Vrain School summer program, Employment District RE 1J and Weld County Services served 145 youth. Ariana, a TANF Summer Youth Probation. The MYAT program Employment program participant, strives to reduce the number of AmeriCorps - Employment Serv- helps the community by working at the United Way of Weld County. youth entering the child welfare ices was awarded a three-year and juvenile justice system. Inter- continuation grant for the Ameri- community. Students build ventions focus on reducing family Corps initiative to operate the pro- academic skills and strengthen conflict, truancy, oppositional/ gram through 2012. The Weld communities through service. defiant behavior, polysubstance County Youth Conservation Corps Crew locations in PY09 included abuse and unemployment. A (WCYCC) mission is to perform Ft Lupton, St. Vrain State Park, the primary focus is child and family community service projects that Town of Milliken, the Town of safety in the home and commu- meet environmental and human Severance and the Poudre nity environments. needs for urban and rural commu- Learning Center in Greeley. In nities. As part of talent develop- addition to grant funding, TANF Summer Youth ment of participating youth, the program participants who Employment - The TANF Summer WCYCC harnesses the energy and complete at least 100 hours of Youth Employment Program idealism of young people through service are eligible to receive a targets economically disadvan- service projects to meet commu- $500 education award to pay for taged youth, 14-15 years old, nity needs. Weld County also post-secondary education. whose families receive TANF received AmeriCorps ARRA funds payments, Medicaid or food from the Governor's Commission Pillar for Successful Indepen- stamps, as well as foster children. on National and Community dence (PSI) Program - Through The program allows youth to Service that supported 16 half- collaboration with the Weld participate in positive activities to time positions in one year. The County Division of Social gain work and life skills, earn ARRA AmeriCorps Program Services, Employment Services money and receive remedial or began operation in Fall 2009. developed the PSI Program to academic enrichment while serve 14- and 15-year-old youth encouraging them to remain in, or Learn and Service America/ placed in foster care. The PSI return to, school. The Employ- Summer of Service - Employment program focuses on increasing the ment Services Learning Lab uses Services, as an operating site of developmental assets of the youth the A+ Learning System for those the Southwest Conservation and includes refusal skills train- youth in need of remediation/ Corps, was awarded a Learn and ing, sexual abstinence training, academic enrichment activities. Service America/Summer of increasing social skills, increasing Coordination also occurs with Service grant. Summer of Service reading and math skills, basic local school districts for those in is a national service program career exploration and initial work need of remedial education in administered by the Corporation experiences. As youth turn 16, math and reading. for National and Community they are referred to the CHAFEE Service that engages at-risk and/or program operated through the In Summer 2010, 60 youth were low-income youth entering grades Division of Social Services and are placed at employment sites throughout the county. Of total 6 through 9. Service learning is a also considered for participation participants, 55 youth took part in method of teaching and learning in WIA youth programs and remedial or enrichment activities that connects classroom lessons associated activities. with meaningful service to the

Employment Services of Weld County 123 Winning in a Challenging Economy and five attended summer youth involved in out-of-home and sense of community, corps school. Achievement results placement situations through members realize there are included grade level gain and the Department of Social positive alternatives available, school credit through School Services Youth in Conflict pro- and learn that they can make a District 6. Bonus monies were gram. This includes youth difference in their commu- awarded to youth who parti- remanded to detention with nities. cipated in life skills enhance- subsequent release to a resi- ment workshops each week. Governor’s Summer Job dential treatment center for Hunt - The Governor's Seven life skills workshops drug rehabilitation services. were offered and included: Summer Job Hunt is a vital Youth are engaged in a variety link between classroom Money Management, Absti- of positive activities, which nence Training/Pregnancy learning and actual on-the-job include community service Prevention workshops experience that matches activities, educational compo- (WAIT), Loved Ones Against young people's skills and Meth, Building Healthy nents, life skill development interests with employment Marriages & Relationships, activities and in-home mental opportunities such as clerical, Lottery for Life, Educational health counseling. customer service, labor and Opportunity Center, Suicide The goal of the TIGHT sales. Employment services Education and Sexual Assault Program is to delay/eliminate are available, at no cost, to Resource Center. the need for out-of-home employers and youth ages 16- TIGHT Youth Corps - The placement by exposing parti- 21. In 2009, Employment Teamwork, Innovation, cipating youth to a variety of Services of Weld County saw worthwhile projects in their Growth, Hope and Training 4,107 youth participate in the communities. By being en- (TIGHT) Youth Corps Pro- Summer Job Hunt Program gaged in activities that program is designed to engage and, of those, 2,029 entered mote growth in self esteem employment.

Employment Services of Weld County 124 WIA Program Year 2009 Annual Report

Colorado Workforce Development Council Taryn Edwards, Council Chair Stephanie Steffens, Executive Director 633 17th Street, Room 1200 Denver, CO 80202 Phone 303.318.8235 Fax 303.318.8048 www.colorado.gov/CDLE/CWDC

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment Donald J. Mares, Executive Director Gary Estenson, Deputy Executive Director Peggy Herbertson, Director, Division of Employment and Training Clarke D. Becker, Director, Workforce Development Programs Elise Lowe-Vaughn, Operations Director Nina Holland, Manager Policy and Technical Assistance

633 17th Street, Room 700 Denver, CO 80202 Phone 303.318.8800 Fax 303.318.8930 www.colorado.gov/CDLE/WDP