Colorado Workforce Development Council Examines Strategies to Strengthen Colorado’s Talent Pipeline
The Colorado Workforce Development Council today released its annual Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, which analyzes issues related to the supply and demand of talent in Colorado and recommends strategies to support economic prosperity in every corner of Colorado.
The Colorado economy continues to thrive in the midst of steady job growth and 2.6 percent unemployment. However, questions regarding the timing of the next recession and the transition of the economy to a new future of work are common. Colorado is still experiencing a skills gap that must be closed to support future prosperity. Partners of the talent development network are focused on ensuring all Coloradans have access to career-connected education and training to prepare them for the future of work.
“There are lots of good job openings in Colorado, but many of them require certain skills and qualifications. We need to make sure that people who want better jobs have a realistic way to get the skills they need for advancement. Colorado has one of the top economies in the country, but we want to make sure it works for everyone. All Coloradans should have the opportunity to thrive, which includes access to employment and skills training,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We are growing a talent pipeline and working to ensure that Coloradans are prepared for jobs of the future.”
The 2019 Talent Pipeline Report identifies the areas of growing demand and opportunity, key features of the current labor force, and strategies to balance the supply and demand equation for talent. It also highlights the Top Jobs in Colorado — jobs with high annual openings, above average growth, and a good wage. Sixty-four percent of Top Jobs require a credential beyond high school.
The labor force, however, is not adequately prepared for these Top Jobs, with just 57 percent of Coloradans holding a credential beyond high school. Progress has been made on this issue in recent years, and more work is needed to ensure the talent pipeline is ready to support the demands of a shifting economy.
Through diligent work within public-private partnerships, strategy and policy are positively influencing the talent pipeline in Colorado. Those strategies highlighted in the report are meeting the unique needs of Coloradans and working toward balancing talent supply and demand. As Colorado looks to the future, the programs demonstrating success need to continue to be scaled and modeled to further drive progress without duplicating efforts.
The conclusion of the report provides recommendations from the Advocacy Steering Committee of the Colorado Workforce Development Council on priority areas of focus and associated strategies to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline.
Recommendations include:
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Enhance access to opportunities for quality, lifelong education connected to the future of work.
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Foster an economy that works for everyone.
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Focus resources on enhancing strategies that have already demonstrated results and effectiveness.
The data and recommendations provided in previous Talent Pipeline Reports have led to the Colorado State Legislature passing more than 50 bills to support talent development.
The Colorado Workforce Development Council produces the Talent Pipeline Report in partnership with the Colorado Departments of Higher Education, Education, Labor and Employment, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, with support from the Department of Human Services, Regulatory Affairs, the Office of State Planning and Budgeting, the State Demography Office at the Department of Local Affairs, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Regulatory Affairs, along with other partners.
For the complete 2019 Talent Pipeline Report, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/