Highlighting Success
Thank you to CBS News Colorado for highlighting the services of A/D Works! and sharing Jose’s success story in finding employment. We are proud to serve job seekers and businesses in Arapahoe County and Douglas County to gain skills, understand the local labor market, connect with community resources, and meet their hiring or employment goals.
View the CBS News Colorado story.
2023 Talent Pipeline Report
The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) released the 2023 Talent Pipeline Report on Dec. 15, 2023. This tenth iteration of the Talent Pipeline Report analyzes and explains labor market information, highlights talent development strategies, and provides data-informed opportunities to enhance the talent pipeline in Colorado.
Improving Services and Outcomes for Diverse Populations in America’s Workforce Development System
The Workforce Transformation Policy Council (WTPC) is a select group of
over 20 workforce development leaders convened by Jobs for the Future
(JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). Its aim
is to identify policy changes that are needed to transform the U.S.
workforce development system, so it is better able to meet the complex
needs of todays and tomorrow’s labor market.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
From Nov. 13th–19th, employers, labor and community-based organizations, government leaders, and others will host events to showcase the value of Registered Apprenticeships. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has supported 338 apprentices through 17 apprenticeship programs. After exiting the program, participants are earning $6 more per hour than they were making before. Karen participated in a Digital Marketing Specialist Apprenticeship with Two Octobers and said that “it was a dream come true.”
Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships at https://www.adworks.org/job-seekers/registered-apprenticeships/.
Labor Supply/Demand Report
The labor supply/demand report presents information that can help businesses and job seekers better understand current economic and labor force trends.
A/D Works! staff present at 2023 Think Big Conference
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment hosted the 2023 Think Big Conference August 28th – 30th in Loveland. Multiple staff from Arapahoe/Douglas Works! (A/D Works!) were selected to present to a statewide audience of workforce development professionals, employers, and community partners.
Ruth McCormick and Dee Wittmer held an interactive and insightful workshop designed to help workforce understand the needs of today’s young adults and assist businesses with addressing their labor shortages.
Ellyn Mager and Ruth Prosko spoke about how A/D Works! built a sustainable co-enrollment model across the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Colorado Works, Employment First, and other discretionary grant programs.
A/D Works! nominated employer partners who have a passion for working with young adults for various awards. Cablenet won a Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Employer Award for creating valuable opportunities for young adults. The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) received the Proud Partner award for achieving greater results through commitment to developing sound partnerships that make an impact in the community. In 2022, A/D Works! served 40 young adults referred by CCIC. In Spring 2023 alone, A/D works! supported nearly 100 CCIC students to complete training for and obtain Certified Nursing Assistant licenses.
Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board member Todd Nielsen also co-facilitated a presentation on utilizing data to inform decisions with Workforce Boulder County’s Barbara Larsen. The session discussed how data is gathered, interpreted, and used to better inform all stakeholders in the workforce ecosystem.
If you are a job seeker, connect with a Career Advisor here to discuss your job search needs. If you are a business, reach out to a Business Development Representative here to discuss your recruitment goals and/or to access up-to-date labor market information.
#LetsThinkBig #PlugIntoYourPassion #ThinkBIG2023
Parents to Work Hosts Accomplishment Ceremony
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the Parents to Work program hosted its annual Accomplishment Ceremony. The event was an opportunity for customers and their families to come together and celebrate their successes. Seven (7) customers and their families were in attendance.
The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, a certificate ceremony, and speeches from Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully, program staff, and participants. Accomplishments celebrated during the event included graduation from the Parents to Work program, completion of training (such as the ACC Virtual Work Readiness Program), and attainment of a certificate or credential (e.g. forklift certificate, CDL-A licensure, and Insurance Licensure).
Parents to Work is a partnership between Arapahoe County Child Support Services and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! that is designed to help customers meet their obligations of child support while also being able to meet their day-to-day needs. Parents to Work offers employment, training, GED prep, and supportive services to both custodial and non-custodial parents with a child support case in Arapahoe County. The program focuses on family wellbeing, providing support to multiple generations within the family unit. In Program Year 2021-2022, over 30 customers graduated from the program by working and meeting their child support obligations for 12 consecutive months. In addition, over 15 individuals completed post-secondary training and/or attained different types of industry-recognized credentials.
Learn more about the Parents to Work program at https://bit.ly/3BQOlNC.
Clearing Paths to Renewed Futures: Warrant Forgiveness Event Serves Many in 18th Judicial Court District
On Saturday, July 15, 2023, the 18th Judicial Court District hosted its annual warrant forgiveness event at CentrePoint Plaza in Aurora. The main objective of the event was to provide support and assistance to eligible individuals in resolving their cases, setting new court dates, and getting back on track with completing probation.
Thriving Connections: Arapahoe/Douglas Works!’ Remarkable Employment First Career Fair
Exciting News! Arapahoe/Douglas Works! hosted the annual Employment First Career Fair on July 12, 2023 at CentrePoint Plaza, and it was successful for the job seekers and employers who attended!
Empowering Young Adults for Success: Reflecting on the Young Adult Summer Job Hunt Boot Camp
As summer approaches, young adults often find themselves searching for job opportunities to gain experience, independence, and a sense of responsibility. The Young Adult Summer Job Hunt Boot Camp was introduced by A/D Works! to support young adults in their job search. This event was tailored for young adults aged 14-18 and aimed to equip them with the necessary skills to search for, secure, and retain employment while aligning their job choices with their long-term career goals.