Author: Pakita Eckford

The quarterly Programs Career Fair, hosted by Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, took place on June 4, 2024. The fair was designed for job seekers in search of their next career. With twenty employers offering a range of opportunities, from entry level to experienced positions, the fair attracted over 155 enthusiastic attendees. 

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center hosted a Talent Pipeline Makeover Workshop on April 23, 2024. Anthony Cherwinski from the Office of New Americans (ONA) was the keynote speaker. He advised employers on everything from establishing New American hiring initiatives to creating upskilling programs for multicultural teams. If you are interested in working with this talent pool, view ONA’s webinar series “Working with New Americans: From Recruiting to Upskilling.”

There was a panel discussion that focused on innovative strategies to recruit and hire diverse populations to harness new talent pools. The panel featured representatives from the Immigrant & Refugee Center of Northern Colorado, Blue Star Recycling, Latino Coalition, Colorado Neurodiversity Chamber of Commerce, and CDLE Veteran Services.

Employers stated that the presentation and the panel were very informative and beneficial. Additionally, employers received resources to improve their workforce development opportunities. If you are interested in increasing your talent pipeline, contact a Business Development Representative at 303.636.1359 or fill out a request form.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to New Americans as they navigate their career paths and integrate into their new communities.

On March 6, 2024, the Office of New Americans, Emily Griffith Technical College, and the Spring Institute held a job fair for New Americans. Sixten companies were present. More than 600 New American job seekers representing more than 26 countries of origin attended the event. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! and the City and County of Denver workforce centers supported the event with outreach and support staff. Interpreters and volunteers were onsite to help with the application processes.

More hiring fairs will be held in the coming months to support New Americans with work authorization in securing employment. Employers interested in attending future Office of New Americans’ events should complete the online employer interest form.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! also participated in Arapahoe Libraries’ New Americans Career and Education Fair on April 9, 2024. English learners, new immigrants, and refugees who attended that event learned about jobs and education opportunities in our area.  

Individuals interested in assistance with their job search can connect with a Career Services Advisor!

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! staff Sasha Easton (Workforce Director & Division Manager) and Petra Chavez (Quality Assurance Manager) are members of the Task Force on Transforming Training and the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). The task force was established by Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). It was formed to explore how federal policies can better support existing workforce systems to deliver people-first, equity-centered results for all through training.

The task force helped provide recommendations for the 2024 Report “Transforming Training and the Eligible Training Provider List to Serve the U.S. Workforce.” The paper outlines their federal workforce policy recommendations and details actionable ways policymakers can begin to transform workforce training to support future career advancement and growth for learners. Read the full report.

More than 25 local service organizations, including Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, participated in the 2024 Strive to Thrive Resource and Service Fair on January 23, 2024. Strive to Thrive is a bi-annual event hosted by the Douglas County Community of Care Network. The event is a resource fair comprised of multiple agencies and organizations that provide on-site resources and services for vulnerable residents of Douglas County.

Over 160 people attended this year’s event. Attendees were provided a hot meal and were able to learn where to access food, clothing, medical, and housing assistance. They were also able to learn about employment opportunities, how to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and many other supportive services.

The summer event usually happens in July. Follow Douglas County on X (formerly Twitter) for updates. You can also connect with one of our Career Services Advisors today if you need assistance with job search, resources, a referral for community support services, and much more!

Joshua is a veteran who was seeking employment. During a veteran’s hiring and resources event, he connected with the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! team. After hearing Joshua’s story, a Career Services Advisor referred him to Veteran Services. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Systems in May 2023 and hoped to get a job as a Project Manager.

Joshua and the Career Services Advisor met to review his resume, LinkedIn profile, where to search for jobs, interview skills, networking, and other job search tips. He utilized advice for his job search and updated his resume. He was also connected with a State Veteran Employment Representative and was referred to another veteran job fair.  He attended the job fair and applied for a job as a project engineer. Joshua was streamlined through the hiring process and was successfully hired as a Senior Project Coordinator at Eaton.

After getting hired, Joshua wrote “Sincere thanks to you and your team…for the strong efforts you all make to connect [job] seekers with meaningful careers and training resources. I am confident that this opportunity would not have presented itself without you all doing such fantastic work!”

After two months in his new role, Joshua emailed about his experience saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled with my role and the way it has changed my life…I couldn’t be happier to have found this role through your services!”

Learn more about our Veteran Services.

Thomas was referred to Arapahoe/Douglas Works! for the Colorado Works (TANF) Program due to being unemployed and needing support. As a single father, Thomas was eager to find a job and provide for his family. Although he was pursing work, he found it difficult to obtain employment due to being justice-involved. Thomas previously had a commercial driver’s license (CDL), but it was suspended. He hoped to reinstate his CDL and work as a driver again in the future.

During his participation in the Colorado Works Program, Thomas received job search assistance and supportive services such as transportation assistance and school clothing and school supplies for his children. He also received coaching support from a Workforce Specialist, which included completing career exploration assessments and workshops to enhance his job search skills.

With help from the Colorado Works Program, Thomas accomplished his goal of having his CDL reinstated. He was also supported in finding an employer that would be accepting of his justice-involved background. Ultimately, Thomas was able to secure a job earning $32.50 per hour as a full-time driver. With his new employment, Thomas is on a path to reach his goal of self-sufficiency.

Visit https://bit.ly/CWTANF to learn more about the Colorado Works (TANF) Program.

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.