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DENVER, CO – A bipartisan bill introduced today will create a new, transformational system to better connect students and workers with the resources they need for good-paying jobs.
“For too long, Colorado has had a siloed approach to connecting workers and students with good-paying, in-demand jobs. Today, we’re unveiling a plan to create a unified department that seamlessly supports Coloradans from early learning to career readiness. Democrats and Republicans are coming together to reimagine talent pipelines to jumpstart the creation of a one-stop-shop for job seekers and students,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon.
“Learners need access to high-quality training to land good-paying jobs, but our current postsecondary talent system outside registered apprenticeships can lead to dead ends and closed doors for job-seekers and employers alike. This bill is an important step forward in better connecting workers with skills and education offered through apprenticeship programs and fostering a reliable workforce pipeline for Colorado businesses. We look forward to a meaningful process that will guide Colorado's support of apprenticeships in the years ahead,” said Jason Wardrip, Business Manager of the Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council.
“Colorado is leading the way on connecting workers with the education, training, and the skills needed to get good-paying jobs and strengthen our economy. This new and more efficient consolidated department will make it easier for Coloradans to access important resources and open new doors to opportunity. I’m grateful for the leadership of Speaker McCluskie and the sponsors of this important bill for their work,” said Governor Jared Polis.
“My road to higher education was anything but traditional, and flexible pathways to in-demand careers are what students like me need to prepare for life after graduation. The new unified department will be a one-stop shop for students like me to find specialized, career-focused pathways that will lead to good-paying jobs. Strong, modern, and accessible talent pathways are important because they meet students where they are to help us find the career of our dreams,” said Saige Chapin, a student at Red Rocks Community College.
“Reimagining Colorado’s workforce pipelines is a win for Colorado’s businesses and our learners. No matter the stage a student might find themselves in, whether that’s graduating high school or a mid-career pivot to something new, this bipartisan bill connects eager learners with in-demand careers. Colorado businesses are looking for qualified workers, and this bill makes it easier for them to tap into talent pipelines for their next star employee,” said Rep. Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction.
“This legislation specifically directs a committee to consider strategies to eliminate overlapping oversight and better coordinate programs across agencies with the goal of connecting higher education and career development through clear pathways for Coloradans looking to build a flourishing life for themselves and their families. This bill gives Colorado a more coherent and efficient framework in which students, employers and Colorado’s economy can thrive for decades to come,” said Will Simpkins, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
"Colorado students at every level move from classrooms into jobs, yet we’ve built a system that makes them navigate three different bureaucracies to get there. This new bill will bring higher education and our workforce programs together under one roof so we can align our investments, incentives, and strategy with the high skill, high wage, in demand jobs that drive our economy. We’re building a future where employers can find the talent they need to grow, and workers have a clear, connected path from learning to earning," said Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County.
"RMWDA welcomes ongoing dialogue as the legislation is introduced and evolves. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute input and feedback as our membership is named as required taskforce participants. Our central focus is ensuring that structural changes support seamless access to workforce services for job seekers and employers across Colorado continue to have access to talent through Workforce Colorado Centers. We are committed to working collaboratively to maintain strong, locally responsive service delivery throughout both rural and urban communities,” said Tami Grant, President of the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association.
"Now more than ever, the State of Colorado must look at ways to streamline and improve efficiency in the delivery of services to our citizens. I’ve heard loud and clear from our business community just how critical workforce development is to Colorado’s economic success, and this policy is an important first step in removing redundant barriers to workers and employers,” said Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock.
HB26-1317 is the first step toward creating a new, unified system and department for postsecondary education development. With a focus on a thoughtful, inclusive stakeholder process, this bill would establish a Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) of 26 members, including representatives from state agencies, institutions of higher education, apprenticeship programs, organized labor, local workforce centers, non-profit associations and the business community. The TAC’s recommendations will serve as the structural outline for the new department.
HB26-1317 would also begin the process to unite several programs, including the Divisions of Employment and Training, Regional Talent Summit Initiatives, Plans and Opportunity Now Grants and Adult Education and Literacy Programs, among others, with a focus on education and training under one new agency. Last year, Governor Polis shared a new report outlining a robust roadmap to streamline and strengthen the way Coloradans access education, training and career support.
Research shows that in the next six years, nearly three in four job openings will require some type of post-secondary credential. However, there is an attainment gap between the need for credentials and the number of Coloradans earning these skills, which is a challenge for Colorado’s economy and our learners. HB26-1317 aims to lay the groundwork to streamline more than 20 divisions, offices and units across seven state entities that deliver more than 100 programs and initiatives to create a one-stop-shop for Coloradans access to postsecondary education, training and employment.