How Colorado is Supporting Older Workers

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Workforce Challenge:

Jobseekers at several Pikes Peak Workforce Center events had mentioned challenges with finding positions as an older worker. In conjunction with its already popular Beyond Age (55+) workshops, the Center created the Beyond Age Job Fair in August of 2024.

Workforce Solution:

The Center sent out a newsletter containing the benefits of hiring older workers including the experience, critical thinking and knowledge that can only be reached at a certain age. For this event we invited employers actively hiring older workers looking to start new careers and/or find more opportunities to grow.

Outcomes and Benefits:

Seventeen employers attend this Pikes Peak Workforce Center event in addition to 164 job seekers. Of the job seekers in attendance, 76% met the target demographic aged 50 and over! This was successful event will successful event will be held again in 2025, in addition to the organization’s many other job fairs/hiring events.

Apprenticeship Successes from the Lake County Workforce Development Board

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The Lake County Workforce Development Board has successfully created a vibrant pipeline of talent with partners and sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, addressing critical workforce challenges and providing opportunities to make good jobs more accessible to populations that have been underrepresented in the workforce.

In partnership with the National Institute for Work and Learning and FHI360, the Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) program was launched in January 2024, enrolling 18 apprentices from seven local organizations.

The YDPA offers a non-traditional option for existing staff to engage in instruction and related materials on positive youth development principles and provides these principles in direct services to the youth. Just as importantly, YDPA is delivered to a cohesive network of youth development professionals who are learning from each other and deepening their understanding of collaboration and service integration across community organizations. This collaboration has led to increased referrals, stronger relationships, and enhanced service strategies, adding yet another valuable tool to strengthen and expand the workforce development ecosystem.

The YDPA mission is to improve equity, access, and professional development for youth development practitioners. The YDPA course is a competency-based curriculum, comprised of group cohort and individualized learning. Modules and learning activities are designed to help apprentices develop core skills in nine competency domains.

1. Positive Youth Development Principles and Relationships
2. Coaching, Planning and Support
3. Group Facilitation
4. Career Pathways
5. Career Case Management
6. Leveraging Technology

7. Understanding How Youth Organizations Work
8. Professional Development
9. Self-Care 

The success of YDPA is based on partnerships – the program consists of the apprenticeship sponsor, the organization (employer), the apprentice, and their supervisor and mentor. The community partnering agencies create an inclusive culture and welcoming environment for all agencies to be part of the network and provide access to careers for young people. The apprentices themselves are the cornerstone of this success. The skills, insights, and experiences they gain through the YDPA will have a lasting impact on the young people they serve. This experience strengthens the network of youth development professionals dedicated to creating brighter futures for Lake County’s youth.

“The Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship has been incredibly valuable in my job. It’s given me practical experience and helped me improve my skills in youth-centered design, facilitation, and coaching. I feel more equipped to engage young people effectively and apply best practices to support their growth.” – Angel Tovar, Youth Career Advisor, Business and Career Services

“I always knew I had a passion for youth development, however, YDPA has given me the tools to put my passion into practice and I’ve gained a group of colleagues/friends that have a plethora of experience and skills that I would never had access to had it not been for this apprenticeship. I am forever grateful.” – Tempest Shardae Earl, Member Services and Data Manager, YouthBuild Lake County

The first cohort of YDPA apprentices is scheduled to graduate in January 2025. Lake County Workforce Development is looking forward to collaborating with The National Institute for Work and Learning to offer a second cohort in 2025, expanding opportunities to young people interested in working in the ecosystem.

Workforce Development Month 2024: EmployIndy’s Site Visit Success

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Celebrating Workforce Development Month and EmployIndy’s Advocacy Efforts

Every September, we celebrate Workforce Development Month to recognize, honor, and publicize the contributions of our nation’s workforce development professionals. Throughout the year, we’ve received countless messages, writeups, and articles about your work and the success of your organizations. We are proud to share these as a testament to the innovative and life-changing work being done by our nation’s workforce development boards.

EmployIndy has done exceptional advocacy work over the past year, from local to state to federal levels. They have been a forerunner in advocacy, using all available tools and leaning on NAWB whenever we can offer assistance. We are thrilled to have such passionate and consistent members advocating on behalf of the workforce system and are proud to have been a supportive partner in these efforts.

“NAWB’s advocacy resources have been especially useful as we’ve engaged with our representation. They’ve been invaluable in quickly finding up-to-date information on federal policies and legislation, identifying areas of impact for our local area, and prioritizing which talking points and narratives to share with our congressional delegation. It has definitely helped hone our messaging!”
— Kevin Duffy, Senior Director, External Affairs, EmployIndy

Here are some of the actions that EmployIndy has taken to advocate for their needs and the broader workforce system:

Local Level

EmployIndy conducted their first Lunch and Learn for Indianapolis City-County Council members in July, offering crucial localized labor market information, sharing updates on city-funded programs, and providing a tour of their comprehensive American Job Center (AJC). They plan to conduct more Lunch and Learns with city council members in the future.

State-Wide

EmployIndy began bipartisan outreach to their local state legislature delegation, hosting two site visits with State Representatives Julie McGuire (R) and Carey Hamilton (D). Both visits were scheduled during Wednesdays at WorkOne, a weekly hiring event that brings over 20 employers and hundreds of jobseekers to the AJC.

In partnership with the Indiana Workforce Board Alliance (INWBA), EmployIndy also participated in INWBA Day at the Statehouse during the legislative session this past spring. This event sparked conversations leading to state legislature site visits. Future endeavors include outreach to the State Senate and House Education Committees for a Lunch and Learn at their AJC.

Federal Level

EmployIndy continues to engage with their congressional delegation to advocate for workforce development priorities, including Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization, Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship rulemaking, and agency appropriations.

They also hosted two separate site visits for congressional staff:

  • Jason Johnson from Senator Mike Braun’s office visited the AJC for a discussion and presentation on the workforce system. Other representatives from INWBA joined the meeting to share perspectives from across the state. This visit not only advocated for the workforce system at the federal level but also set the stage for potential future collaborations at the state level.
  • Andrew Murray from Senator Todd Young’s office toured the AJC to learn about EmployIndy’s services, including highlights from federal investments like the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act and the American Rescue Plan. They also connected Andrew with one of their adult education partners, Warren Township Adult Education, for a concurrent visit and discussion on the role of adult education in workforce development.

Interested in hosting your own site visit? Download Hosting a Congressional Site Visit for tips.

Meet Barry

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Workforce Success Story Submitted By: South Central WorkForce Council

Workforce Challenge

Barry worked as a heavy machine operator and heavy equipment maintenance technician with a road construction company for nine years. When the struggling company was sold and the new owners decided to make cuts, Barry found himself unemployed. He searched for work for over a year while receiving unemployment insurance.

Workforce Solution

Barry visited the Fairmont Workforce Center where he was provided information about resources that could assist him with his job search. Barry was a permanent layoff and was eligible for services under the Dislocated Worker Program. After telling him about the program and his options it was decided that a good fit for him would be the On-The-Job (OJT) Training program.

Graham Tire, a local auto repair/tire sales company, had a vacancy for an Auto Service Technician. Barry did not have all the skills needed, but with the OJT program, he would learn the new skills while on the job. The Center and employer negotiated a contract, and Barry began work. The employer was reimbursed for half of the wages during his training period.

Outcomes & Benefits

At the end of the OJT the employer thanked the Fairmont Workforce Center for the opportunity to benefit from the OJT program. They were very pleased with Barry and shared that they wished they could have ten people just like him to work for them.

“I have had the pleasure to follow up with Barry and he is so happy with his job and likes the people he works with,” his counselor said. Congratulations, Barry!

Meet Teresa

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Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Spokane Area Workforce Development Council

Workforce Challenge

Teresa dropped out of high school her freshman year. Her family had lost their home; her mother began using drugs; and Teresa didn’t have much motivation to continue on in school. At just 16, she said she started making the wrong decisions. “I was heading down the road my mother chose for herself,” Teresa said.

Workforce Solution

Wanting to make a change, Teresa moved to Spokane in early 2012. She went to WorkSource Spokane, the local one-stop. Staff there directed her to the Next Generation Zone, the area’s only youth career and employment center, which was created by the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council. She connected with program specialist Jessica Cato, who helped her get a driver’s license, get her old high school transcripts and sign up for a GED class. She earned her GED in August 2012. Jessica then helped Teresa as she prepared for her next step into community college.

Outcomes & Benefits

Teresa enrolled at Spokane Community College and is working to become a dental assistant. At just 18, Teresa is well on her way to achieving her goals. “Finding someone to help you and who is willing to understand what you want is not easy. The Next Generation Zone, Jessica, and everyone else who helped and believed in me gave me an opportunity that changed my life in less than a year,” she said. “I thank them for everything.”