Creating Opportunities for All

Together we are opening doors so every Coloradan can thrive.

#WorkforceDev2026

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) works across its eight divisions and four special offices to break down barriers and help all Coloradans access good jobs and rewarding careers. From supporting immigrants and workers shifting industries to empowering people with disabilities and promoting apprenticeships, these efforts create opportunities for a stronger workforce that values everyone’s contributions.

This important work leverages several CDLE offices to remove barriers that could block talented workers from rewarding careers where they can help organizations succeed.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offers programs and services to help people with disabilities find, get and keep jobs. Whether you’re an adult with a disability or a young person looking for work after high school, DVR can support you in reaching your employment goals. If you’re an employer, DVR also has a team ready to help you connect with qualified, skilled workers.
The Office of New Americans advances the integration and inclusion of New Americans in Colorado communities. A New American is defined as a Coloradan who has or will arrive in Colorado as an immigrant or refugee, and includes their children.
The Office of Just Transition assists communities and workers transitioning from careers related to mining and burning coal. It was created to help these workers find new, high-quality, jobs and to help impacted communities thrive by expanding and attracting diverse businesses.
The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office makes connections between state agencies, private sector organizations and the public to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the tools, opportunities and empowerment to reach their highest potential. It puts all the pieces together to ensure disability becomes inherently valued and respected in our community.
Apprenticeship Colorado provides oversight of and supports the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state. Apprenticeship is a career pathway where employers develop their future workforce, and individuals get paid work experience, classroom instruction and a nationally-recognized credential.

Coloradans Are Breaking Barriers and Reaching their Potential

These stories show how everyday Coloradans are building rewarding careers. Whether they’re new to the state, switching jobs or overcoming challenges, their experiences show how we can make opportunity a reality for everyone.

Strengthening the Healthcare Pipeline with Internationally Trained Physicians

Originally trained as a physician in Eritrea, Yonas Woldekiristos brought years of medical education and experience to Colorado but faced the complex and costly process of rebuilding his medical career in the United States. Yonas first connected with the Spring Institute nearly a decade ago and trained to become a pharmacy technician. After significant personal challenges interrupted his career path, he returned in 2023 determined to practice medicine again. Yonas received career coaching, residency preparation, and U.S. clinical experience thanks to a unique partnership called Colorado Works for International Physicians (CO-WIP). He passed multiple high-stakes exams, completed Denver Health’s nine-month Clinical Readiness Program, and in March 2026 matched into a medical residency at a hospital in Pueblo.

CDLE’s Office of New Americans (ONA) helped get the Integration of International Medical Graduates Program (IMG) off the ground to help internationally trained physicians fill critical healthcare gaps in Colorado following the passage of HB 22-1050. Through partnerships with Denver Health and the Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, the program establishes pathways for physicians to gain clinical experience and residency preparation. Although ONA no longer administers the program, the CO-WIP partnership between Denver Health and the Spring Institute continues to support the state’s healthcare workforce, as evidenced by the program’s 100% residency placement rate.

Yonas’s success demonstrates the extraordinary talent present in Colorado’s immigrant communities and how creative workforce programs can enable internationally trained professionals to return to their profession while also addressing Colorado’s critical workforce needs.

Aerial view of a semi-truck driving across Colorado highway at sunset

Working Toward New Skills to Get Back to Work

After unexpectedly losing his job, David came to his local workforce center powered by Workforce Colorado Weld County overwhelmed but focused: he wanted to earn his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to get back to work and support his growing family. As a SNAP recipient, he was connected to Employment First and partnered with a case manager to create a clear plan. Despite challenges like a difficult driving record and financial strain, David stayed determined. With steady support and hard work, he earned his Class A CDL. This achievement led to a fresh start when he was rehired by his former employer—now stronger and more confident. David’s journey shows that with the right help, setbacks can become new beginnings.

Wide view of four employers at the PPWFC Job Fair, August 2024

Creating Opportunity for Experienced Workers

Many mature job seekers face challenges in finding meaningful work despite their skills, experience, and strong work ethic. Recognizing this, the Workforce Colorado Pikes Peak launched the Beyond Age Job Fair on August 22, 2024 at a local workforce center in the region—a dedicated event connecting job seekers aged 50 and older with employers eager to hire experienced professionals.

Seventeen employers participated, welcoming 164 job seekers, with 76% aged 50+. The event celebrated the unique strengths older workers bring, such as critical thinking, deep knowledge, and emotional maturity—qualities that add tremendous value in today’s workforce. By focusing on inclusivity and recognizing the potential of seasoned professionals, Workforce Colorado Pikes Peak is helping ensure opportunity truly exists for all, regardless of age.

Building Confidence to Ace the Interview

Long, a mature job seeker feeling discouraged about his age preventing him from being an attractive candidate, came to a workforce center in Broomfield looking for help re-skilling and up-skilling after being laid off from a previous role in the IT field.

After several consultations to refine his resume with a Workforce Specialist in Broomfield’s Resource Room, Long began applying for jobs. He was selected for multiple interviews, and there was one in particular that Long was especially excited about. Long met with a Workforce Specialist the day before his interview to practice and do a mock interview to help solidify his responses. With some motivational coaching and encouragement, Long built his confidence, aced his interview and was offered the job on the spot! Overjoyed, Long found the Workforce Specialist afterward and asked if he could give him a hug.

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