Week 2:
Serving Communities Across Colorado
#WorkforceDev2024
#WorkforceDev2024
Workforce Centers serve all Coloradans, including those with disabilities, veterans, older workers, youth, and others. During Week 2 of Workforce Development Month, we'll be demonstrating the impact our the statewide workforce system can have in strengthening outcomes for Communities Across Colorado through initiatives and programs managed by our Office of New Americans (ONA), Office of Just Transition (OJT), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and more.
In 2020, Jason was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Ewing Sarcoma, which affects every 3 out of 1 million people. He was a young man, in the first years of his Inclusive Higher Education, exploring his independence. For a year he underwent treatment, finally able to return to school, when his cancer came back. But Jason was relentless, attending classes remotely in order to keep going.
Jason has worked Tarren Riley of the Sterling Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for over seven years, gaining confidence, advocacy, and work readiness skills. In May of 2024, Jason graduated his program, and earned his second Student Employee of the Year award. He is now hoping to land permanent, quality employment, and get his driver's license.
Aileve is a Venezuelan mother and Virtual Career-aligned English as a Second Language (VCESL) participant who took courses in Early Childhood Education to accelerate her certification coursework with a local school district in order to become a paraeducator.
When DVR Counselor Jody Dettmer-Johnson was invited to Jordan's Individualized Education Plan meeting, she was met by only his mother and grandmother- no Jordan. Later, Jody was able to help Jordan apply for services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, but he still hadn't quite warmed up to her.
In his first meeting, Jody learned that a local middle school teacher she was collaborating with, was Jordan's middle school teacher. She was able to connect the two for job prep services, and Jordan excelled being with someone he knew. The teacher, Andrew, took Jordan to the Loveland Youth Gardeners, and he fell in love with the work they did. Recently, he was able to sell his "custom creations" at their farmer's market booth, and nearly sold out!
Supporting New American Job Seekers Training Series: September 12, 19, and 26, 2024 at 12-1 p.m. MT
Join the Office of New Americans for a virtual training series dedicated to empowering workforce center staff to support New American job seekers. This series will provide valuable insights and practical strategies on topics ranging from navigating language barriers to handling conversations involving documentation. Learn more and register for each session.
Upload job opportunities for free on the New Americans Connection to Work virtual job board!
Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit: Employers can receive federal tax credits if you hire people from underrepresented groups including veterans, people with disabilities, and others.
Connect with the DVR Business Services team to help build your diverse and inclusive workforce by recruiting candidates who are skilled, loyal, and committed to your success.
Funding opportunities through OJT to help businesses and communities replace what they lose when coal mines and power plants close.
Education to help employers understand Colorado's Youth Labor Laws.
The New Americans Connection to Work virtual job board is a great resource for scanning and applying to job opportunities! Create a free profile and start scanning and applying to job opportunities today!
Vocational counseling, guidance and support securing assistive technology for adults with disabilities needing accommodations.
Connect with a Disability Program Navigator.
If you're interested in working, but want to keep the benefits you need, learn more about benefits counseling.
Pre-employment transition services for students with disabilities.
Colorado Migrant Welcome Guide: this welcome packet assists asylum seekers and migrants who do not yet have an immigration legal status but are intending to call Colorado home.
Specialized employment opportunities for Coloradans ages 16 - 24 through the Governor's Summer Job Hunt.