By: Curtis Englehart | Executive Director, GJEP (September 24, 2023)

In today’s rapidly evolving economy, ensuring our workforce has the skills needed to advance and fill critical job openings cannot be understated.  

The latest report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Colorado had over 190,000 job openings in June 2023. Compared to the estimate of 95,000 unemployed Coloradans actively searching for jobs last month, it’s clear that something isn’t adding up.  

Earlier this month OEDIT’s Executive Director, Eve Lieberman, stated, “As a state, we now have over two jobs for every unemployed person. We are aware that Colorado will leave talent behind if we don’t help Coloradans get the skills they need. Right now, there are 600,000 adults with some college but no degree and 200,000 without a state high school diploma.”  

As the labor market becomes increasingly competitive, it will become more challenging for employers to attract and retain qualified talent with the necessary skills. Training a workforce prepared to fill needed gaps and advance alongside emerging industries will become essential as technology advances and industries experience rapid change. 

In Mesa County, our local economic development partners are working to educate the incoming workforce through various initiatives designed to drive advancement at all levels, in order to secure our future despite the statewide issue. 

This August, Colorado Mesa University announced the rebranding of Western Colorado Community College to CMU Tech. While CMU’s dual mission of providing 4-year traditional degree options as well as career and technical education courses stays the same, the name change hopes to bring a better understanding of the relationship between the two schools by aligning CMU and CMU Tech under one umbrella.  

CMU Tech is the only institution in western Colorado that provides stackable credentials and allows students to begin with training and technical certificates that allow them to quickly join the workforce. 

Additionally, CMU Tech has partnered with School District 51 to expose students to career path opportunities in essential industries. This partnership allows District 51 students to enroll in CMU Tech courses at no charge, encouraging them to pursue continued education and explore available career opportunities.   

For many local high school students, dreams of attending secondary education have seemed out of reach due to financial concerns. CMU has recognized these concerns and announced the CMU Promise, which will cover 100% of the tuition costs for western Colorado students coming from households earning $65,000 or less. This initiative, in conjunction with opportunities through CMU Tech, will be instrumental in ensuring our local workforce remains competitive.  

CMU Tech is able to serve a continuum of students from all walks of life to provide applicable skills in demand for employers. From high school students to traditional and non-traditional students, their program provides hands-on experience in industries including aviation technology, agriculture science, construction technology, early childhood education, transportation services, welding, and more.  

The education provided is driven by the needs of our business community and works to fill any skills gaps. Businesses must continue to have an open dialogue with our educational institutions to provide insight into the skills and competencies required in their industries. These close partnerships have emphasized the need for additional job skills and degrees in industries including healthcare, energy, manufacturing, social services, trades, and more.  

Local partners including the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, have been instrumental in leading these conversations to help find solutions meeting workforce development needs. Valuable conversations regarding the future of our workforce development and strategies to advance our workforce have been held through the CareerLink Committee, which brings together partners at the Fruita and Palisade Chamber of Commerce, Mesa County Workforce Center, District 51, CMU and CMU Tech, and many local employers.

Additionally, apprenticeships and the active participation of businesses represent a critical component of workforce skill development.  The latest Colorado Talent Pipeline report, published in December 2022, emphasized the availability of connected learning opportunities to assist the transition from secondary education to the workforce.  

Work-based learning through apprenticeships can help the incoming workforce quickly gain experience and provide a direct talent pipeline for employers. Locally, there are a variety of opportunities available for employers to implement apprenticeships.  

The Mesa County Workforce Center offers a Work Experience Internship where wages are paid directly to the individual through the Workforce Center. They can also provide compensation for On-the-Job Training through their Career Development Program. Additionally, they offer a variety of workshops for both employers and prospective employees which can be found through  www.mcwfc.us.  

Today’s economy demands a proactive approach to equipping our workforce with the necessary skills for growing industries. Initiatives like this help bridge the skill gap, promote apprenticeships, and address the statewide concern of a skills mismatch. Through local partnerships and open communication between our education system and businesses, we can ensure our community is poised to meet these demands.  

As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to prioritize and invest in workforce development, fostering an environment where individuals can gain the skills they need, and businesses can access the talent required to succeed in an ever-evolving economy. 

For more information on business development in Mesa County and how you can connect with our partners, please contact curtis@gjep.org.