Transforming Workforce Training
Arapahoe/Douglas Works! staff Sasha Easton (Workforce Director & Division Manager) and Petra Chavez (Quality Assurance Manager) are members of the Task Force on Transforming Training and the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). The task force was established by Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). It was formed to explore how federal policies can better support existing workforce systems to deliver people-first, equity-centered results for all through training.
The task force helped provide recommendations for the 2024 Report “Transforming Training and the Eligible Training Provider List to Serve the U.S. Workforce.” The paper outlines their federal workforce policy recommendations and details actionable ways policymakers can begin to transform workforce training to support future career advancement and growth for learners. Read the full report.
A/D Works! Participates in Strive to Thrive Event
More than 25 local service organizations, including Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, participated in the 2024 Strive to Thrive Resource and Service Fair on January 23, 2024. Strive to Thrive is a bi-annual event hosted by the Douglas County Community of Care Network. The event is a resource fair comprised of multiple agencies and organizations that provide on-site resources and services for vulnerable residents of Douglas County.
Over 160 people attended this year’s event. Attendees were provided a hot meal and were able to learn where to access food, clothing, medical, and housing assistance. They were also able to learn about employment opportunities, how to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and many other supportive services.
The summer event usually happens in July. Follow Douglas County on X (formerly Twitter) for updates. You can also connect with one of our Career Services Advisors today if you need assistance with job search, resources, a referral for community support services, and much more!
Unveiling Success
Joshua is a veteran who was seeking employment. During a veteran’s hiring and resources event, he connected with the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! team. After hearing Joshua’s story, a Career Services Advisor referred him to Veteran Services. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Systems in May 2023 and hoped to get a job as a Project Manager.
Joshua and the Career Services Advisor met to review his resume, LinkedIn profile, where to search for jobs, interview skills, networking, and other job search tips. He utilized advice for his job search and updated his resume. He was also connected with a State Veteran Employment Representative and was referred to another veteran job fair. He attended the job fair and applied for a job as a project engineer. Joshua was streamlined through the hiring process and was successfully hired as a Senior Project Coordinator at Eaton.
After getting hired, Joshua wrote “Sincere thanks to you and your team…for the strong efforts you all make to connect [job] seekers with meaningful careers and training resources. I am confident that this opportunity would not have presented itself without you all doing such fantastic work!”
After two months in his new role, Joshua emailed about his experience saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled with my role and the way it has changed my life…I couldn’t be happier to have found this role through your services!”
Learn more about our Veteran Services.
Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Co-Hosts Job Fair
Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Rapid Response Team, and the City of Englewood hosted a job fair on December 14, 2023 for the 154 employees who were impacted by the Ouray Sportswear, LLC closure. About 63 employees attended the event and some were offered employment, which helped minimize the impact of the layoff.
This was the fourth job fair that Arapahoe/Douglas Works! co-hosted with City of Englewood in 2023.
Read the entire article from the Englewood Herald at https://bit.ly/3HrpRMk.
Customer Success Spotlight
Thomas was referred to Arapahoe/Douglas Works! for the Colorado Works (TANF) Program due to being unemployed and needing support. As a single father, Thomas was eager to find a job and provide for his family. Although he was pursing work, he found it difficult to obtain employment due to being justice-involved. Thomas previously had a commercial driver’s license (CDL), but it was suspended. He hoped to reinstate his CDL and work as a driver again in the future.
During his participation in the Colorado Works Program, Thomas received job search assistance and supportive services such as transportation assistance and school clothing and school supplies for his children. He also received coaching support from a Workforce Specialist, which included completing career exploration assessments and workshops to enhance his job search skills.
With help from the Colorado Works Program, Thomas accomplished his goal of having his CDL reinstated. He was also supported in finding an employer that would be accepting of his justice-involved background. Ultimately, Thomas was able to secure a job earning $32.50 per hour as a full-time driver. With his new employment, Thomas is on a path to reach his goal of self-sufficiency.
Visit https://bit.ly/CWTANF to learn more about the Colorado Works (TANF) Program.
Highlighting Success
Thank you to CBS News Colorado for highlighting the services of A/D Works! and sharing Jose’s success story in finding employment. We are proud to serve job seekers and businesses in Arapahoe County and Douglas County to gain skills, understand the local labor market, connect with community resources, and meet their hiring or employment goals.
View the CBS News Colorado story.
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week
From Nov. 13th–19th, employers, labor and community-based organizations, government leaders, and others will host events to showcase the value of Registered Apprenticeships. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! has supported 338 apprentices through 17 apprenticeship programs. After exiting the program, participants are earning $6 more per hour than they were making before. Karen participated in a Digital Marketing Specialist Apprenticeship with Two Octobers and said that “it was a dream come true.”
Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships at https://www.adworks.org/job-seekers/registered-apprenticeships/.
A/D Works! staff present at 2023 Think Big Conference
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment hosted the 2023 Think Big Conference August 28th – 30th in Loveland. Multiple staff from Arapahoe/Douglas Works! (A/D Works!) were selected to present to a statewide audience of workforce development professionals, employers, and community partners.
Ruth McCormick and Dee Wittmer held an interactive and insightful workshop designed to help workforce understand the needs of today’s young adults and assist businesses with addressing their labor shortages.
Ellyn Mager and Ruth Prosko spoke about how A/D Works! built a sustainable co-enrollment model across the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Colorado Works, Employment First, and other discretionary grant programs.
A/D Works! nominated employer partners who have a passion for working with young adults for various awards. Cablenet won a Governor’s Summer Job Hunt Employer Award for creating valuable opportunities for young adults. The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus (CCIC) received the Proud Partner award for achieving greater results through commitment to developing sound partnerships that make an impact in the community. In 2022, A/D Works! served 40 young adults referred by CCIC. In Spring 2023 alone, A/D works! supported nearly 100 CCIC students to complete training for and obtain Certified Nursing Assistant licenses.
Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board member Todd Nielsen also co-facilitated a presentation on utilizing data to inform decisions with Workforce Boulder County’s Barbara Larsen. The session discussed how data is gathered, interpreted, and used to better inform all stakeholders in the workforce ecosystem.
If you are a job seeker, connect with a Career Advisor here to discuss your job search needs. If you are a business, reach out to a Business Development Representative here to discuss your recruitment goals and/or to access up-to-date labor market information.
#LetsThinkBig #PlugIntoYourPassion #ThinkBIG2023
Parents to Work Hosts Accomplishment Ceremony
On Wednesday, August 2, 2023, the Parents to Work program hosted its annual Accomplishment Ceremony. The event was an opportunity for customers and their families to come together and celebrate their successes. Seven (7) customers and their families were in attendance.
The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, President of the Community College of Aurora, a certificate ceremony, and speeches from Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully, program staff, and participants. Accomplishments celebrated during the event included graduation from the Parents to Work program, completion of training (such as the ACC Virtual Work Readiness Program), and attainment of a certificate or credential (e.g. forklift certificate, CDL-A licensure, and Insurance Licensure).
Parents to Work is a partnership between Arapahoe County Child Support Services and Arapahoe/Douglas Works! that is designed to help customers meet their obligations of child support while also being able to meet their day-to-day needs. Parents to Work offers employment, training, GED prep, and supportive services to both custodial and non-custodial parents with a child support case in Arapahoe County. The program focuses on family wellbeing, providing support to multiple generations within the family unit. In Program Year 2021-2022, over 30 customers graduated from the program by working and meeting their child support obligations for 12 consecutive months. In addition, over 15 individuals completed post-secondary training and/or attained different types of industry-recognized credentials.
Learn more about the Parents to Work program at https://bit.ly/3BQOlNC.
A/D Works! Hosts Business Spotlight Event
Business owners from the Metro area shared their expertise at a Business Spotlight hosted at Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center on February 22, 2023. The panel of four business owners represented Restaurant, Retail, Transportation, and Personal Services industries. Panelists shared start-up information, current business and marketing strategies, and future plans.
Featured Panelists:
Dawn Wlyde, the CEO of Artcraft Sign Company, a custom sign fabrication company.
Keisha Bradley, the CEO of KB’s Vegan Kitchen, a vegan catering company.
Clarence Thedford, the owner of Mile High Solutions Network LLC, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure business.
Courtney Samuel, the owner of Bodies by Perseverance, an exclusive personal training and fitness gym.