By Kylie Parks, Arvada Chamber Director of Talent Pipeline Development
Work-Based Learning continues to be one of the most discussed topics in talent strategy and the Arvada Chamber continues to support businesses with connections to partners, free resources, and new funding.
As intermediaries of the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), we have encouraged 67 businesses to get started in creating work-based learning plans. Our goal is to distribute the remaining of the $400,000 allotted amount by the end of Q3.
While the Work-Based Learning Incentive Program funding is running out, we are encouraged about the upcoming policies, including:
HB24-1365, Opportunity Now Grants & Tax Credit | Bill Passed
Arvada Chamber Position: We support this $4 million dollar investment to the current state grant program in workforce development for careers in the building trades and construction, and also that provides tax credits to programs for workforce training and development and also sets up regional workforce summits for industry, business community, and higher education to convene about workforce development across the state.
HB24-1439, Financial Incentives Expand Apprenticeship Programs | Bill Passed
Arvada Chamber Position: As a part of the Governor’s Workforce package of bills, we offer support for this bill as it aligns with the Chamber’s investment in workforce development in sectors outside of construction with apprenticeship programs. The bill offers tax credits and support for workforce training facilities and creates regional workforce summits across the state, including more local input in decision-making.
This quarter, we made a goal to increase Work-Based Learning opportunities for 50 new employers. Our plan is to support this goal through our continued Work-Based learning workshops and our employer info sessions. Through these avenues, we have supported businesses in building capacity and partnerships to build these plans and also exposed them to additional funding opportunities
On April 24th, Red Rocks Community College hosted our third GROW Jeffco Work-Based Learning Workshop. Small business employers ranged from Marketing, IT, Automotive, and Wellness. Interested community partners in surrounding areas also joined us to learn and scale the program.
Employers had the opportunity to learn from the GROW Jeffco network, including Red Rocks Community College, Jeffco Business and Workforce Center, Jeffco Public Schools, and the Colorado Apprenticeship Hub. This event gives employers the opportunity to learn about all things work-based learning and also connect with multiple partners to accomplish this plan in one space to create their plan and connect to funding partners.
If you are interested in attending a future talent event, you can register for all events here.
We are also now offering talent strategy office hours, where you can schedule one on one time to connect and reflect on your company’s current strategy, and work through changes to your strategy as needed. You can schedule time for this here.
B.O.L.D. 2026 is a five-year regional economic strength and resiliency initiative of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber developed BOLD 2026 in consultation with private and public sector leaders and partners in Arvada, Jefferson / Adams Counties, Metro Denver and the state of Colorado. One goal of B.O.L.D. 2026 is to grow our talent to meet the needs of employers and job seekers.
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