By Kylie Parks, Arvada Chamber Director of Talent Pipeline Development
The need for innovative, employer-driven talent development strategies has never been more critical, especially in regions like Jefferson County, Colorado. We are fortunate at the Arvada Chamber to collaborate with and champion the work of our partners as it aligns to our B.O.L.D. 2026 work.
We appreciate our partnerships with Colorado Succeeds and Colorado Gives Foundation as they drive innovation in this space. These two initiatives highlight the amazing work happening with our partners, and the future is bright as we work better together.
Stackable Credentials
Ben Gerig, Director of Workforce Pathways at Colorado Succeeds, developed a Stackable Credential Blueprint: A Jefferson County Guide. This plan focuses on addressing key talent and workforce challenges by leveraging employer insights to create pathways for job seekers, ensuring a robust and skilled workforce that meets the needs of businesses.
The development of stackable credentials allows workers to build on their skills progressively over time. This system is particularly valuable for adult learners, who often need to balance work, family, and education. Modular credentials offer these learners the flexibility to acquire skills in stages, boosting their earning potential and job security along the way.
The blueprint for success involves making the employer’s voice central to every aspect of talent development—from identifying skill gaps to shaping training programs that ensure graduates are job-ready. As we all work to engage industry leaders in working sessions to fine-tune these pathways, employers will play a critical role in validating and scaling the programs that show promise. By doing so, they contribute to the long-term sustainability of Jefferson County’s talent ecosystem and ensure that local businesses have access to the skilled workers they need.
For this blueprint to be successful, employers must lead the charge by identifying in-demand jobs and specifying the skills required.
The Colorado Pay It Forward Fund
CEO of Colorado Gives Foundation, Kelly Duncan, says that “employers today struggle to fill high-demand roles, while workers face barriers to acquiring the training necessary to fill these gaps. The collaboration between local leaders, workforce development organizations, and employers is paramount to building a sustainable, talent-rich economy”. Colorado Gives is driving the efforts of the Colorado Pay It Forward Fund, an innovative approach to supporting individuals with funding education with employment outcomes.
Most jobs in Colorado now require some level of post-secondary education or training, making it essential for individuals to access barrier-free education that leads to meaningful employment. By engaging with Jefferson County partners, the Colorado Gives Foundation aims to connect individuals with the training and resources necessary to thrive in the region’s growing economy.
The Colorado Pay It Forward Fund serves as a critical tool in this ecosystem. It removes financial barriers to high-quality training, allowing individuals to enter training programs and pay back their costs only after securing well-paying jobs. By aligning the fund with employer needs, both B.O.L.D. 2026 and the Pay It Forward Fund work to bridge the gap between opportunity seekers and in-demand, high-wage jobs, helping to cultivate a more resilient workforce.
Building a Brighter Future Together
We are encouraged that this work and partnership showcase how workforce development organizations can unite to tackle the talent challenges of today. By focusing on employer-led initiatives, removing barriers to education, and promoting stackable credentials, Jefferson County is poised to become a leader in talent development and economic mobility.
Together, Jefferson County and its partners are fostering a brighter, more equitable future, ensuring that talent development remains at the core of economic success. We want your business to be a part of the solution. If you want to play a part, stay up to date on all of the happenings in this space by becoming a Talent Champion.
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