WORKFORCE PULSE

Thursday, October 1, 2026

11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Location: Summit Conference Room at Highlands Ranch Hospital - 1500 Park Central Dr, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

Please note that the Local Area Unemployment Statistics Data (LAUS) lags a month behind national data. Preliminary data (P) is usually finalized the following month.

September is Workforce Development Month

September is Workforce Development Month in Colorado, and at Arapahoe/Douglas Works! we’re proud to join the statewide celebration of the people, programs, and partnerships that help build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

Workforce Development Month is also an opportunity to spotlight the training, upskilling, and apprenticeship programs that open doors for Coloradans at every stage of their career journey. From learning new technical skills to receiving support after a job loss, these programs help strengthen both individuals and our local economy.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is proud to be part of Colorado’s statewide workforce system. Every day, we serve our community by supporting job seekers, employers, and anyone navigating a career transition. Whether you want to explore a new career path, grow your team, or get back on your feet after employment changes, our team is here with tools, guidance, and personalized support to help you succeed.

Record-Breaking Success at the Front Range Veterans, Military & Spouses Career Fair

This year’s Front Range Veterans, Military & Spouses Career Fair was a record-breaking success!

In partnership with Buckley SFB’s Military & Family Readiness Center, we hosted our annual hybrid hiring event along with three pre-event workshops focused on resume building, interview preparation, and networking skills for veterans and military spouses.

This year, we were also proud to collaborate with the Pueblo Workforce Center and Denver Workforce Center to expand the impact of this initiative.

The results were outstanding:

• 371 job seekers attended the in-person event

• 499 participants joined virtually through Premier Virtual

Together, we reached more job seekers than ever before and helped connect hundreds of veterans, transitioning service members, and spouses with career opportunities across the region.

Thank you to all our partners, employers, and attendees who made this event such an incredible success!

Top 10 Jobs in the Denver Metro area August 2026

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Industry Profiles

Top 10 Skills in the Denver Metro area August 2026

Open House at the Castle Rock Workforce Center on the ACC Sturm Campus on September 24, 2026

Join us for our Workforce Development Month Open House on September 24! Come meet your local workforce center team, explore available services, and take part in workshops designed to support your career goals.

Strong Sectors, Good Jobs Grant Opportunity now open for Active Sector Partnerships

The Strong Sectors, Good Jobs grant is now open for grant proposals and can be accessed on Bidnet. The application period will close September 22, 2026. Active sector partnerships in good standing and that have been recognized by CWDC can apply. Visit the CWDC website for the official list of eligible sector partnerships.

WIOA Local Plans Are Open For Public Comment



Colorado is required to submit local plans for each of its 10 local workforce areas. The public is invited to comment on any or all local area plans for 30 days from August 21, 2026 through September 23, 2026 by contacting the relevant local workforce area or attending the Public Comment on WIOA Local Plans Webinar on Monday, September 14, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. You must register for the webinar in order to attend.

The plans can be viewed on the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) website.

Please note: Arapahoe/Douglas Works! maintains a calendar of events on our website. If you have an event you would like to be added to our calendar please email adwmarketing@arapahoegov.com.

Marketing/Outreach/Engagement Task Force

This task force is focused on enhancing the efficiency and reach on

marketing efforts.

Young Adult Engagement

Task Force

This task force is dedicated to increasing the engagement and enrollment of young adults (age 16-24), in workforce development services.

Data & Labor Market Information Task Force

This task force is focused on shaping data products and labor market information to best meet the needs of businesses and community partners.

The Business Services Team at

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is here to help!



Discuss your recruitment goals and customize a plan to hire, train and retain a qualified workforce with one of our experienced Business Development Representatives today! Call 303-636-1359 or fill out a request form, and one of our representatives will contact you.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! proudly supports Colorado's talent development network as a TalentFOUND affiliate.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! programs are federally funded with $25,181,320 (~84 percent) through the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, ~16 percent ($4,844,703) is financed by non-federal sources.