WORKFORCE PULSE

Thursday, December 4, 2025

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

Location: TBD

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.

State and Local Leaders Unite to Strengthen Colorado's Workforce

In September, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! hosted a dynamic roundtable discussion with Colorado state officials and industry leaders to explore the future of workforce development across Arapahoe and Douglas Counties—and beyond.

Panelists included State Representatives Michael Carter, Meg Froelich, Chris Richardson, Senator Tom Sullivan, and Arapahoe County Commissioners Jessica Campbell, Rhonda Fields, and Carrie Warren-Gully. Together, they emphasized the importance of building strong local partnerships to create clear pathways to in-demand careers.

“A workforce-centered model puts people and skills at the core of economic growth,” said Kathy Smith, Director of Community Resources for Arapahoe County. “It allows communities to tailor strategies to their unique needs and industries.”

The discussion highlighted the importance of aligning K–12 education with workforce needs, and the role of apprenticeships and internships in preparing individuals for both traditional and emerging industries.

The impact of Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is clear:

• $45.8 million in new worker earnings generated
• $8.3 million in federal income tax contributions
• $11,000+ median annual wage increase for program participants

“If we continue to be a trusted community resource, then we all win,” said Peter Hancock, Chair of the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board.

Other panelists included leaders from Lockheed Martin Space, Douglas County School District, Community College of Aurora, Arapahoe Community College, the Aurora Chamber, Denver South, and Arapahoe/Douglas Works!.

In the most recent program year, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! served:

• 12,000+ job seekers
• 3,510 businesses
• 1,081 apprentices

Through job fairs, workshops, career coaching, and more, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! continues to be a vital hub for workforce development in the region—driving economic growth and opportunity.

🔗 Learn more at adworks.org

Encore Career Fair Connects Experienced Talent with New Opportunities

The 8th Annual Encore Career Fair, hosted by the City of Centennial and the Centennial Senior Commission in collaboration with Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, welcomed job seekers of all experience levels looking to start a new chapter or continue along their career path.

Held at a new venue this year, the event brought together 12 employers from key industries and attracted 70 job seekers eager to explore fresh opportunities. Several attendees even received on-the-spot job offers, highlighting the fair’s success in connecting talent with employers.

The event was proudly attended by members of the Centennial Senior Commission and Mayor Stephanie Piko, underscoring the city’s commitment to supporting workforce engagement at every stage of life.

Whether seeking a career change or re-entering the workforce, participants left the fair with valuable connections and renewed momentum.

WYCO Job Fair Draws Hundreds Across Two States

The bi-annual Wyoming-Colorado (WYCO) Job Fair—one of the largest collaborative hiring events in the region—was held on October 15, bringing together job seekers and employers from across state lines.

This hybrid event was the result of a partnership between nine Colorado and two Wyoming workforce centers. The morning featured in-person job fairs at multiple locations, including Arapahoe/Douglas Works! at CentrePoint Plaza, while the afternoon offered a virtual option, allowing job seekers to connect with a broader range of employers from both states.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! saw the highest in-person turnout, welcoming over 300 job seekers—a testament to the strong community interest and the value of these regional partnerships.

The WYCO Job Fair continues to be a powerful platform for connecting talent with opportunity, whether in-person or online.

Top 10 Jobs in the Denver Metro area October 2025

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Industry Profiles

2025 Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Economic Impact Report

Denver Metro Region Manufacturers Face a Talent Crossroads: Build or Buy? 

Manufacturing in the Denver metro region is evolving fast. Automation, AI, and reshoring are reshaping production lines – and the people needed to run them. Yet one question stands out.”

Should manufacturers build their own workforce or buy it from the outside? Read Full Article

November is National Career Development Month!



Whether you're exploring new career paths or looking to hire top talent, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is here to help — and the best part? Our services are FREE!

💼 Job Seekers — Get personalized career coaching, resume help, job search support, and access to training opportunities.

🏢 Employers — Connect with qualified candidates, post jobs, and receive hiring support tailored to your business needs.

Let’s build a stronger workforce together. Start your journey today at 👉 adworks.org.

CAST Grand Opening Showcases Innovation in Workforce Development



On October 23, 2025, the Community College of Aurora (CCA) celebrated the grand opening of its new Center for Applied Science and Technology (CAST) at the CentreTech campus. The event highlighted CCA’s commitment to advancing education in high-demand fields such as STEM, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.

Representing Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, Aracely Escalante (Work-Based Learning Supervisor) and Kelsey Klaus (Business Services Representative) were in attendance, alongside Arapahoe County Commissioner Carrie Warren-Gully and CCA President Dr. Mordecai Brownlee, who also serves on the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board.

With classes already in session, CAST is poised to become a vital hub for hands-on learning and career readiness in the region.

Investing in Colorado's Workforce: CAI Grant Now Open

The Colorado Apprenticeship Hub, under the direction of the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board, has launched the Colorado Apprenticeship Incentive (CAI) Grant, offering $3 million in funding to support the creation and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and high-quality pre-apprenticeship programs across the state.

From November 1 to November 30, 2025, eligible organizations—including employers, industry groups, community-based organizations, and apprenticeship sponsors—can apply for grants of up to $150,000. Approximately 20 to 30 awards will be distributed through a competitive process.

The CAI Grant is designed to:

• Expand access to apprenticeship opportunities
• Support workforce development in high-demand industries
• Encourage partnerships between employers and training providers
• Promote long-term sustainability of apprenticeship programs

Applicants will receive guidance from Colorado Apprenticeship Hub Consultants to help with program development, implementation, and sustainability planning.



To qualify, applicants must operate in Colorado and hire apprentices within the state. Both new and existing programs are eligible, including those looking to expand into new industries or occupations.

📅 Deadline to apply: November 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. MST

For more information and to access the application materials, visit the CAI Grant page on the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! website.

Boost Your Workforce with CEED Training Funds

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is now accepting applications for the Competitive Edge Employee Development (CEED) Funds, a grant program designed to help businesses and nonprofits in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties invest in their current workforce.

Funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), CEED supports short-term, customized training programs that help employees upskill, transition into new roles, or avoid layoffs. Employers can be reimbursed for 50% to 90% of approved training costs after submitting paid invoices.

Key Benefits:

• Tailored training to meet your organization’s needs
• Increased employee retention and career advancement
• Support for layoff aversion and internal mobility
• Reimbursement of up to $75,000 per employer

To be eligible, participating employees must be W-2 workers, and employers must attend at least one virtual information session. Upcoming sessions include:

• November 14, 2025 – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM MST
• November 20, 2025 – 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM MST
• November 25, 2025 – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM MST

Learn more and apply at the CEED Funds page.

Colorado Post-High School Education and Workforce Development System Survey

Have you or someone in your family gotten help from Colorado's public workforce system and a local workforce center like Arapahoe/Douglas Works!?

Maybe they helped you:

Find a new job 🧑‍🔧

Learn new skills 🎓

Get support during a tough time 💬

If so, your story matters—and now’s the perfect time to share it!

The Governor’s Office wants to know what it’s really like for people in Colorado to get help with jobs and training. They’ve made a short and easy survey to hear from people just like you.

📝 Take the survey by November 7th: https://bit.ly/3WeR7Fv

Your answers will help show why it’s important to keep supporting workforce centers—and maybe even get more funding to help more people!

💡 Why it matters:

Right now, there’s not a lot of money for these programs. But your story can help change that. When people speak up, leaders listen!

Honoring Veterans: Today and Every Day

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! salutes the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is proud to support veterans not just today, but every day, through dedicated services that help them thrive in civilian careers.

One of the most important ways Arapahoe/Douglas Works! supports veterans is through Priority of Service. This means:

• Veterans and eligible spouses receive first access to job search assistance, training programs, and employment opportunities.
• When resources are limited, veterans are served first or given priority placement.
• Our team ensures veterans are connected to the tools and support they need to succeed—whether they’re entering the workforce for the first time or making a career change.

In addition to Priority of Service, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! offers:

• Personalized career coaching
• Resume and interview preparation
• Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
• Access to training and upskilling programs

Learn more about veteran services and how Arapahoe/Douglas Works! can help at adworks.org/veteran-services.

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 $18,730,452.65 (~78 percent) through the U.S. Department of Labor. Additionally, ~22 percent ($5,326,786.07) is financed by non-federal sources.