WORKFORCE PULSE

Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board Newsletter

November 2026

Next Meeting Date & Location

Thursday, December 3, 2026

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

Location: Johnson Controls, 14200 E Exposition Ave, Aurora, CO 80012

Latest Unemployment Rates

September 2026

Colorado: 4.1%

National: 4.2%

September 2026 (P)

Arapahoe County: 4.3%

Douglas County: 4.0%

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.

Success Highlighted

Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Board Named a High-Performing Leader in Colorado


The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) has designated the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board as a High Performing Board for Program Year 2025. This recognition honors local boards that exceed standard WIOA requirements through diverse membership, active participation, community representation, and data-driven, business-led governance. Read the full announcement at Colorado Workforce Development Council.

ACC’s annual Puma Partners Breakfast

Building a Stronger Colorado: A/D Works! Wins 2026 Power of Education Award


Arapahoe/Douglas Works! (A/D Works!) has received Arapahoe Community College’s (ACC) 2026 Power of Education Award. Presented at ACC’s Puma Partners Breakfast, the honor recognizes collaborative training programs that align workforce education with real-world industry demands. Read the full article at Arapahoe/Douglas Works!.

Navigating the Labor Market

Top 10 Jobs in the Denver Metro area October 2026

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Industry Profiles

Denver Metro Area

Labor Market Snapshot

September 2026

News

2026 Talent Pipeline Report


The annual 2026 Talent Pipeline Report launches on December 15, providing critical data on local workforce trends, skill gaps, and economic development. Board members, partners, and community leaders are encouraged to use the official Watch Party Toolkit to host localized viewing sessions, network with peers, and discuss the regional impacts of the data.

  • What: 2026 Talent Pipeline Report Launch & Virtual Webinar
  • When: December 15, 2026
  • How to Join: Register online via Zoom to secure your spot for the live broadcast.


Shape Our Region: Take the 2026 Denver South Commuter Survey


Shape the future of transportation in Denver South. Your unique commuting habits directly impact regional planning and economic growth. Take our quick, 5-to-10-minute survey to help us build a more accessible, sustainable, and less congested corridor.


👉 Submit your insights HERE by Dec 31

Supporting Our Local Heroes: Veteran Services in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties



If you are a veteran or a military dependent living in the metro area, Arapahoe County and Douglas County offer dedicated, local Veterans Service Offices (VSO) to help you navigate your benefits, access healthcare, and find community support. Both counties provide personalized, no-cost assistance from accredited officers to help you file claims and secure the resources you earned.


Navigating Your Coverage: Connect for Health Colorado



Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s official online health insurance marketplace, serving as the exclusive platform where individuals, families, and small employers can apply for federal financial assistance to lower their monthly premium costs. The platform allows users to browse and compare comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, with open enrollment for 2027 coverage running from November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027.

Upcoming Events

Business Events

Job Seeker Events

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.

Join a Board Task Force

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.


Business Services

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.

Colorado Apprenticeship HUB

The Colorado Apprenticeship HUB offers no-cost services to help local businesses!



The Colorado Apprenticeship HUB offers no-cost services to help local businesses design, register, and scale customized workforce training programs. Operating in partnership with Apprenticeship Colorado, the HUB guides employers through the federal registration process and provides continuous post-registration support, including apprentice recruitment, employee retention strategies, and access to grant funding. Learn More

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.

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