STATEWIDE — The Colorado Workforce Development Council released its annual Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, which assesses issues related to the supply and demand of talent in Colorado and strategies for strengthening the state’s talent pipeline.

The report focuses on high-demand, high-growth jobs, that pay a good wage in two earnings tiers: one including jobs meeting a living wage for a family of three with one working adult, and a second including jobs meeting a living wage for an individual.

Job openings in the higher earnings tier are largely concentrated in health care practitioners and technical roles, business/finance, IT occupations, and in management positions. Job openings in the earnings tier that meet a living wage for an individual are largely concentrated in construction, office and administrative support, health care support, and food preparation and serving occupations.

“Each year the Talent Pipeline Report provides valuable data and recommendations to inform our strategy for talent development in Colorado,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “We have implemented innovative solutions across our state as we focus on ensuring that every Coloradan has the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy and in the future.”

The report explores areas of untapped talent in Colorado. Despite the fact that Colorado has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2.7 percent, unemployment rates are higher for various segments of the population, such as those with disabilities, those with a criminal record, and youth.

The workplace in Colorado will continue to change, with some jobs being automated and many requiring increasing levels of technological literacy. Employers highly value technical and professional competencies, and fields experiencing job growth are requiring high level cognitive and social skills. It is important for Coloradans of all ages to maintain a fluid skills mindset, as jobs are evolving faster than ever due to technological innovations.

The conclusion of the report provides recommendations from the Governor’s Workforce and Education Cabinet workgroup on how the state could continue to strengthen strengthen the talent pipeline.

Recommendations include:

√ Accelerate and deepen partnerships among education, business, and industry to develop Colorado talent.

√ Ensure that Coloradans have the skills they will need to succeed and grow the state economy in the future.

√ Mobilize Colorado’s untapped talent potential to close the skills gap and connect people to careers leading to the middle class.

√ Promote equitable growth and opportunity across the state.

The Colorado Workforce Development Council produced the report in partnership with the Colorado Departments of Higher Education, Education, Labor and Employment, and the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, with support from the Department of Human Services, Department of Regulatory Affairs, Office of State Planning and Budgeting, the State Demography Office at the Department of Local Affairs, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Regulatory Affairs, along with other partners.

For the complete 2017 Talent Pipeline Report, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cwdc/colorado-talent-pipeline-report