DENVER (Nov. 27, 2023) — The Colorado Department of Human Services is happy to announce that 987 Coloradans earned employment-training credentials during the 2023 fiscal year, aligning with Gov. Jared Polis’ overall objective to assist 62,000 residents in attaining quality credentials for workforce success. This accomplishment neared the goal of the Division of Economic and Workforce Support's (DEWS) ambitious target of helping 1,000 low-income Coloradans acquire credentials through Colorado Works, Employment First, ReHire Colorado, and the Colorado Refugee Services Program. Of the 987 clients,114 earned multiple credentials, resulting in a total of 1,118 credentials.
This year's achievement was significantly higher than in previous years, which typically saw 150 clients earn quality credentials. The success was made possible by intensified outreach, enhanced technical assistance, streamlined processes, and improved data collection and analysis by DEWS, county partners and community organizations.
“We are so proud of the collaboration and effort made by our counties, community partners and staff, which made this initiative so successful,” said Career Pathway and Partnership Supervisor Nicole Foucher. “Through this initiative we established best practices not only for this Wildly Important Goal (WIG), but for our efforts going forward.”
Among the obtained credentials, the healthcare industry topped the list, with training also available in high-demand sectors such as transportation, early childhood education, information technology, construction and manufacturing.
CDHS's Division of Economic and Workforce Support (DEWS) encompasses a variety of programs designed to support Coloradans on their paths out of poverty. Programs provide tools, training, technical assistance, technological support and resources to support county departments and community partners serve customers.
Media contact:
John Rosa, Communications Manager
720.618.2027
john.rosa@state.co.us