Press Release: CDLE Awarded $6.74 Million U.S Department of Labor Grant to Upskill Colorado Workforce in Critical Industries

(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced today that it has been awarded $6,740,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) through the second round of the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. This funding will launch the Colorado Industry-Driven Skills Training Initiative, an outcomes-based public-private partnership designed to upskill current employees and train new hires in high-priority sectors across the state.

"Colorado's leadership in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies depends on Coloradans having access to the skills needed in these industries. This $6.74 million investment builds on Colorado's workforce training efforts, helping residents start new careers and advance in existing jobs while lowering training cost for employers. Connecting training directly to business needs helps Coloradans earn more, help businesses grow, and strengthens the state's economic competitiveness," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Colorado is a leader in innovation and is committed to continuing to develop the workforce necessary to support critical industries across the state, including Aerospace. This $6.74 million investment will allow our state to continue and expand our skilled workforce and ultimately create more opportunities for Coloradans to thrive," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera.

Colorado is one of seven states to receive a total of $43 million in funding from this USDOL grant, which provides outcome-based reimbursements to employers for training that responds to rapidly evolving skill requirements and local workforce needs. The initiative targets critical industries, including Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, AI Infrastructure, Information Technology, Nuclear Energy, and Domestic Mineral Production.

"This $6.74 million grant is an important investment that will make a direct impact on Colorado's economic resilience and the competitiveness of our local businesses," said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. "Because of this, CDLE will be able to enhance its mission by empowering employers to build a highly skilled workforce, while providing Colorado workers with the training they need to thrive in high-growth, emerging industries."

"Colorado has doubled down on workforce development because we know that our economic strength begins and ends with our people. By ensuring Coloradans have access to the training and skills needed to fill in-demand jobs, we are helping residents build lasting careers while giving our businesses the competitive edge they need to grow. This announcement furthers that commitment, building on our state's momentum to connect talent directly to opportunity," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT).

Operating via a state-managed digital portal, CDLE will oversee a two-milestone employer reimbursement architecture. Colorado's Local Workforce Areas will act as key partners in this initiative, supporting regional intake, employer outreach, and recruitment. They will also facilitate co-enrollment in WIOA Title I programs to provide support services for participants.

Employers interested in participating in the Colorado Industry Driven Skills Training Initiative are encouraged to connect with their business service representative at their local workforce center to learn more about eligibility and other services they may be eligible for.

Additional program information, including eligibility requirements and application details, will be published on the CDLE Grants & Programs webpage as they become available.

###