Bridging the Talent Gap: Survey Deadline Extended to June 26

As partners of the TalentFOUND network, we understand that finding talented workers with the right skills to meet employers’ needs is crucial for thriving businesses and a thriving Colorado economy. Recent state and federal investments in workforce training and education programs provide an opportunity for us to both improve access to high-quality jobs for Coloradans and help employers get the workers they need to thrive. 

To ensure these talent development investments are aligned with industry needs, the deadline for the Bridging the Talent Gap employer survey has been extended through June 26, 2021

WHAT: We are asking employers to complete the 15-minute survey to provide information about their talent needs and talent development focus. 

WHO: The survey should be completed by human resource directors, business owners or managers, or other individuals responsible for recruiting talent.

WHEN: The deadline to complete the survey is June 26, 2021.

WHY: The survey is designed to understand the skills gaps Colorado businesses face and identify how education and training programs can help close those gaps.

When survey results become available in fall of 2021, employers will be able to access an easy-to-use dashboard that can help you understand the skills gaps in your business and industry and how they align with others across the state and country.  Learn more about Bridging the Talent Gap. 

You can download the outreach toolkit for draft messaging or request a presentation from the CWDC.

How To Post Jobs on Connecting Colorado 

Getting Started:

• go to www.connectingcolorado.com
• Click on "Employers", then click Register & Post a Job.
• Fill out each page completely with the requested information. Information that you provide is confidential on this secure website. You will need to enter you FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) to complete the process. 
• Be sure to note the username and password you entered on the first page as you will need these to return to the website. 
• When each page is completed click the "GO" Button on the buttom and move to the next page. 
• After clicking "GO", if a section is imcomplete, a red arrow will appear next to the unfilled sections. Complete section to move forward. 

• From your "My Connecting Colorado Account" page, click on "New Job" from the menu bar.
• Fill in the "Job Title" and "Job Descriptions" sections. The job detail section should include hours, wages, and directions on how to apply.
• Fill out the information as completely as you can; mandatory sections are indicated with an Asterisk (*). 
• Contact information, job descripiton, and application instructions will be visible to job seekers looking to apply.
• All the jobs posted in Connecting Colorado can be viewed by Veterans for the first 24 hours and then they are open to the general public.
• You can proactively search for applicants in the database and preview resumes.

Jefferson County is operating under Dial Level Clear

Jefferson County, along with other Metro Denver counties, moved to a new Level on the Dial — Level Clear. In Level Clear, businesses may operate at 100 percent capacity with no mitigation requirements, with the exception of statewide mask requirements in certain high risk settings for unvaccinated individuals and any other requirements set by the State of Colorado or Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. 

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center 
Business Services

Business Services offers a wide array of services and resources to help businesses of any size.
 
Information about layoff assistance and layoff aversion programs are available, please contact Jill Howard at [email protected] or call 303-271-4768.
 
If your business is currently hiring, we can assist with job postings, marketing to job seekers and virtual job fairs. Contact the Business Services team at [email protected] or call 303-271-4800.

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center website:
https://www.jeffco.us/Business-Workforce-Center

Additional Resources 

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Workshops:  https://www.jeffco.us/calendar.aspx?CID=28

General Unemployment Insurance Information Related to Coronavirus
Up-to-date information for employers, employees and FAQ’s about Colorado Unemployment Insurance programs and other resources.
https://covid19.colorado.gov/
 
Colorado Unemployment Insurance Employer Services website
Information about layoffs, labor laws, incentives and tax credits, audits, posting jobs on Connecting Colorado and more.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/businesses-employers
 
Unemployment Insurance Guide for Employers
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/Employer_Guide.pdf
 
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Learn what it means for employers.
https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/families_first_coronavirus_response_act.pdf
 
U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance for the workplace.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20200309
 
Small Business Guidance & Resources
Information about Economic Injury Disaster Loan Programs, Guidance for Businesses and Employers, SBA Products and Resources, Government Contracting and Local Assistance.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
 
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
Federal Disaster Loans for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners and Renters.
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
 
Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation
Jeffco EDC is an advocate for the county’s business community and is dedicated to building economic prosperity in the community. Current resources for businesses are included on the website.
https://jeffcoedc.org/
 
Clear Creek Economic Development Corporation
The CCEDC works to create and offer programs for Clear Creek County businesses. Information about emergency working capital loan program is on the website.
http://www.clearcreekedc.org/our-programs
 
Arvada Economic Development Association
Arvada Economic Development Association has community, government, and civic partnerships which allow AEDA to provide your business with the latest business information and resources.
https://arvadaeconomicdevelopment.org/
 
City of Edgewater
The City's economic development programs are designed to bolster the economic health and opportunity within Edgewater and the surrounding area for residents and businesses alike.
https://edgewaterco.com/planning
 
Golden Community & Economic Development Division
The City of Golden Community & Economic Development Division provides a network of resources to support existing and growing businesses including grant opportunities.
https://www.cityofgolden.net/work/economic-development/
  
Lakewood Economic Development Division
The Economic Development Division of the City of Lakewood provides services to businesses, including business attraction, expansion, entrepreneurialism, marketing, communications and resources.
https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Economic-Development
 
Littleton Economic Development Department
The Economic Development Department of the City of Littleton focuses on business development, retention and attraction by providing business resources for companies operating in or planning to locate within the city.
https://www.littletongov.org/city-services/city-departments/economic-development
 
Westminster Economic Development Department
The City of Westminster Economic Development Division provides resources to existing and growing businesses.
https://www.westminstereconomicdevelopment.org/
 
Wheat Ridge Economic Development Division
The City of Wheat Ridge Economic Development Division is dedicated to both the businesses and citizens of Wheat Ridge by providing an array of resources for the community.
https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/269/Economic-Development
 
Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade
OEDIT has a hotline for small business owners to call with questions at (303) 860-5881 or email [email protected]
https://choosecolorado.com/
 

Chambers of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce associations promote and protect the interests of the business community in a local community, and offer valuable resources and education to businesses
 
West Metro Chamber
https://www.westmetrochamber.org/
 
Arvada Chamber
https://www.arvadachamber.org/
 
Conifer Chamber
https://www.goconifer.com/
 
Evergreen Chamber
https://www.evergreenchamber.org/
 
Golden Chamber
https://goldenchamber.org/
 
Littleton Chamber
http://littletonbusinesschamber.org/
 
Westminster Chamber
https://www.westminsterchamber.biz/
 
Wheat Ridge Chamber
http://www.wheatridgechamber.org/
 
Wheat Ridge Business Association
https://www.wheatridgebiz.com/

Jefferson County Business & Workforce Center serving Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties is an equal opportunity program; auxiliary services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.