WORKNOW connects more than 200 people with jobs

Since launching in October, WORKNOW Colorado has connected more than 200 people with local construction jobs.

The recruitment, training and placement partnership, a partnership of 11 local community organizations, advocates for and works to connect men and women with high-paying jobs with growth paths in the construction industry.

“The early success of WORKNOW confirms the need for increased collaboration among families in the community, construction contractors and regional economic development projects so that the entire Denver metro community can thrive,” says Katrina Wert, director of the Center for Workforce Initiatives at Community College of Denver. “The breadth of this collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to increasing economic stability through employment and career advancement opportunities.”

With a focus on family sustainability, WORKNOW provides individuals and families impacted by regional economic development projects the opportunity to connect through career coaching, skills development training, peer-to-peer mentoring and employment support resources. Careers include entry-level positions, apprenticeships and professional-level opportunities in both trade and office occupations.

Many of the jobs are with the inaugural project partner Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Central 70, which includes the reconstruction of the Interstate 70 corridor from Brighton Boulevard to Chambers Road. Workforce needs for this multi-year project include craft, office and professional service positions for both experienced and new workers.

“CDOT’s Central 70 Project is one of only a handful of transportation projects nationwide piloting local hiring goals,” said Rebecca White, deputy director of external programs and outreach for Central 70. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the WORKNOW program as a partner in this work so we can deliver not just good construction jobs but training and support programs for local residents.”

Additional project partners have joined the WORKNOW platform to support strong recruitment and hiring connections in local neighborhoods, including the National Western Center.

Over the last 10 months, WORKNOW’s achievements have included:

• 471 metro Denver residents enrolled in access to support services, industry career coaching or job training.
• 269 enrollees completed an industry training certificate with local training partners.
• 81 existing construction employees enrolled in WORKNOW completed upgrade training and earned a wage increase.
• 218 enrollees secured new employment.