A New Spin on Workforce Readiness (& Labor Day)

Growing up in the Northeast, my memories of Labor Day focused on wrapping up your summer jobs and starting a fresh school year. This Labor Day we're not only celebrating back to school with all our amazing educators and students - but we also just announced our new partnership with CareerWise and we couldn't be more excited.

CareerWise is shaping Colorado's workforce through innovative, business-led youth apprenticeships that will ultimately shift the paradigm of labor readiness. The new CareerWise infographic highlights many of the reasons we are so aligned in our collective work. Here are just a few…

• Multiple student pathways – encourage students to gain skills today that will prepare them for the multiple careers they will have in the future, especially skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
• Alternative postsecondary education options – illuminate industry certifications and debt-free college credit opportunities, while helping to dispel the myth that every student needs to pursue a 4-year degree immediately after high school as the only path to success   
• Engaged industry partners – ensure that businesses are 'producing' the next generation of talent in ways that will meet their workforce demands and meaningfully contribute to their bottom line today

Perhaps future Labor Days can be celebrated for the pride we take in helping our students achieve livable wages in rewarding, high-demand careers that they’ll love!