Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits Launch to Address Workforce Shortages
Empowering Industry Voice through Seven Convenings across the State
Next week, the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits will kick off, bringing together business leaders, educators, and policymakers to tackle workforce shortages across Colorado. Established by House Bill 24-1365 and hosted by the Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and local business, this statewide initiative will convene seven industry-led summits over the next four months to develop tactical workforce plans tailored to regional economic needs.
Colorado Succeeds and the Education to Employment Alliance were proud to support HB24-1365 and look forward to the successful implementation of this important process, resulting in actionable strategies to strengthen Colorado’s workforce and economy.
Through these summits, employers, business groups, educators, and government officials will collaborate to identify and develop solutions to the workforce gaps facing many of Colorado’s key industries.
Colorado’s Skills Gap
Colorado is facing a critical workforce challenge. Over 90% of Colorado’s family-sustaining jobs require education beyond high school, and yet less than 30% of Colorado high school graduates receive a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree within six years.
This disconnect between job seekers’ skills and industry needs is particularly evident in healthcare, construction, and advanced manufacturing industries, and it will only worsen without action. OEDIT estimates that Colorado will need more than 33,000 construction workers, 25,000 workers in advanced industry fields, and 7,000 in advanced manufacturing by 2030.
Centering Business Voice
The Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits, hosted by local businesses and OEDIT, put employers at the center of workforce solutions. Each summit will focus on three priority industries, bringing together regional leaders to develop action plans for sustainable education and career pathways.
Summits will feature shared research on talent shortages, breakout sessions to address workforce gaps, and discussions on apprenticeships and industry certifications. A third-party facilitator will document outcomes, integrating them into the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report for follow-up action.
Unlike past efforts where business advised on workforce pathways, these summits position employers as active partners in shaping education and training programs. The focus is on real-world learning experiences and clear career pathways that align with industry needs, ensuring students gain the skills and credentials necessary for today’s workforce.
By taking ownership of solutions, businesses and educators will create actionable, lasting strategies that strengthen Colorado’s economy. The outcomes of these summits will help shape workforce development efforts for years to come.
Summit Schedule & Focus
February 25: Northeast Region – University of Northern Colorado, hosted by the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, Greeley Chamber of Commerce, and Loveland Chamber of Commerce
Focus on advanced manufacturing, construction, and health care
March 18: Denver Region – Arvada Center for the Arts & Humanities, hosted by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce
Focus on advanced manufacturing, aerospace/defense, and renewables/clean energy
April 2: Southern Region – Pueblo Convention Center, hosted by the Southern Colorado Economic Development District
Focus on advanced manufacturing, construction, and technology
May 12: Western Region – Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction, hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce
Focus on construction, early childhood education, and health care
May 16: South Central Region – Fort Lewis College, hosted by the La Plata Economic Alliance, Fort Lewis College, and The Attainment Network
Focus on agriculture, health care, and technology
June 3: Northwest Region – Colorado Mountain College, hosted by the Vail Valley Partnership
Focus on construction, health care, and tourism
June (Date TBA): Pikes Peak Region
Focus on advanced manufacturing, aerospace/defense, and technology
Attendance at the summits is by invitation only. Business groups interested in participating should contact the regional hosts. However, even those unable to attend will have the opportunity to engage with the new pathways proposed by the summit participants.
Read more about these summits on The Sum & Substance and from the Office of Economic Development & International Trade.
