Competencies Assessments

1. 
   Competency Model Clearing House
   
   1. A competency model provides a clear description of what a person needs to know and be able to do – the knowledge, skills, and abilities – to perform well in a specific job, occupation, or industry. The Competency Model Clearinghouse website enables partners to collaborate in building customized competency models and career ladders reflecting regional workforce needs.
2. 
   O*NET
   
   1. The O*NET Program is the nation’s primary source of occupational information, containing hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors on almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy. The database, which is available to the public at no cost, is continually updated from input by a broad range of workers in each occupation.
3. 
   PAIRIN
   
   1. PAIRIN makes the hiring process easier by allowing companies to hire based on their top performers by identifying the soft skills and mindsets that are most important for a specific job role and organization’s culture.
4. 
   i2iWorkforce
   
   1. i2iWorkforce offers assessment solutions to help organizations select the right people and develop them to their fullest potential.

Talent Analytics

1. 
   Colorado LMI Gateway
   
   1. Colorado’s LMI Gateway is a powerful career assessment and labor market information system providing fast access to a complete set of labor market research tools.
2. 
   O*Net
   
   1. The O*NET Program is the nation’s primary source of occupational information, containing hundreds of standardized and occupation-specific descriptors on almost 1,000 occupations covering the entire U.S. economy. The database, which is available to the public at no cost, is continually updated from input by a broad range of workers in each occupation.
3. 
   College Scorecard
   
   1. The College Scorecard is designed to increase transparency, putting the power in the hands of the public to see how well different schools are serving their students.
4. 
   BurningGlass
   
   1. Burning Glass Technologies delivers job market analytics that empower employers, workers, and educators to make labor market data-driven decisions. The company’s artificial intelligence technology analyzes hundreds of millions of job postings and real-life career transitions to provide insight into labor market patterns.
5. 
   Census Data
   
   1. Provides census statistics for all states and counties, and for cities and towns with a population of 5,000 or more.
6. 
   Cluster Mapping
   
   1. This Region Dashboard provides data on the economic performance, cluster composition, and sub-regional composition of this region. The map illustrates the economic geography of this region.
7. 
   Colorado LMI dashboard
   
   1. Local Employment Dynamics (LED) is a voluntary partnership between state labor market information agencies and the U.S. Census Bureau to develop new information about local labor market conditions at low cost, with no added respondent burden, and with the same confidentiality protections afforded census and survey data.
8. 
   Colorado Talent Pipeline Reports
   
   1. The Colorado Talent Pipeline Report provides an annual assessment of the state of talent development in Colorado and makes recommendations for strengthening its further development.
9. 
   Colorado TalentFOUND Dashboard
   
   1. The ColoradoTalent Dashboard presents a range of data points to show the trends behind the pathways Coloradans are taking, and the successes and challenges Colorado is facing in supporting students and job seekers, and meeting labor market demand.
10. 
    Data Pipeline
    
    1. Data Pipeline is a streamlined approach to efficiently move required education information from school districts to the Colorado Department of Education.
11. 
    Colorado’s Top Jobs
    
    1. Interactive table where you can search Colorado’s in-demand jobs that pay a living wage, and explore typical education/training levels, median earnings, related postsecondary completions, and more.
12. 
    National Center of Education Statistics – IPEDS
    
    1. We provide data that describe how well the United States is educating its students. We conduct surveys and sponsor research projects to understand where education needs improvement and how these improvements might be made. We provide resources to increase use of data and research in education decision making.
13. 
    Opportunity Index
    
    1. Opportunity varies significantly by community. The Opportunity Index allows you to compare scores and understand why some communities have more opportunity than others.
14. 
    Postsecondary Data
    
    1. Data on Colorado’s postsecondary institutions and programs.
15. 
    JobZology
    
    1. jobZology^® was founded by two psychologists from Colorado State University looking to help people find meaningful careers. After meeting two business entrepreneurs, jobZology^® was set on a path towards using science to connect companies with the right employees who would find meaning and purpose in the work that they do.

Work-based Learning

1. 
   Work-based Learning Continuum
   
   1. Colorado’s framework for the spectrum of work-based learning activities, including everything from career exploration to registered apprenticeships.
2. 
   Apprenticeship Evolution
   
   1. Resources for students, job seekers, and employers on the value of apprenticeships and work-based learning and resources for building out apprenticeship programs.
3. 
   BEL Commission
   
   1. The Business Experiential-Learning Commission is developing, evaluating, and implementing a systemic solution for integrated work-based education and training to meet the needs of Colorado’s economy. The Commission focuses on three main areas: Engaging business involvement, creating electronic access, leveraging existing resources to create a portal of information
4. 
   CareerWise Colorado
   
   1. CareerWise works with strategic-minded business partners that have an interest in becoming producers of their skilled-talent pipeline to help them develop modern in-school youth apprenticeships.

Partnering to Develop Talent

1. 
   Career Pathways System Resources
   
   1. In Colorado, industry-driven, competency-based career pathways ensure that education, training, and workforce systems stay deeply attuned and responsive to the needs of the labor market to:
      • Ensure businesses have access to appropriately skilled talent pipeline.
      • Prepare students and workers with the skills and credentials they need for jobs and careers

      The CWDC website contains resources about career pathways systems building, career pathways initiatives, and work-based learning.

2. 
   National Career Pathways Technical Assistance Center – Career Navigation System Guidebook
   
   1. Step-by-step guidance for practitioners that defines and specifies components of demand-driven, competency-based career pathways.
3. 
   Step-By-Step Guide to Building Career Pathways
   
   1. This guide outlines a step-by-step approach to building industry-driven career pathway systems that align education and training programs with the needs of the regional economy to ensure that students and job seekers are prepared with the right skills and experiences to get jobs in the driving sectors of their local economies.
4. 
   Tech Talent Forum Report
   
   1. This report provides a summary of the Tech Talent Forums held
      across Colorado in 2016 which will help guide the development of our regional industry-driven career pathways in information technology. Throughout the Forums, businesses identified job families, how they relate to one another, pathways within the job families, and actions needed to develop talent.

Employment Law

1. 
   Employers Council
   
   1. Employers Council’s keeps their members up-to-date on employment and labor laws and best practices in preventing and managing legal claims.

ADA Resources

1. 
   Job Accommodation Network – JAN Workplace Accommodation Toolkit
   
   1. The Job Accommodation Network provides a free online workplace accommodation toolkit for employers with the tools needed to create a more disability-inclusive and compliant workplace.

Payroll

1. 
   The Payroll Department
   
   1. The Payroll Department provides clients with personal, professional, confidential, and accurate payroll services.

Layoffs

1. 
   Find your local workforce center
   
   1. An interactive map to locate for your local workforce center which provides consultation on layoff aversion strategies, onsite workshops for employees in transition, job placement assistance, and information on unemployment benefits, which provide rapid response services.
2. 
   Layoff Alternatives & Transition Services – Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
   
   1. The Work-Share Program provides an alternative to laying off employees. It allows employees to keep working but with fewer hours with CDLE paying part of regular unemployment benefits.
3. 
   Turning the Corner – Outplacement Services
   
   1. Turning the Corner provides clients with a customized support strategy designed specifically for the needs of your company and the impacted employees.

Case Studies & Best Practices

1. 
   Talent Investments Pay Off Lumina Foundation
   
   1. This study highlights the value of tuition assistance programs in helping companies to control their talent management costs while allowing employees to gain valuable knowledge, skills, and credentials.
2. 
   Talent Pipeline Strategy
   
   1. An article on workable.com about talent pipeline management strategy with tips for an effective pipeline.

Talent Sourcing

1. 
   Contact your local workforce center
   
   1. An interactive map to locate for your local workforce center. Your workforce center can help you identify, attract, and select the best-qualified candidates for your current workforce needs, including customized hiring events, job fairs, applicant screening, assessments, virtual job fairs.

Apprentices

1. 
   Registered Apprenticeships – Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
   
   1. Resources for developing a registered apprenticeship program.
2. 
   CareerWise Colorado – Modern Youth Apprenticeships
   
   1. CareerWise helps businesses hire modern youth apprentices and grow their talent pipeline.

Internships

1. 
   Innovative Industries Internships Program
   
   1. Employers in an innovative industry can apply for matching grants up to $5,000 per intern for on-the-job training for an intern with a minimum of 130 on-the-job training hours completed in 6 months. Industries include: Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, Bioscience, Construction, Electronics, Energy & Natural Resources, Engineering, Information Technology.

Job Description Templates

1. 
   Skills-based Job Description Templates – Skillful
   
   1. Guides and tools to help evaluate and select candidates for their skills, including skills-based job descriptions.
2. 
   LinkedIn Job Description Templates
   
   1. A collection of the most common job description templates spanning multiple positions across multiple industries

Job Posting

1. 
   Connecting Colorado
   
   1. Connecting Colorado offers a cost-effective way to post job openings, review résumés, and connect with qualified workers.
2. 
   Built in Colorado
   
   1. Provides clients in the tech industry with a pool of informed and enthusiastic candidates.
3. 
   Denver Metro Chamber Job Board
   
   1. Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce provides members with a visible place to post open positions and the access to view profiles of talented job seekers.

Recruiting

1. 
   Contact your local workforce center
   
   1. An interactive map to locate for your local workforce center. Your workforce center can help you identify, attract, and select the best-qualified candidates for your current workforce needs, including customized hiring events, job fairs, applicant screening, assessments, virtual job fairs.
2. 
   Employers Council
   
   1. Employers Council provides class for members focused on the resources and tools to build a recruiting process from creating a strategy to developing the tactics and creative sourcing ideas.
3. 
   Experience Element
   
   1. The Experience Element is a management consulting firm based in Downtown Denver, serving clients across the Front Range of Colorado and beyond.
4. 
   Jobber Group
   
   1. Jobber Group is a talent consulting firm which helps clients build a more sustainable and cost effective talent strategy and make more confident hiring decisions, all driven by data.
5. 
   LinkedIn Recruiter
   
   1. LinkedIn Recruiter platform for those looking to constantly and consistently find, connect with, and manage the right talent.
6. 
   Source Direction
   
   1. Our software balances hard-skill and soft-skill evaluation to match the right candidates to the right job postings in a way neither party may have imagined. This unique approach helps evaluate candidates working in industries where traditional resumes and sourcing websites based on keywords are not effective.
7. 
   Turning the Corner
   
   1. Personalized recruiting services help client companies in Denver, Boulder and all across the Front Range find the top talent they need.
8. 
   Virtanza
   
   1. Virtanza is an expert source for sales job recruitment.

Skills-based Hiring

1. 
   Skills-based Job Description Templates – Skillful
   
   1. Find guides and tools to help evaluate and select candidates for their skills.
2. 
   Innovate+Educate’s Framework for competency-based hiring and advancement
   
   1. Industry-driven, competency-based hiring processes critical to creating pathway.

Pre-Employment Selection

1. 
   Contact your local workforce center
   
   1. An interactive map to locate for your local workforce center. Your workforce center can help you identify, attract, and select the best-qualified candidates for your current workforce needs, including customized hiring events, job fairs, applicant screening, assessments, virtual job fairs.
2. 
   PAIRIN – Pathways
   
   1. PAIRIN makes the hiring process faster, easier, and more predictable by allowing companies to hire based on their top performers by identifying the soft skills and mindsets that are most important for a specific job role and organization’s culture.

Onboarding

1. 
   New Employee Onboarding Guide – SHRM
   
   1. Resources about onboarding new employees.

Coaching & Advising

1. 
   WorkLife Partnership
   
   1. WorkLife’s strategy of career coaching via upskilling not only helps increase employee engagement and productivity—while decreasing turnover—but also fills gaps in the skills of your workforce.
2. 
   Employers Council
   
   1. Employers Council provides a wide range of training and coaching services, including leadership skills, legal compliance, HR, and helping employees master new technologies and learning management strategies.
3. 
   Society for Human Resources Management
   
   1. Coaching resources from the Society for Human Resources Management.

Leadership & Succession Planning

1. 
   Employers Council
   
   1. Employers Council provides a wide range of training and coaching services, including leadership skills, legal compliance, HR, and helping employees master new technologies and learning management strategies.
2. 
   i2iWorkforce
   
   1. Management Skills Training
3. 
   Colorado Bioscience Institute Executive Leadership Program
   
   1. The executive leadership program is designed to enable CEO’s to build better businesses by learning to resolve strategic problems, drive change through their organization, design and motivate effective teams, and communicate plans and strategy to get to the next level of growth in the venture.

Performance Management

1. 
   Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) – Managing Employee Performance Toolkit
   
   1. Overview and resources, including sample self-appraisal, manager effectiveness, and performance improvement plan.
2. 
   SHRM – Performance Management That Makes a Difference: An Evidence-Based Approach
   
   1. Report from SHRM exploring why performance management systems often fail yet why they still matter and explaining how to design a practical performance management approach leveraging feedback and coaching.
3. 
   SHRM – A New Way of Looking at Performance Management
   
   1. Aug. 2017 article by Amber Lloyd, HCM Strategy, about the evolution of the performance management process.

Work-based Learning

1. 
   Work-based Learning Continuum
   
   1. Work-based learning is a continuum of activities that occur, in part or in whole, in the workplace, providing the learner with hands-on, real world experience. This is Colorado’s framework connecting learning about work, learning through work, and learning at work.
2. 
   Apprenticeship Evolution
   
   1. This website connects employers with information about apprenticeships and resources for developing apprenticeship programs.
3. 
   CareerWise Colorado – Modern Youth Apprenticeships
   
   1. CareerWise helps businesses hire modern youth apprentices and grow their talent pipeline.
4. 
   BEL Commission
   
   1. Colorado’s Business Experiential Learning Commission develops, evaluates, and implements a systemic solution for integrated work-based education and training to meet the needs of Colorado’s economy.
5. 
   Additional Work-based Learning Resources
   
   1. The work-based learning section of the Colorado Workforce Development Council website contains additional work-based learning resources.

Company Culture

1. 
   Spark Mindset
   
   1. For companies and organizations we provide a research-driven Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training that transforms workplace cultures so all team members have the organizational confidence and support they need to bring all of their skills, knowledge, and creativity to the team.
2. 
   EPIC’s Employer Toolkit
   
   1. A free online resource with hands-on tools for supporting: increased access to quality child care for workers; child-friendly policies and procedures; and, optimized tax benefits for employers and employees.
3. 
   The Family-Friendly Workplace Assessment (FF+)
   
   1. This free assessment identifies the needs and priorities of employers to create environments that are supportive of families. FF+ is divided into four sections that gauge family-friendly culture: Benefits and Leave; Flexibility; New Parents; and, Communication, Education and Training.
4. 
   The Family-Friendly Workplace Toolkit
   
   1. A free resource guide with information about how employers are supporting workers and their families in all stages of life. With case studies and relevant examples, the toolkit highlights the public health and employer benefits of strong family-friendly workplace policies and practices.

Upskilling

1. 
   Bring Your ‘A’ Game Training – Center for Work Ethic Development
   
   1. Bring Your ‘A’ Game is an engaging curriculum for building the seven foundational workplace skills of work ethic.
2. 
   WorkLife Partnership
   
   1. WorkLife’s strategy of career coaching via upskilling not only helps increase employee engagement and productivity—while decreasing turnover—but also fills gaps in the skills of your workforce.
3. 
   Skillful – Employer Toolkit
   
   1. Guides and tools to support the growth and skill development for your employees. Maximize employees’ performance and health and improve retention through smart, skills-based onboarding and development.
4. 
   PAIRIN
   
   1. PAIRIN’s online curriculum helps clients’ teams in their individually defined areas of need to advance their professional development. These soft skills training courses are available across 54 skills and are divided into 300 micro-lessons for on-demand access.
5. 
   MindSpark Learning – Events & Institutes
   
   1. MindSpark’s institutes offer attendees masters-level credit from the University of Denver, and our events are always a good mix of fun and learning.
6. 
   Turning the Corner – Management Training
   
   1. Turning the Corner teaches you and your management team the skills needed to become exceptional leaders and motivators.
7. 
   Upskill America Playbook for Employers
   
   1. This Upskilling Playbook is designed to highlight examples of employers modeling new ways of business that advance workers and support long-term business competitiveness via investments in workers through upskilling strategies.

Common Language

In order to partner successfully, it is important to clarify what some of the terms of the talent development network mean to ensure all parties are on the same page.

1. Talent Development Network Glossary of Terms
   

Sector Partnerships

Sector partnerships are​ ​industry-specific​ ​regional partnership​ ​led​ ​by​ ​business​ ​in​ ​partnership​ ​with economic​ ​development,​ ​education,​ ​and​ ​workforce development.

1. 
   Colorado’s Sector Partnership Directory
   
   1. A list of the current sector partnerships in Colorado.
2. 
   Colorado’s Sector Strategies
   
   1. Background information about sector strategies in Colorado.
3. 
   Creating and Sustaining a Sector Partnership
   
   1. Colorado has been launching and growing sector partnerships for more than 11 years through a framework that fosters industry-driven alignment across economic development, workforce development and education. The state has invested in regional, public-private partnerships targeting key industries that are vital to our regional economies. Important work is done throughout the state at these industry-led, public partner supported shared tables.
4. 
   Next Gen Sector Partnerships
   
   1. The Next Generation Sector Partnership Training Manual is the product of 15 years of lessons learned from sector partnerships across the United States. It includes step-by-step guidance for regional teams to work together to build successful industry-led sector partnerships.

Industry & Trade Associations

Industry and trade associations representing industries across Colorado.

1. 
   Associated General Contractors of Colorado
   
2. Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA)
3. CAMA Metro
4. CAMA South
5. CAMA West
6. Colorado Bankers Association
7. Colorado BioScience Association
8. Colorado Building & Construction Trades Council
9. Colorado Cleantech Industry Association (CCIA)
10. Colorado Contractors Association
11. Colorado Hospital Association
12. Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association
13. Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA)
14. Colorado Photonics Industry Association
15. Colorado Restaurant Association
16. Colorado Space Business Roundtable
17. Colorado Space Coalition
18. Colorado Technology Association
19. National Cybersecurity Center

Economic Development

Economic development organizations invested in talent development who have signed on as affiliates of TalentFOUND. Colorado has 14​ economic development ​regions identified​ ​by​ ​OEDIT​ ​as​ ​a​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Colorado Blueprint;​ ​consistent​ ​with​ ​the​ ​DOLA​ ​Regions.

1. 
   Office of Economic Development and International Trade
   
2. Colorado Association of Regional Organizations
3. Adams County Economic Development
4. Chaffee County Economic Development Corporation
5. Grand County
6. Southeast Colorado Small Business Development Center
7. East Central Council of Governments
8. Economic Development Council of Colorado
9. Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development
10. Northwest Colorado Council of Governments
11. Upper Arkansas Area Council of Governments

Businesses

Businesses invested in talent development who have signed on as affiliates of TalentFOUND.

1. 
   A-Train Marketing
   
2. Arapahoe County Sheriff Office
3. Climax Molybdenum
4. Columbine Health Systems
5. Crazy Good Marketing
6. Discover Pathwaze
7. Flow
8. McNew & Associates
9. Memorial Regional Heath
10. MM Solutions
11. Noble Casting Inc.
12. Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center
13. Pinnacol Assurance
14. RK Mechanical
15. Rocky Mountain Trees & Landscaping
16. San Luis Valley Health
17. Southeast Health Group
18. Society of Physician Entrepreneurs
19. Tolmar
20. Valley-Wide Health Systems

Community-based Organizations

Community-based organizations invested in talent development who have signed on as affiliates of TalentFOUND.

1. 
   Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
   
2. Colorado Education Initiative
3. WorkLife Partnership

Workforce Development

The public workforce system is a​ ​network​ ​of​ ​federal, state,​ ​and​ ​local​ ​offices,​ ​funded​ ​through​ ​federal legislation​ ​workforce​ ​legislation​ ​(WIOA)​ ​and​ ​local supplements​ ​that​ ​function​ ​to​ ​support​ ​economic expansion​ ​and​ ​develop​ ​the​ ​talent​ ​of​ ​our​ ​nation’s workforce.

1. 
   Contact your local workforce center
   
   1. An interactive map to locate for your local workforce center.
2. 
   Colorado Workforce Development Council
   
   1. The Colorado Workforce Development Council’s mission is to facilitate the creation and sustainability of a business‐led Colorado talent development system that appropriately integrates the work of economic development, education, training, and workforce development to meet the needs of businesses, workers, job seekers, and students.

Education & Training

Education and training organizations invested in talent development in Colorado.

1. Adult Education

   1. Coal Creek Adult Education Center
   2. Montrose Adult Education Center
   3. Adams County School District 14
   4. Asian Pacific Development Center
   5. Boulder Valley Family Literacy Program
   6. Colorado Mountain College
   7. Colorado Northwestern Community College
   8. Community College of Aurora
   9. Community College of Denver
   10. Community Educational Outreach
   11. Durango Adult Education Center
   12. Emily Griffith Technical College
   13. Focus Points Family Resource Center
   14. Front Range Community College
   15. Immigrant and Refugee Center of Northern Colorado
   16. Jefferson County Public Schools
   17. Mesa County Libraries
   18. Northeastern Junior College
   19. Aims Community College
   20. Colorado Springs School District 11
   21. Mile High Youth Corps
   22. Pikes Peak Library District Adult Education
   23. SEL Tutoring
   24. Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning
   25. The Learning Source
   26. Trinidad State Junior College Adult Education Services

2. Career & Technical Education (CTE)

   1. Advance CTE
   2. Colorado ACTE
   3. Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
   4. Business and Industry Advisory Handbook
   5. Career & Technical Education (CTE)
   6. Colorado Career Tech Student Associations (CTSO)

3. K12 Education More Coming Soon

   1. Academy District 20
   2. Cherry Creek Schools
   3. CTE Colorado Springs District 11
   4. Open World Learning
   5. STEMsCO
   6. CareerWiseColorado

4. PTech

   1. Cañon City High School (Cañon City RE-1)
   2. EC@N-STEM (Adams 12)
   3. Pathways in Technology Early College High School (St. Vrain Valley)
   4. Power Technical Early College – James Irwin Charter School (El Paso 49)
   5. STEM School Highlands Ranch (Douglas County)

5. STEM Education

   1. Colorado STEM Connect
   2. Colorado First
   3. Colorado STEM Champions
   4. Colorado STEM Resources and Roadmap
   5. Colorado STEMworks Database
   6. MindSpark Learning
   7. STEM
   8. STEM Diploma
   9. Stem for Colorado
   10. STEMsCO
   11. The Connectory

6. Postsecondary

   1. College in Colorado
   2. Colorado Community College System
   3. Colorado Mountain College
   4. Emily Griffith Technical College
   5. Metropolitan State University of Denver
   6. Pickens Technical College
   7. Pueblo Corporate College
   8. Trinidad State