HomeMy WebLinkAbout20161491.tiff RESOLUTION
RE: APPROVE 2016-2020 WELD COUNTY UPSTATE REGIONAL PLAN FOR
WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA) AND AUTHORIZE
ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to
Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of
administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and
WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with 2016-2020 Upstate Regional Plan for the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) from the County of Weld, State of Colorado,
by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department
of Human Services, to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, commencing upon
acceptance and approval by the State, and ending December 31, 2020, with further terms and
conditions being as stated in said plan, and
WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said plan, a copy of
which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld
County, Colorado, that the 2016-2020 Upstate Regional Plan for the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (WIOA) from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of
County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the Department of Human Services, to the
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, be, and hereby is, approved and authorized for
electronic submittal.
The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted
by the following vote on the 2nd day of May A.D., 2016.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
d.dedieit)
WELD COUNTY, COLORADO
ATTEST: �Cdf„O:Oe
Mike Freeman, Chair
Weld County Clerk to the Board P
•• // Sean P. Conway, Pro-Te
BY: GGt, (��(✓�c . L I�•�r�
Dep y Clerk to the Board Cozad i
APP' O ED AS ORM: V 1861 tKirkmeyer
• '! `
C nty ttorney � �; -�+ USED
�""""•"r`teve Moreno
Date of signature: -/iJ1Lo
CG'• RSV(CXh,TG)
Gj- 2-6-qv 2016-1491
HR0087
Northern Colorado Regional Plan
Workforce I nnovation and Opportunity Act (WI OA)
2016-2020
Regional/Local Plan
Planning Region: Weld
Local Areas I nduded in this Planning Region: Weld
Region Summary
The Board of Weld County Commissioners, the Weld County Workforce Development Board,
and Employment Services of Weld County provide the f of I owing information as an overview of
the Northern Colorado Planning Region.
Located in the north central pat of the state, Weld County is bordered on the north by Wyoming
and Nebraska and on the south by the Denver metropolitan area. Covering 3,987 square miles, it
is the third most extensive County in the state and its esti mated 2015 population of 285, 174
makes it the ninth most populous of the 64 counties in Colorado. Not only is the County unique
in its size, the di versi ty i n its population makeup and the mix of its i ndustry sectors (some of
which are hi gh i n ranki ngs on the state or national I evel ) make it distinct from other Colorado
counties and regions. Weld County continues to rank in the top ten counties in the nation for
agricultural sales (the only County outside of California i n that top ten), and is the I eadi ng
producer of oil and gas i n the state accounting for approximately 86% of the state' s total
production.
Weld County is also, and hi stori cal I y has been, a I eader and innovator i n its governance structure
and the development and operation of employment and training programs. Weld County was the
first (September 9, 1975) and currently one of only two Colorado counties to adopt a Home Rule
Charter. I n 1979, employment and trai ni ng programs were merged admi ni strati vel y and this
resulted i n the Job Service and Work I ncenti ve Programs being contracted by the Colorado
Department of Labor and Employment to the Weld County Commissioners providing local
control of the programs and allowing County personnel to operate the Job Service. A l so during
thi s ti me period, Wet d County was one of only 15 sites nati onal I y scl ected under the
Employment Opportunities Pilot Project ( EOPP) which was to test a specific model that had a
goal to move welfare recipients into unsubsi di zed employment.
Although not emphasized until the enactment of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA ) in
1982, the Weld County Private Industry Council initiated relationships in 1979 with the chief
local elected officials (The Board of Weld County Commissioners) for the coordi nation of all
federal , state, and local resources and j of nt policy making decisions regarding employment and
trai ni ng initiatives and programs. This involvement and coordination has continued up to the
present day' s Workforce Development Board. The Workforce Board has continued to provide
oversight and gui dance to many of the WI OA partner programs, i ncl udi ng the Temporary
1
Assistance for Needy Fami I i es (TANF), Community Service BI ock Grant (CSBG) funds targeted
to employment and training, Employment First Programs, A meri Corps, and the Training
Innovation Growth Hope and Training (TIGHT) youth corps.
Weld County, through Employment Services of Weld County, has been on the cutting edge for
innovative employment and training programs designed to best meet I ocal needs whi I e serving a
broad spectrum of customers. I n 1982, Weld was the only County in Colorado that opted to
implement the state' s Welfare Diversion Program. Through the course of this program; along
with the Job Alternative Program, the Work Incentive Program (WI N ), Community Work
Experience Program, and the Colorado Jobs Demonstration Project, a variety of modifications
and waivers were requested and i mplemented. I nteresti ngl y enough, there is a strong si mi laity
of what was developed in those programs to the requirements that were establ i shed under the
Personal Responsi bi I i ty and Work Opportunity Reconci I i ati on Act of 1996 and the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Fami I i es (TAN F) program that is operated today.
n the mid 1990' s Employment Services of Weld County responded to the states i ni ti ati ve to
determi ne how best to structure and create a One-Stop Workforce system. I n an effort to
determi ne how the state could best develop a One-Stop environment, reprcscntati yes from the
Governor Romer admi ni strati on visited numerous areas across the state to view and assess how
programs and services were structured and provided. After visiting Weld County and viewing the
numerous programs operated by Employment Services, as wel I as our organizational structure,
the Governor determi ned that al I workforce areas across the state should have the f I exi bi I ity to
structure employment programs i n a way that best met I ocal needs, whi I e providing I ocal
structure and control si mi I ar to the Weld County model .
The Weld County Commissioners, in col l aborati on with the Weld County Workforce
Development Board, have been an innovative engine in the development and i mpl ementati on of
empl oyment and trai ni ng programs si nce the 1980' s. A few exampl es of those various program
development and col I aborati ve partnershi psi ncl ude:
Year Name Purpose Partners Funding
1999 Youth Crime Target services to disenfranchised Local communities, State YCPI/
Prevention youth, specifically adjudicated youth historical entities, TANF, TGY S,JTPA/W I
Initiative/Tony (led to the development of TIGHT) JTPA ,WIA , Human Services A , TANF
Grampsas Child Protection
Youth Services
2001 After School Positively engage young adolescents in Local school districts, SER, In Kind
Learning meaningful learning and service Aims JTPA/WIA and
Project/Latch activities while their parents are at work School to Career
Key Pilot to support the family
Program
2003 Gcc Whiz Provide youth exposure to health careers Employment Services of Weld WIA , TANF
Health Camp and the types and variety of occupations County, Aims, North Colorado
* (PPA 2006) involved Medical Center, the University
National of Northern Colorado, Bonell
recognition Good Samaritan Center,
M edl i ne, Greeley Fire
2003 Nuclear Develop a new program to meet Aims Community, North WIA Competitive
Radiological identified community' s health care Colorado Medical Center, grant from
Technician worker needs Poudre Valley Hospital , Weld CWDC
Certification County Workforce
Development Board
2
Year Name Purpose Partners Funding
2004 Expansion of I ncroase the capacity to train entry level Aims Community College & TA N F
CNA Programs workers to meet identified TANF
needs/shortages and provide for
opportunities for career advancement
(resulted in the expansion of available
courses and eventually in the
development and construction of the
Allied Health Sciences building at
Aims)
2004 TIGHT Youth Program engages adjudicated at risk ESWC; Weld County Social Weld County
Corps youth i n valuable service projects that Services; Island Grove CORE Services,
* (PPA 2007 ) benefit the community; educational Regional Treatment Center; TANF, and WIA
components designed to improve the North Range Behavioral i n-kind
members' functioning levels in reading Health; Weld County Health
and math and prepare them to re-enter Department; 19th Judicial
school or obtain their GED; and life skill District- Probation Department
development activities to prepare them
for life after their Corps experience
2006 Multi- Designed to provide a continuum of ESWC; Weld Social Services; TANF and CORE
disciplinary collaborative services for Weld County Island Grove Regional Service funds. In-
Youth at-risk youth through a pro-active Treatment Center; North kind by WIA
Assessment approach Range Behavioral Health; Youth
Team Weld County Health
* (PPA 2006) Department; School District 6;
St. V rai n School District;
Centennial BOCES; 19th
Judicial District- Probation
Department; and Life Bridge
2006 Pillars for Engage 14-15 year-olds in foster care in Weld County Department of CORE Service
Successful 4 skill building areas: Life Skills, Social Human Services Child funds, WIA in-
I ndependence Skills, Education, and Employment to Protection kind
(PSI ) prepare them for independence or
* (PPA 2009) emancipation and prepare youth for
Chafee
2007 TANF Summer Designed to benefit TANF low-income Weld Social Services, multiple TANF
Youth families by having their children in a local area community work
Employment positive summer program while the sites
* (PPA 2007) parent(s) are in a TA NF work activity or
beginning unsubsidized employment
2007 Workforce Focus services and develop training Aims Community Col l ege, WIRED
Innovation in specific to the needs of employers in the Greeley School District 6, Collaborative
Regional energy and sustainable energy sectors. Weld School District RE 8, National Grant
Economic Eventually led to the development of a Boulder & Adams County with other
Development prep academy and 4 distinct credentials Workforce Regions, Brighton Colorado
and an associate' s degree in industrial United Power, Energy Logic, Workforce
manufacturing Xcel Energy, Workforce Board Regions
of Metro Denver
2009 HIRE Colorado Provide paid work experiences for Colorado Department of TANF, W I A
economically disadvantaged job seekers Labor, Colorado Department
(TANF and UI ) and support the creation of Human Services, multiple
of new jobs local agencies and community
employers
2011 Sustainable Focus services and training towards Upstate Colorado, Brighton State Funding for
Manufacturing manufacturing/advanced manufacturing Economic Development, Sector Initiatives
Sector Initiative industry sector' s needs. Upstate manufacturing sector
Colorado and Brighton Economic employers, Aims, Front Range
Development were co-conveners for this Community College, CAM T,
3
Year Name Purpose Partners Funding
initiative Adams County Region
2011 H1B B Focus services and training towards Upstate Colorado, multiple H 1B
incumbent workers in the employers, Brighton Economic
manufacturing/advanced manufacturing Development
industry sectors
2014 Northeastern Provide job ski I I s trai ni ng, case County Departments of Human TA N F, CSBG,
Colorado management services, ESL , and other Services in Cheyenne, Kit
Collaborative hard and soft skills training to the Carson, Logan, Morgan,
of Counties residents of counties in Northeastern Phillips, Sedgwick,
Colorado region Washington, Weld, and Yuma
* Colorado Department of Labor - Promising Practice Award (PPA)
The information included i n this Region Summary is provided to demonstrate the Northern
Colorado Region' s uniqueness in size, demographics, employment and training program
leadership, and governance. The summary establishes the Weld Region' s experience i n the
delivery of a variety of programs utilizing a broad spectrum of funding sources, as well as the
breadth of the col l aborati ve and regi onal I y focused efforts undertaken to meet the needs of
employers, job seekers, and other workforce system partners.
A. Asa Planning Region, complete the following questions:
1 . Provide an analysis of the regional economic conditions, induding:
a. Existing and emerging in-demand industry sectors and occupations; and
Weld' s commitment to Agriculture, Energy and Education make it distinct from all others
Colorado counties. Weld County' s cl i mate is ideal for crop and animal production and as
such Weld i s ranked 1 ' in the state and 9th in the nation regarding the market value of
products sold with over 1 .8B in total value. (2012 Census of Agriculture, USDA )
■ Gross Farm Revenue and Net Income
2006-2016
z Minns
10.000 —
9.000
7.78
8000
Not Inaoms
7.000 1114,1r
�l
6 000 I -44t4
5000 " III
III III
4.000 ' -3.000 ■ ,� /�
2.000 - r ilz
parf
1.000 : I I I �tD NA III
�.��, of Sens* aft.
2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016
Source: Cobndo Btt>�.eos Ecnnomtr i tutlook Cc
Weld County is also a leader nationwide i n the production of energy resources. Energy
production is an important component of the Weld County makeup and includes both
renewable and non-renewable production. Colorado is 6th in Crude Oil Production nationally
4
and cl ai ms approxi mately 86% of the statewide producti on. (Source: Economi c Forecast
2016).
■ Crude Oil Production
2006-2016
Largest Producers
t Texas Mims al
Bends
2 North Dakota 1,26 ,
3 California
107.5
4 New Mexico
5 Alaska 100
6 Colorado
7 Oklahoma 80
8. Wyoming
9_ Louisiana 60 ,
10. Kansas
40 —
Production boosted by
Horizontal drilling
Hydraulic fracturing
is
2006 2006 2010 2012 2014 2016
Scan Ratings frog M tangy Infoisoe AdminM...-oa. Producible deb from Colorado Geological Survey amend ad Mre.nl
Fuel AoMrity Aepar„ Colorado Oil end Gee Cana Comm aia - Deosebnent d M' ale ad Geology.ad Colorado Baeiees,
Etmaoarlc Oeroo!Committee.
Bu.nvas F. . Qws.uri Lu1s SsIuW J Bu:rirr.s Linsl:iy J L.tiu1a3D SnAdrf
With the onset of the nation' s housing crisis and the Great Recession in 2008, annual
unemployment rates rose sharply. The State of Colorado experienced a slightly mi I der
reaction to the economic downturn compared to the national average. Weld County' s
economy, by contrast, appears to have been more reactive in the recovery.
■ Employment Recovery
National. State, and Local
Percent
30.096
250% Greece
200%
150% - Ft. Cof1s-
L.oveland Denver
10.0% -
C • • redo
5 ���= oulder
0_0%
Colorado
•5096 Swings
-10056 Grand
Junction
-15.0% -
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95
Nlrnbir cf Months Sine Peak
Source: l reau of Labor Statistics (Saar-..ally Adjuetad).
Weld is one of the largest counties i n both Colorado and the nation and has a total of there
are 31 towns and cities. It covers 3,987 square miles and is bordered by Wyoming, and the
Colorado counties of Lari mer, Boulder, Adams, Morgan and Logan. According to the
updated Census Data, Weld County' s 2015 estimated population is 285, 174 and is forecasted
to reach 340,000 by 2020 and 600,000 by 2040. The median age for the County is 33.9 and
5
the majority of the population forecast i ndi cates the young adult age groups (20-40) will
grow as a result of the housing opportunities available. Data for January 2016 reflects an
estimated labor force of 147, 119 and a 3.3% unemployment rate. As exhibited in the map
below (2014-2015 Economic & Demographic Profile - Upstate Colorado), the sheer size and
diversity of Weld County can meet almost any need. Weld County ranked 4th in Area
Development magazine' s (June 2015) 100 Leading Locations study and was ranked 1st in job
growth on Forbes' Best places for Businessand Careers list (Leeds School of Business-
BusinessEconomic Outlook 2016) .
%126 CR 125
8t CR 122 r Grover
UP CR 120
• CR 390•
7 1 i1
7
X00 Nunn
14 1
Pierce
1.
t� Ault New Paymer
r2, Se ver recce Eaton
GrvR .. Windsor
GrtiR Greel rori North
X34'
Gorden City •LS% rKersey North & East Weld County
crv& s Central/West Weld County
,
Milliken UP Evans South Weld County
i • La Salle
— Johnstown. 3•+
Ucri""'d .2s. Gilcrest
Mec,d
r- () Platteville 9 ..•
GWR 7 ••'•3NSF
0119.
'-')"'"'"I — Firestone
K eenesburg
Frederic •
Fort Lupton C52
Erie Dacono *Hudson
UP
J
85s Brighton
•
'4onhgVonn Thornton Loc Puie
Weld is attracti ve to employers and job seekers alike due to a I ower cost of I i vi ng. The
median house value of Weld County is estimated at $212,000 with the Central /West area of
the County being the most populace. This area offers an attractive lifestyles mix from mid-
size cities to smal I rural communities and contains some of the most productive farm I and i n
the country. With developed commercial/industrial sites, this area has seen numerous
employers I ocate or expand, produci ng a vi brant busi flocs sector.
North & East Weld County i s the home to the Pawnee National Grasslands. This area i s the
most rural in the County with an estimated population of less than 1 ,000 al l owi ng it to
become one of the most important energy regions for both of l /gas development and wind
farms. Farming and I i vestock grazing is also very i mportant to the area.
South Weld County has experienced some of the fastest growth recently and is strategi cal l y
located just north of metro Denver and cast of Boulder, which has fueled booming residential
growth. Large tracts of undeveloped land provide opportunity for commercial and industrial
businesses. This area is bordered on the south by Adams County and on the West by Boulder
County and continued growth is anticipated. In response, Aims Community Col l ege
6
continues to meet the industry demand and has expanded their Ft. Lupton campus to moat the
community' s needs.
As a whole, Colorado has seen explosive growth among the millennial population. The
increase i n the mi I I enni al population wi I I have important implications as those entering
retirement age out of the workforce. As noted below, Colorado was the 4th fastest growing
state in 2014 (Source: Economic Forecast 2016) and Weld County (Greeley M SA ) is ranked
6th in the nation for population growth ( U .S Census Bureau March 2016) .
IN MIGRATION BOOST
CAUFORNIA, TEXAS, ILLINOIS AND NEW YORK
Denver is 2nd in
influx of
Millennials
y hl cr
My W (ages 25-34)
e, to
w, between
ry oc
PK
"' 'x
WV
2009 — 2012
.�
r
Colorado was
n` 4th fastest
L' K
4Y lei
Y
"""1I° &An growing state in
2014 (+ 1.6%)
■NN twr
CB RE wn,,ne .,r,r r►rn s, ttra'c. rorew -
A l so of note are the commuting patterns of Weld County residents. Over 57% of the jobs in
Weld County are filled by residents of the County and 43% are f i l l ed by workforce from
outside the County.
Weld Commuting
InflowIOuttlow Job Counts (All Jobs)
Inflow;Outflow job Counts in 2011 1011
Count Share
0 tinployed in the Selection Area 78.303 100 0%
Employed in the Selection Area 33.361 42 6%
Living(Impde
[r jinynd and living in the 44,942 57 l%
Selection Area
I ivintt in the Selection Arna 119.112 1000%
living in the Selection Area but 74 170 62 3%
Employed Outside
Lieing._arsLEmillexestinilie. 44,942 37 7%
Selection Arne
mi 33.361 .Employed in Se+etrion Ares live Outside Resnt Highlighting
74.170• tee in Setectcn Ares. F moloyed Outside
MI 44.947 . Employed and true in 5e+erton Anca
As reported by the Colorado Labor Market Information ( LM I ) Gateway and Economic
Modeling Specialists International ( EM SI ), Inc. , the top ten existing industries i n
Weld County are: Manufacturing (includes Agriculture); Construction; Retail Trade;
Education Services; Mining; Accommodation and Food Services; Admi n, Support, Waste
Management, Remedi ati on; Public Administration; and Transportation and Warehousing.
Rank I ndustry Sector Establishments Employees
1 Manufacturing (31 -33) 315 12,572
2 Construction 899 9,824
3 Retai I Trade (44 & 45) 622 9,652
4 Education Services 95 8,995
5 Health Care and Social Assistance 444 8,934
6 Mining 236 7,821
7 Accommodation and Food Services 418 7,527
8 Admi n. , Support, Waste Mgmt. , Remedi ati on 373 6,038
9 Public Admi ni strati on - Local , State, & Federal 72 5, 101
Government
10 Transportation and Warehousing (48 & 49) 422 4,212
An analysis was completed of the anti ci pated growth rates for each of the identified
industries over short and long terms (through 2017 and 2019). Within these i ndustri es there is
an anticipated growth between 4.6% and 20.2 % through 2017. When extending the time
frame through 2019, projected growth rates rise to 8.4% and 35. 1 %.
Growth % Growth %
Industry 2017 2019
1 Manufacturing (includes Agriculture) 6.3 11 .4
2 Construction 8.3 15. 1
3 Retail Trade 4.6 8.4
4 Education Services 11 18.6
5 Health Care/Soci al Assi stance 4.7 8.7
6 Mining 20.2 35. 1
7 Accommodation/Food Services 5.4 9.9
Admi n,Support,Waste
8 Mgmt, Remediation 10. 1 17
9 Public Administration 3.83 6.43
10 Transportation and Warehousing 11 .7 20.5
The table reaffirms that these industries wi I I continue to be i n-demand fields for the area,
providing viable wages for employees.
b. The employment needs of employers in those industry sectors and occupations
I n order, to analyze employment needs i n the i ndustry sectors, occupational data was also
studied. To summarize, the fol I owi ng occupations are expecti ng growth i n the Weld Region
within the industry identified:
8
• M anufacturing: SI aughterers & M eat Packers; Welders, Cutters, Sol derers, and Brazers;
Machinists, First-Line Supervisors, and Production Workers.
• Construction: Laborers; First-Line Supervisors; Operating Engineers; Carpenters; and
PI umbers, Pi pef i tters, and Steamfitters.
tters.
• Retail Trade: Salespersons; Cashiers; Stock CI erks; First-Line Supervisors; and
Automotive Technicians.
• Educational Services Postsecondary Teachers; Elementary Tcachers; Self-Enrichment
Education Teachers; Education, Training & Library Workers; and Secondary School
Teachers.
• Health Care & Social Assistance: Registered Nurses; Nursing Assistants; Personal Care
Assistants; M edi cal Assistants; and Pre-School Teachers.
• Mining: Service Unit Operators; Roustabouts; Heavy and Tractor-Trai I er Truck Drivers;
First Li ne Supervisors; and Operators
• Accommodation and Food Services` Combined Food Prep & Servers; Waiters &
Waitrc�; Cooks; First Line Supervisors; and Host&Hostesscs
• Admin. & Support, Waste Management, Remediation: Customer Service Reps;
Landscaping Workers; Jani tors/CI eaners; Laborers & Freight Movers; and Security
Guards
• Public Administration: Teacher Assistants; Elementary, Middle, and Secondary School
Teachers; and Police and Sheriff' s Patrol Officers.
• Transportation & Warehousing: Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers; Laborers &
Freight Movers; Light Truck or Deli very Service Drivers; Bus & Truck Mechanics &
Diesel Engine Specialists; and First Line Supervisors.
2. Provide an analysis of the knowledge and skills needed to meet the employment needs of
the employers in the region, including employment needs in in-demand industry sectors
and occupations
The knowledge and skills requi red for the occupations I i sted above are as di verse as the
occupati ons themselves. The knowl edge I evel ranges from entry level workers to post-secondary
degrees. I ncl uded below are educati onal requi rements for the respective occupati ons/i ndustri es:
• M anufacturi ng: M anuf acturi ng production workers are often entry level workers. As a
wel der two year certificates are avai I abl e. Machinists train i n apprenticeship programs,
vocational schools, community and techni cal col I eges, or i of ormal I y on the job. To
become a f ul I y trained tool and die maker requires a combination of several years of
technical i nstructi on and on-the-job training. A high school di pl oma i s necessary.
• Construction: Laborers and helpers I earn their trade through short-term on-the-job
trai ni ng. There are no specific education requi rements. With operating engi news and
pl umbers there are apprenticeships opportunities and/or training by private trade schools.
• Retail Trade: Typi cal I y, retail sales workers do not need formal education. However,
some employers prefer appl i cants who have a high school di pl oma or equivalent.
However, i n automotive technology some employers prefer automotive service
technicians and mechanics that have comp) eted a formal training program i n a
postsecondary institution.
9
• Educational Services Preschool teacher requi rements vary range from a high school
diploma and certification to a col l ege degree. Kindergarten and elementary school
teachers must have earned a mini mum of a Bachelor' s degree. I n addition, public school
teachers must obtain and maintain a State-issued certification or I i cense. Educational
requirements do vary with the subject taught and the type of educational institution. Most
commonly, postsecondary teachers must have a Ph.D . However, a Master's degree may
be adequate for some postsecondary teachers at community col I eges. I n techni cal and
trade schools, work experience may be i mportant for attai nment of a postsecondary
teaching job.
• Health Care & Social Assistance: Most personal care aides are trai ned on the job. There
are no formal education requi rements for personal care aides, however most aides have a
high school di ploma. Nursing assistants must complete a State-approved education
program and must pass their State' s competency exam to become certified. Orderlies
general I y have at I east a high school di pl oma. Most medical assistants have
postsecondary education such as a certificate. Others enter the occupation with a high
school di pl oma and I earn through on-the-job trai ni ng. Registered nurs usual I y take one
of three education paths: a Bachelor's degree i n nursing, an Associate' s degree i n nursing,
or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must also be I i censed.
• Mining: Most mining positions require a high school diploma Heavy and tractor-trailer
truck drivers also must attend a professi onal truck-dri vi ng school to receive a commercial
driver' s license (CDL ) .
• Accommodation and Food Services Most food and beverage serving and related
workers learn thd r ski I I s through short-term on-the-job training. No formal education or
previous work experience is requi red.
• Admin. & Support, Waste Management, Remediation: General I y, hand laborers and
material movers need no work experience or mini mum level of education. Most janitors
and bui I di ng cleaners I earn on the job. Formal education is not requi red. Customer
service representatives typi cal I y need a high school di ploma and are trained on the job.
Most grounds mai ntenance workers need no formal education. However, many states
require I i censi ng for workers who apply pesticides. Most security guard jobs require a
high school di pl oma. Gaming survei I I ance off i cers sometimes need additional experience
with security and video surveillance. Most states require guards to be registered with the
State, especially if they carry a f i rearm.
• Public Administration: Teaching Assistant' s educational requirements vary by school
district and position and range from a high school diploma to an Associate' s degree.
Elementary, Middle, and Secondary school teachers must have at I east a Bachelor' s
degree. I n addition, public school teachers must have a State-issued certification or
i cense. For Police and Sheriff Officers, education requirements range from a high school
diploma to a col l ege, or higher, degree. Most police and detectives must graduate from
their agency' s trai ni ng academy before compl eti ng a period of on-the-job training.
• Transportation & Warehousing: General I y, hand laborers and material movers need no
work experience or mini mum level of education. Many diesel service techs & mechanics
learn on the job; however, employers increasingly prefer those with postsecondary
training certificates i n diesel engine repair. Deli very truck drivers and driver/sales
workers typi cal I y enter their occupations with a high school di pl oma or equivalent. They
undergo 1 month or I ess of on-the-job training. They must have a driver' s I i cense from
10
the state in which they work. As mentioned under M i ni ng, heavy and tractor-trailer truck
drivers usual I y have a high school diploma, attend a professional truck-driving school ,
and must have a commercial driver' s license (CDL ).
-Source: Occupational Profiles, Colorado LM I Gateway, 01/25/16
3. Provide an analysis of the workforce in the region, induding current labor force
employment and unemployment data, and information on labor market trends, and the
educational and skill levels of the workforce in the region, induding individualswith
barriers to employment;
Summary area profile for Weld County, Colorado from Colorado LM I Gateway
Population: 285, 174 (2015 Census) with a median age of 34, Weld County' s offers a young
population that grew by 53% from 2000 - 2014. There are 85% of the population who are HS+
graduates and per capita income is $31 ,657 and median household income is $55,332.
Cultural Diversity: Weld County is rich in cultural diversity and is more diverse than the state
as a whole and is becoming more diverse over time. Almost 35% of the population cl assi f y
themsd ves as Hispanic or "other" (Source: Colorado State Demographers Office) .
Population by Race / Ethnicity
Weld Population by
Race/Ethnicity
Other
4%
Hispanic
28%
White
Non-
Hispanic 11/4
68%
4 - COLORADO
CO , Department of Loot/Ma us
To ensure the population is being best served, Weld County departments and offices conti nue to
uti I i ze Language Line Solutions which provides on-demand ova-the-phone interpretation with
more than 200 languages via a tol I free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Language Line Solutions interpreters ensure critical information and communication are
supported for dependable operati ons as wel I as ensuri ng professional and polite service.
Education: Attaining a high school degrco, or the general equivalency degree, remai ns a top
priority to Weld County residents. A l most 90% of the Weld population has a high school degree
or higher, above the national average of 86.9%. Adults over the age of 25 with a high school
11
diploma or higher are j ust below the State average:
Colorado 90.5% Weld 88.8% U .S. 86.9%
Enrol I ments i n institutions of higher I earni ng also reflect more i ndi vi duals are pursuing higher
levels of education (Source: Economic Forecast 2016).
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Weld County is served by 17 public school districts, which i ncl ude numerous charter schools
and ten private school education opportunities. Furthermore, the University of Northern
Colorado and Aims Community Col I ege serve as public higher education f aci I i ti es. Per ACS
2014 esti mates, 77,722 residents are enrolled in school . This statistic ranges from nursery
school/preschool to graduate/professional school .
The University of Northern Colorado offers a comprehensive baccalaureate and specialized
graduate research Liberal Arts education through their six col I eges: Education & Behavioral
Science; Humanities & Social Science; Natural & Health Science; Performing & Visual Arts;
Monfort Col l ege of Business and University Col I ege. I n 2013, The Col l ege Database ranked
UNC C 12th i n the nation on its I i st of "39 Colleges with Psychology at Their Cord' and ranked
U N C 44th i n the nation i n "Top US Col I eges and U ni versi ti es for teaching Education. The
M onfort College of Busi ncss graduati ng students routinely tc st i n the top 10% i n the country
and the School of Music Ja77 and Symphony Orchestra have received numerous national " Best
in Cl ass" awards.
Aims Community College has two campuses I ocated i n Weld County. With a strong focus i n
academics and career and technical education, Aims offers 160+ degree and certificate
programs. Two-Year Degrees Awarded includes an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science,
Associate of General Studies and Associ ate of Applied Science. Regional institutions also
i ncl ude Colorado State University, Front Range Community College and M organ Community
College. The broad range of educational i nsti tuti ons, with their various areas of focus, al l ows for
the region to have a strong talent pool for economic development.
12
In order to make higher education affordable, the Weld County Board of Commissioners
implemented the Bright Futures Grant Program. Set up as a workforce development fund, this is
a "first-in" tuition assistance program for Weld County high school graduates, GED recipients
and Honorably Discharged U .S. Veterans. The program is funded by donations from taxpayers
who then receive a property tax incentive of 50% of their donation amount in the form of a
property tax credit on their Weld County portion of their property taxes, along with State and
Federal deductions. Individuals can benefit from the program and attend any educational
institution of their career choice.
Current Jobs Available:
There are 3,394 job openi ngs advertised onl i ne i n Weld County, Colorado as of the third week of
Mach, 2016 (Jobs De-duplication Level 2) .
Wage Data:
The Prel i mi nay average week) y wage for Weld County, Colorado in the 2nd quarter 2015 was
$862. This would be equi val ent to $21 .55 per hour or S44,824 per year, assuming a 40-hour
week worked the year around.
Unemployment Rates and Area Labor Force:
With the onset of the nation' s housing crisis and the Great Recession in 2008, annual
unemployment rates rose sharply. Weld County' s economy, by contrast, appears to have been
more reactive. This could have been related to the regional economic expansion Weld County
was experiencing.
Unemployment, 2010-2015
10.0% -
9.0% I -
8.0% - - -
7.0%
6.0% -
5.0% -
4.0%
3.0% I
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
-Weld Colorado U.S.
The total civilian prel i mi nary I abor force (not seasonal I y adjusted) for the Greeley M SA (Wel d
County), Colorado in January, 2016 was 147, 119, of which 142,202 were employed and 4,917
13
were unemployed. The unemployment rate for January 2016 was 3.3% as indicated on the
Colorado LM I Gateway, Labor Force Information.
Current Employment Statistics:
Preliminary Employment by I ndustry for Greeley M SA, November 2015
Total Nonfarm 105,900 Total Private 87,900
Goods Producing 33,600 Service-Providing 72,300
Private Service Providing 54,300 M i ni ng, Logging and Construction 20,800
Manufacturing 12,800 Nondurable Goods 5,900
Trade, Transportation, and Uti I i ti es 18,400 Wholesale Trade 4,300
Retai I Trade 9,700 Transportation Warehousing and Uti I i ti es 4,400
Information 600 Financial Activities 4,400
Professional and Busi nem Services 10,000 Educational and Health Services 9,500
Leisure and Hospitality 8, 100 Other Services 3,300
Government 18,000 Federal Government 600
State Government 4,600 State Government Educational Services 3,800
Local Government 12,800 Local Government Educational Services 8, 100
4. Describe the development and implementation of sector initiatives for in-demand
industry sectorsor occupations for the planning region, and explain how sector
partnershipswill be utilized to facilitate the engagement of employers, including small
employers and employers in in-demand industry sectors and occupations, in workforce
development programs
Upstate Colorado provided the f of I owi ng analysis of the key industry sectors in Weld County in
their 2014-2015 Economic & Demographic Prof i I e (Source: BEA, EMS; GRP measures final
market value of all goods and services produced in a region or sector and is the sum of earnings,
property income and taxes on production. It does not include actual production value) :
Manufacturing Sector :
The manufacturing sector is a large sector in Weld and i ncl udes a wea th of companies
producing a wide variety of products focused primarily in food manufacturing, wood products,
chemi cal manufacturing, pl asti cs/rubber products, fabricated metal products, machinery
manufacturing, electrical equipment/ components, transportation equipment and mi scel l aneous
manufacturing. Key manufacturers include: JBS, Vestas Blades & Nacel l es (note: of the 4
production facilities located in North America, three are located i n Weld County), Carestream
Health, Lepri no Foods, Sparton Medical Systems, PTI Group, Advanced Forming Technologies,
etc. In 2013, this sector employed 11, 471 - 12. 7% of total Weld employment and had an average
earnings/job of $42, 982. Total 2012 employee earnings was $660. 2 million - 16. 8% of total
Weld employee earnings. Total 2012 Gross Regional Product (GRP) for the sector was $1. 094
billion - 14% of total Weld GPI'.
Energy Sector (Fossil & Renewable) :
Shale oil mining production in 2013 had an estimated valued at $3.9 million from the 20,000+
of I /gas wel l s throughout Weld - the highest producing County i n the state. Located i n the
14
Denver-Jul esburg (DJ) Basin, the N i obrara formation is part of the Wattenburg field and has a
40+ year proven track record. The Niobrara - 7,000 feet down, is the most productive so far due
to new horizontal dri I I i ng technology coupled with multi -stage hydraul i c f racturi ng - f racki ng. In
addition, Weld is home to two 300+ megawatt wind farms operating with 125+ turbines each on
over 60,000 acres of land in Northern Weld. In 2013, the sector employed 6, 048 - 6. 7% of all
Weld employment and had an average earni ngs/j ob of $77, 438. Total 2012 employee earn ngs
was $527. 1 million - 13.4% of total Weld employee corn ngs Total 2012 sector GRP was $843. 2
million - 10% of total Weld GRP.
Health and Wellness Sector :
The cornerstone of Weld' s growing health rector is the regional 378 bed North Colorado
Medical Center ( NCMC) located in Greeley. Part of the Banner System: NCMC was named "A
top 100 Hospital " in the 2013 & 2014 National Truven Health Analytics report. Key NCMC
services include: Heart and Cancer Care, Trauma and Emergency Care, Surgi cal Care and
Women' s Health pl us a f ul I range of specialty services including a regional burn unit and
hyperbaric medicine f aci l i ty. Air Life of Greeley provides i mmedi ate emergency transport with a
300 mile radius. The University of Colorado Heath offers additional health options In 2013, the
sector employed 7, 931- 8. 8% of total Weld employment and had an average earni ngs/j ob of
$44, 271. Total 2012 employee earnings was $475. 8 million - 12. 1% of total Weld employee
earnings. Total 2012 sector GRP was $511. 7 million - 6% of total Weld GRP.
Business Services Sector (Company Management, Administrative&Back Office Support) :
Offering a central US l ocati on with easy access to Denver International Airport, a ski l l ed labor
force and exceptional quality of life, Weld is home to several large corporate/regional
headquarters, busi nc servi ce centers and customer/admi ni strati ve support operations While the
JBS North A meri can Corporate HQ is the I argest single employer in this sector other i mportant
players include State Farm Insurance Regional Operations Center, Animal Health International ,
Banner Health Corporate Center, Hensel Phelps Corporate HQ, Xerox, Tel eTech, StarTek, Afni ,
,
etc. In 2013, these two sectors together employed 6, 843 - 7. 5% of total Weld employment. The
Company Management Sector had an average earnings/job of $111, 587 and Administrative/
Business Services was $30, 649. Together, total 2012 employee earni ngs was $385. 6 million -
9. 8% of total Weld employee earnings. Combined sectors total 2012 GRP was $461. 2 million - 6
of total Weld GRP.
Agriculture Sector :
Weld County' s agriculture base i ncl udes 1 .9 millmillion acres devoted to farming and raising
livestock. With total market value of agricultural products sold at $1 .86 billion; Weld ranked 1st
in Colorado and 9th in the nation in the most recent 2012 US Census of Agriculture. Weld
continues to be the only County outside of California to consistently rank i n the top ten. The bul k
- $1 .4 billion of market value came from l i vestock sales. Weld is home to two of the largest
cattle feeding operations in the nation and ranks 1st in sheep/Iamb production. About half of the
dairy cows in the state are also located in Weld. Cattle ranching, goat, hog, poultry and equine
operations abound and key crops i nd ude: hay, wheat, corn, nursery stock, sunflowers, dry beans,
onions and carrots The impact of agriculture extends from the traditional farm production of
commoditi es to I age agri busi ness/food manufacturi ng operations processi ng val ue-added
consumer goods exported all over the world. In 2013, the sector employed 3, 521 - 3. 9% of total
15
Weld employment and had an average carni ngs/job of $34, 528. Total 2012 employee comings
was $37.3 million - . 09% of total Weld employee earnings. Total sector 2012 GRP was $366. 9
million - 5% of total Weld GRP.
Transportation Sector :
Transportation is a key i ndustry within Weld County. It reaches across virtual I y every other
sector and growth withi n this sector has a direct i mpact on the hcalth in other sectors. The
importance of this industry can be seen when looking at the transportation jobs within other
sectors such as agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. The need for heavy and tractor-trailer
truck drivers, as well as I i ght truck & deli very drivers continue to be i n demand and the
expectation is to scc continued growth within the industry. These two occupations represent
nearly 65% of the employment within the industry. The growth rate for transportation is
expected to be over 20% i n the next few ycars compared to an anticipated national growth rate of
4.3% for the same ti me frame. In 2015, Weld County employed 4, 093 within the sector - 17%
higher than the national average. The average earnings in this industry were $73, 167 compared
to the national average of $61, 789.
The Workforce Development Board has responded to the workforce needs within the
manufacturing, energy, health, agriculture, transportation sectors by devoting staff resources to
work on sector initiatives within each of these industries. Within the manufacturing and health
industries, sector partnerships are cl early defined within the Region. There are active sector
partnerships with which ESWC are fully engaged. Within the energy sector, ESWC will continue
to monitor the changes within this sector. The Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant,
which the W D B supports, not only trains workers in the Manufacturing Industry but the Grant
works to support employers i n all of the industries mentioned as it supports the training needs of
the transportation workforce. The WDB conti nues to improve the workforce for Weld County
empl oyers as it engages and responds to empl oyer needs.
n addition, regional partnerships have been formed i n the region area and Weld County has been
involved si nce their i ncepti on. There are monthly meeti ngs of the Convener Team (combination
of public and private partners), monthly mccti ngs of work teams and Semi -Annual mccti ngs of
the entire partnerships.
The NoCo Manufacturing Partnershi p services the Weld Region and a portion of Lari mer
County. There are thrcc task committees including the Manufacturing Network to better connect
the manufacturi ng community, M anuf acturi ng Rocks! to engage a future workforce towards
manufacturing careers, and Manufacturing Talent which works with educators to prepare the
next generation of manufacturers. Through this initiative, youth participate in manufacture
related tours, including Owen Illinois, Burris and Big-R Bridge with each tour providing hands
on I earni ng experiences.
The Northern Colorado Healthcare Sector Partnership serves the same regional area. The
partnership has been strategi zi ng ways to connect youth with hands on experiences as related to
healthcare and with overwhelmingly positive support. The intention i s to conti nue f aci I i tati ng
Healthcare Boot Camps and expanding the number of youth provided with this opportunity.
In the Northern Colorado Region, it i s an expectation that employers are best served through
providing, quality, timely outreach. ESWC provides industry specific information to employers
16
on a quarterly basis through an email blast titled " Did You Know. . . " . For instance, in the
Manufacturing and Healthcare Did You Know . . . emai Is, information is relayed to employers
about Sector Partnershi p meetings and cal I s. Employers are encouraged to participate in their
respective sectors. This sector and cross sector informative email firmly identifies ESWC as the
employers resource of choice. ESWC also hosts a Sector Partnershi p Employer Workshop,
which is a f aci l i tated panel discussion for local employers to learn the benefits of being involved
in Sector Partnerships The most recent panel consisted of a three member panel with which staff
had developed good working relationships. The CWDC Sector Partnership Expert contri buted
technical information and busi ncss leaders from Banner Health and Aqua Hot Systems brought
forth their expertise as chairs from their respective sectors. The planned objective is to hold
f aci I i tated opportunities on a regional basis for the sectors the panel members represent; i n the
referenced workshop it was healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
Partnering with Chambers throughout Weld County strengthens our connections with key
busi nccs i ndi vi duals i n the local communities. These events i ncl ude the Southeast Chamber, the
Carbon V al l ey Chamber, the Ft. Lupton Chamber, the Greeley Chamber, the Johnstown-M ill i ken
Chamber, Erie Chamber and the Evans Chamber. Servi ng on the Erie Economic Development
Committee and several Aims Community Col I ege Advisory Boards supports this function as
well .
Weld County currently is engaged in the Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant (SP
N EG), which is designed to support two of our identified in-demand industries, Manufacturing
and Transportation. Employers will be served by developing a strong qualified workforce in
these industries. Employers also have an opportunity to voice their needs and concerns by
participating on a SP N EG Leadership Team. When forming the SP N EG Leadershi p Team,
ESWC envisioned which employers might be most impactful ul on the team and who would be
i kel y to parti ci pate. Ultimately, ESWC invited industry representatives who were both I eaders i n
the industry and who had been engaged with the services of ESWC i n the past. The team works
towards facilitating Regional Discussions with employers, workforce, and public partners. This
forum is not designed to compete with already established Sector Partnerships, rather it is to
expand upon those mceti ngs and al l ow for further discussion.
5. Describe how career pathways will be used to meet the needs of employers and support
work-based learning opportunities
Career pathways may be used to hel p employers better understand the path an employee is able
to take i n his/her career. A pathway may also help a potential employee understand what is
required to begin on a path within a certai n industry. A career pathway i s an option to identify
what additional training needs to be accompl i shed i n order for a candidate to be succcssf ul I y
employed. A clearly defined career path will support employers by creating a more empl oyabl e
workforce. Often, the path may i ncl ude work-based learning opportunities such as work
experience, job shadowing, on-the-job training or apprenticeships.
The Busi ne Services Unit hosts an Employer Workshop on Apprenticeships, having the State
Apprenticeship Expert lead a di scussi on on how an employer can engage in registering an
apprenti ceshi p at his/her place of business. This has opened many doors for di scussi ons with
various employers throughout the County.
17
Upholding the importance of apprenticeships, the WCWDB has supported these di scussi ons as is
evident with the Sal ud Family Health Centers. The WCWDB has been i n a collaborative
partnership with Sal ud Family Health Centers for a number of years, and over the last three years
has speci f i cal l y supported the apprenticeship initiative providing official support to secure grant
funding to begin the new initiative. Although the grant application was unfunded, Plan de Sal ud
was approved by USDOL to facilitate health related apprenticeship training programs, to include
Medical Assisting. ESWC remains committed to supporting apprenti ceshi ps and work based
leaning opportunities and will remain connected with Sal ud Family Health Centers as well as
i ni ti ate additional related initiatives with additional partners.
Career pathways i s an active workforce development strategy i n Weld County. Through the
WCWDB , the standing Youth Committee has been committed to Career Pathway initiatives and
strives to align existing programs and services whi I e expandi ng servi ces with careful oversight to
prevent duplication of services. The Greeley Mayor has identified youth employment as a
priority and is also committed to expanding employment related opportunities to youth to i ncl ude
work based learning. In 2015, with the l eadershi p of the ACE program (Achieving Community
Excel l ence) and in col l aborati on with Greeley/Evans School District 6, and multiple community
and business partners, over 50 youth were provided with a paid summer i nternshi p. Interns were
paid $10.00/per hour and were hosted by a variety of area businesses to include corporate, public
and private host sites. A l l interns were paid by the hosting business with a limited scholarship
made possible by State Farm for non-profit agencies to host interns. This program will be
expanded in 2016 to 100+ youth interns and will include additional supports provided by ESWC
to i ncl ude resume preparation, i ntervi ew skills, access to the Work Readiness Credential (WRC)
and additional employment related services. Additionally, through the existing partnerships
al ready i n place, work based l earni ng opportunities are provided to youth i n Weld County
comprised of in-school and out-of-school youth. The vast majority of in-school youth receiving
paid internship opportunities are funded outside of WI OA al I owi ng ESWC to provide scrvi ces
and program funding to youth parti ci pants experiencing barriers to employment and repreccnti ng
hard-to-serve populations. I n alignment with work based l earni ng opportunities, ACE has had
two annual Youth Leadership Summits and is currently coordinating the 3rd Annual Youth
Leadership Summit to take place in June of 2016. The summit is currently funded through a
grant awarded by State Farm. Several community members and business leaders visited
Kalamazoo to experience a Youth Leadership Summit and have since facilitated the f i rst I i ke
event in Colorado. The Leadership Summit is a Regional initiative and has welcomed youth
participants from across the State to parti ci pate. ESWC has been i nvolved with this initiative
from its inception in both planning and practice and has promoted the participation of out-of-
school youth as well as participants of WI OA and the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps
(WCYCC) comprised of TIGHT and Ameri Corps members.
n the healthcare industry, ESWC i n partnership with Aims Community Col l ege conti nue to
organize a three day hands on Health Care Career Pathways exploration referred to as a
H ea thcare Boot Camp. This i nval uabl e opportunity, targeting young adults, includes a tour of
Aims and the ability to participate in four (4) classes designed especi al l y for ESWC participants
These include, Surgical Technician, Nursing (CNA , LPN , RN ), Radiology Technician and Fire
Science classes. ESWC believes it is also important to engage the young adults with mental
18
health professions therefore a tour of Weld County's Crisis Center is i ncl uded and the
opportunity to complete a course to receive the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) certificate is
incorporated to empower young adults to recognize and respond to peers exhibiting suicidal
signs. In 2015, the 16 participating young adults learned how to suture a chicken breast using
two different techniques, operate an x-ray machine by practicing on personal belongings, hold a
fire hose and fully suit up as a f i re fighter. Parti ci pants also experienced possi bl e scenari os health
care professionals may encounter with the help of " Sim Man" . Sim Man provided opportunities
for parti ci pants to assess situations, take blood pressures at various i nterval s, respond to
particular medications given, and even witnessed physical signs of di strcss. In addition, they
experienced an actual col l ege class environment with current instructors and most i mportantl y
they were connected to a post-secondary i nsti tuti on that partners closely with ESWC so their
transition from High School Education/GED obtainment into community college may not be as
overwhel mi ng. Many of the young adults wal ked away from the experience motivated and
encouraged to further their education and start a career i n the Health Care sector.
To complement existing Career Pathway initiatives, such as the Healthcare Boot Camp, Aims
provides opportunities for concurrent enrollment, also referred as duel credit opportunities for i n-
school youth. Concurrent enrol I ment opportunities are extensive and include, but are not limited
to, health care, criminal justice, oil & gas, welding, automotive services, graphic design and
communication media. Youth el ecti ng to parti ci pate in concurrent enrollment cour are able to
obtain an associate' s degree i n harmony with their high school diploma. Additionally, ESWC
strives to extend similar opportunities to youth outside of a traditional secondary educational
environment. As such, stackable certificates are an emphasis for ESWC to ensure acct and
avai l abi l i ty for individuals who have significant barriers to employment. ESWC has been
actively engaged with Ai ms advisory committees to strc this importance. ESWC
represcntati ves have been a member of the Surgical Technology Advisory Committee since its
inception, initiated the Multi Industry Systems Technol ogy (MIST) certificate over ten years ago
(has since been renamed to Industrial Technology) , and engaged Ai ms with I ocal busi ncss
leaders to create Oil & Gas stackabl e certificates I eadi ng to a two year degree amongst numerous
additional initiatives.
Aims Community Col l ege is in partnership with various school districts and youth are able to
receive college credit while in secondary education. This provides the opportunity to explore
careers and complete one or two years of college credit whi I e also working on the high school
diploma With this avai I abi I i ty, more of the youth are abl e to be involved i n a variety of carccr
pathway options.
6. Describe other strategies and services that will be used in the planning region to support
a local workforce development system that meets the needs of businesses in the planning
region.
One of the more current and innovative workforce development initiatives i n Weld County i s the
Bright Futures program. The Board of County Commissioners made a financial commitment to
invest in the Education of its residents setting an example nationwide with their Bright Futures
program which will si ngle-handedly y have an impact on educating the workforce of tomorrow.
This innovative program allows Weld residents the opportunity to attend post-secondary school s
19
by providing tuition assistance of up to $3,000 a year for a total of four years. This became
available to any high school graduate or GED recipient beginning i n 2016 and forward. The
program i s al so open to returning Veterans. More detai I s on the Bright Futures Program can be
vi evved at: http://www.wel dCountybri ghtf utures.com/assets/cc2b016412dC4Bc4A D4A .pdf
An additional outreach method to highlight is the Open Jobs List that ESWC sends out weekly.
This tool provides up-to-date information about new and current job postings within Weld
County. There are two main distribution I i sts which are uti I i zed. First, the report is sent to all
agency Case M anagers and M anagers which al I ows Case M anagers to i n-turn provide relevant
job i nformati on to ESWC clients. Secondly, the report is distributed to over sixty public partners,
some of which include: Weld County School Districts; Aims Community College; Division of
Vocational Rehabi I i tati on; SER-National ; Department of Corrections, Adult Parole; and CD L E
Veterans. It i s so wi del y uti I i zed among the community that some of the i ndi vi duals receiving the
report repost or resend the i nformati on to their respective networks. For example, one ESWC
Manager who also participates i n the Carbon Val ley Network shares the report with those non-
profit agencies that comprise the network. Another example i s the report is used at the
Department of Human Service entry points. Clients seeki ng services at the Department of
Human Services i n areas such as TA N F, Food Stamps, Chi Id Support, etc. , can access the reports
and are encouraged to sign up for Connecting Colorado to discover more about the jobs which
are available.
Committees of the Weld County Workforce Development Board also uti I i ze strategic planning as
a means to support the I ocal workforce development system. The standing Youth Committee is
committed to analyzing busi nem needs wi thi n the Weld County planning region as well as
surrounding area. The Youth Committee has been connected with the Aims Surgical Technology
program advisors and as a result have been informed of the current nationwide labor shortage in
Steri I e Proccssi ng Departments with limited talent pipelines of i ndi vi dual s to meet future needs
in this high demand occupation. In col l aborati on with Aims Community Col l ege, the Youth
Committee and ESWC staff members have coordi nated and supported the creation of a Steri le
Processing Technician certification program which is not currently available i n Colorado; Aims
is i n the prod of obtaining State approval and anti ci pates the first cohort to begin in January
2017. Steri I e Processing Technicians clean, prod and steri I i ze surgi cal instrumentation. Each
operati ng room has a Steri I e Proccssi ng Department that is cl osel y aligned with Surgery
Departments and oftentimes fal I s under the direction and supervision of Surgical Services.
Steri I e Procemi ng Technicians must obtain a work ng knowl edge of surgi cal instrumentation,
i of ecti ous processes, and steri I i zati on techniques. Sterile Procemi ng Departments are experts on
surgical supplies and equipment as they gather and prod these items for surgi cal procedures
for both inpatient and outpatient f aci I i ti es. Creating the f i rst Sterile Processing Certification
program i n Colorado i s one exampl e of the WCWDB B and standing committees supporting I ocal
workforce development and being on the cutti ng edge of program development to meet
identified industry sector need&
n the implementation of the Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant, which addres cs
workforce needs i n the Manufacturing and Transportation Industries, a Leadership Team was
formed to ensure that the efforts and direction of ESWC staff stay i n-tune with employers within
these sectors. The team i ncl udes key Weld County employers within manufacturi ng and
20
transportation; education partners; and ESWC managers. This task force convenes on a quarterl y
basis to anal yze current workforce development efforts and share i nsi ghts to any changes
requi red to address these sector employers' needs. The idea of ESWC hosting on-site job fairs
was mentioned to this task force and received resounding support.
Employers from the SP NEG Leadership Team fully uti I i ze the recruiting events hosted by
ESWC including customized hiring events and onsi to job f ai rs which are open to all Weld
County employers. Initiated i n 2015, the use of on-site job fairs has met with strong employer
support. The venue al lows for 6-8 employers at a ti me and one of the two events per month is
industry specific. For example, recent events have i ncl uded a transportation and education
focused job fai r. Employers appreciate having the one on one interaction with job seekers.
Empl oyi ng this strategy of workforce development wi I I continue to be a part of the regional plan.
Additionally, other events which ESWC either hosts or participates i n are shared with the
membership of the Workforce Development Board and the SP N EG Leadership Team.
Notifications of events are sent through emai I and members of each respective group are
encouraged to attend. As an example, ESWC is a part of a Regional Workforce Development
Group known as WY CO (Wyoming Colorado. ) This group is made up of workforce staff from
Boulder, Lari mer, and Weld Counties as well as Wyoming. I n recognition of the I abor shed
drawing from all of these areas, the partnershi p hosts two Regional Job Fairs annual I y and
employers from the Weld County Workforce Development Board, the Leadershi p Team, and
throughout Weld are asked to parti ci pate. Held i n the spri ng and f al I , the Job Fairs support the
workforce on a regional I evel and these events have garnered huge support from employers i n
Weld County. More than 30% of the employer representation at these events has been from Weld
County and this successful strategy will be conti nued.
Another strategy Weld County uti I i zes i n developing effective workforce practices is being seen
as an instrument of change. Weld County continues to be a leader throughout the state by
participating i n pilot projects and being involved on various task forces. During the upcoming
year, ESWC will parti ci pate i n a state task force i n the development of a Business Services
Policy Guidance Letter. Under WI OA , businesses are emphasized as a primary customer
accessing services through one-stop centers and this task force wi I I identify how to provide a
unified voice and consistent Busi n Services message statewide. Weld County Staff wi
provide valuable input into this undertaking and wi I I ensure that Weld County' s existing
practices are understood and wel I represented.
Weld County's participation in Unemployment Initiatives and the diligence i n Jiving the U
population serve as another example of how strategies and services are currentl y being used to
support the I ocal workforce development system that also meets the needs of busi nesses i n the
Weld County planning region. Most recently, Weld has admi nistered the LINKS program.
During orientation, the f aci I i tator expl ai ns WI OA , workshops, the work readi ne credentials test
(WRC) and duri ng their one on one mccti ng are offered referrals to open positions. CI i ents are
made aware that by si gni ng up for any of the services, it becomes a requirement by
Unemployment Insurance (U1 ) , and if they agree, sign a client agreement at their appointment
and are provided a copy. As a continuation of scrvi ces targeted towards the unemployed, Weld
will be implementing the RESEA project i n the near future.
21
7. Describe efforts that have taken place or anticipated efforts to assess the need for and
establish regional service strategies, induding the use of cooperative service delivery
agreements
Weld County has a strong hi story of worki ng with many community partners. I n recent months,
Aims Community Col I ege (Carl Perkins), Division of Vocational Rehabi I i tati on, Right to Read,
Community Education Outreach, Intervention Community Corrections Services, Global Ref ugcc
Center, Service Employment Redevelopment (SER) - Jobs for Program National , Inc. , Rocky
Mountain Service Employment & Redevelopment, and the Community Resources and Housing
Development Corporation, have met and reviewed a draft Memorandum of Understanding
regarding the coordi nation of services under WI OA . Each partner is committed to the
development and collaboration of services not only with the workforce center but with one
another.
a. Describe the strategies and servicesthat will be used in the planning region to better
coordinate workforce development programs and services with regional economic
development services and providers;
Upstate Colorado, the lead regional economic development agent i n the Northern
Colorado Region, has a long standing and collaborative partnershi p with ESWC. In the
past ten years, this partnership was strengthened when Weld County received the Sectors
and H- 1 B Techni cal Ski I I s Training Grant. Working with Upstate as the convener
through the Sustainable M anuf acturi ng Sector I ni ti ati ve, ESWC was able to provide
training and related acti vi ti es to workers to assist them i n gaining the ski I Is and
competencies needed to obtain, or upgrade, employment i n high-growth i ndustri es or
economic doctors. Additional I y, there has been, and continues to be, representation on the
Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB) by the Upstate Colorado
Presi dent and CEO. This I ongstandi ng relationship f aci I i tates regional di scussi ons with
Upstate, employers, and other workforce partners regardi ng current workforce programs
and conversely provides Upstate the abi I i ty to inform ESWC, the Workforce Board, and
partners regarding economic development activities within the region.
Employment Services provi des Upstate customized analysis and I abor prof i I e statistics
specific to potential companies exploring Weld County for business location or
expansion. This analysis researches I abor markets, talent pool availability, hiring trends,
local and regional job seekers registered i n Connecting Colorado, education attainment
statistics i n the I abor market, etc. If the potential employers want more detai I ed
information (e.g. wage rates i n si mi I ar companies, shift differentials, commute ti mes,
etc. ) concerning comparable companies, additional research is completed for the
employer. This col I aborati ve effort and the wi I I i ngncss to respond to potential companies
requests has resulted i n numerous positive results i n attracting large i ndustri es to the local
area such as Owens Illinois, V estas, and L epri no Foods. Conversd y, where companies
are i n a position where they need to downsi ze or close, Employment Services and Upstate
represcntati ves visit with the companies to determine if there is a way to respond to the
companies needs and when necessary, provide rapid response activities to the affected
employees.
22
The col l aborati on with Upstate as a key partner facilitates regional discussion through its
involvement with partner economic development entities including the Colorado Office
of Economic Development and International Trade and the Southwest Weld Economic
Development group that borders Adams and Boulder counties.
b. Describe how the planning region will strategically coordinate workforce investment
activities with the provision of adult education and literacy activities under title I I .
As mentioned above, a Memorandum of Understanding is in place with Right to Read,
the local entity delivering the adult education and l i teracy activities under Title II of
W I OA . The Executive Director is member of the WCWDB and currently serves as chair
of the Youth Committee. Similar to Upstate Colorado as mentioned above, the WCWDB
serves as a conduit for i nformati on sharing and regional discussions regardi ng current
workforce programs and the development of initiatives to meet adult learner needs.
Collaboration has taken place to provide a bridge for adult learners to work seaml essl y
between adult basic education/ESL , Aims Community College, and Employment
Services. A model to reinforce a no wrong door approach for each agency was developed
under the Weld A l l i ance Career Education Pathways partnership in 2011 . This effort has
allowed for further coordination with additional agencies such as Lutheran Fami l y
Services, the Global Refugee Center and Weld County Volunteer Agency (VOLAG)
scrvi ng the refugee population, to provide additional services for Weld' s refugees and
individuals in need of ESL .
c. Describe how the planning region will strategically coordinate workforce investment
activities with the provision of vocational rehabilitation services under title IV.
The Weld Region has had, and continues to have, an excellent working relationship with
the local Division of Vocational Rehabi l i tati on ( DVR) and has had a strong partnership
that has been in place for many years. DVR serves on the WCWDB , participates in
regional sector work, and is in leadership roles on ESWC committees. It is anticipated
that with the move by DVR to CDLE, incrcased opportunities to serve individuals with
di sabi I i ti es wi I I occur. DVR is currently actively involved i n a variety of col I aborati ve
efforts with ESWC such as job fairs and sector planning discussions. The M OU with the
WCWDB will outline collaborative efforts for business hiring events aswell asassisting
clients i n accessi ng workforce system services.
d. Describe the strategies and services that will be used in the planning region to
strengthen linkages between the one-stop delivery system and unemployment
insurance programs
ESWC has extensive ex peri ence i n serving Unemployment Insurance (U I ) d ai mants. I n
2012-2013, processes were implemented under the Emergency Unemployment
Compensation Program (EUC) and a major component of that initiative was the
development of a U I eligibility assessment. With program requirements for extended
23
benefits, U I claimants were requi red to parti ci pate i n activities designed to increase
employment job searches and employability skills to find and obtain employment.
Services for U I claimants have i ncl uded:
• Assessments including basic ski I I s, interest inventories, aptitude and attitudinal
assessments
• Testing including the Work Readi ncss Certification
• One on one or group staff assi stance regarding I abor mark and occupational
information
• Interview and resume workshops
• Individual i zed job search assistance
• Referral servi ces to training including W I A/W I OA funded training
• Resources are uti I i zed to provide assistance with appl i cations for Federal Pel I
Grants, including I i nkages with community col I eges and universities, including on
site material and appropriate web based sites
• Other al l owabl e services as identified under the Wagner Peyser Act
Bui I di ng upon these strategies, ESWC continues successful coordination with the
Division of U I to assist claimants by implementing U I profiling strategies through a
program known as L I N K S to Re-employment. I n addition, the U I Division has been
working with I ocal off i ces to rol I out the Reemployment Services and El i gi bi I i ty
Assessment ( RESEA ) program. It i s anticipated that this service will have similar results
in assisting clients from the start with the goal of assisting them find employment on an
expedited basis.
Employment Services anti ci pates that by Program Year 16 the U I chat function will be
avai l abl e in the Greeley off i ce which will then allow U I cl i ents to video-chat on line with
U I representatives concerning questi ons about their d ai m.
a Provide a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment
activities carried out in the local area with statewide rapid response activities, as
described in section 134(a)(2)(A) ;
ESWC will provide Rapid Response workshops for affected employers and workers,
immediately after the State (or Workforce Center) is notified either by WARN Notice or
by other means, of a current or projected permanent closure or mass l ayoff; or a
dislocation as a result of such disaster. The Rapid Response team for ESWC includes a
representative from the Business Services unit and case managers from the Adult Special
Programs team that serves Dislocated Workers and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA )
customers. These individuals are able to speak to services avai l abl e to Dislocated
Workers as wel I as to those services avai I abl e to any potential trade affected workers.
The Rapid Response team works in tandem with represcntati ves from the B usi ncss
Services Unit ( BSU ) and the TAA Program. The BSU represcntati ve is determined by the
sector industry of which the affected employer is a part. ESWC has the technology and
capabi I i ty to deploy the Rapid Response team to any part of the County at any time that is
convenient for the employer and the affected workers, and the Rapid Response workshop
24
is avai I abl e i n both English and Spanish to best accommodate the needs of the employer
and the affected workers.
I mmedi ate and on-site contact with the employer, representatives of the affected workers,
and the local community, may include an assessment of the:
i . Layoff plans and schedule of the employer;
i i . Potential for averti ng the I ayoff(s) i n consultation with Upstate Economic
Devel opment or the State economi c development agencies, i ncl udi ng private
sector economic development entities;
i i i . Background and probabl e assi stance needs of the affected workers;
iv. Reemployment prospects for workers i n the local community;
v. Available resources to meet the short and long-term assistance needs of the
affected workers.
vi . The State Rapid Response Unit is informed of any layoffs i n Weld County
and provi des packets of i nformati on that are provided to affected workers
duri ng workshops.
8. Provide a description of the replicated cooperative agreements (as defined in section
107(d)(11 )) between the local board or other local entities described in section 101 (a)(11 )(B)
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U .S.C. 721 (a)(11 )(B)) and the local office of a
designated State agency or designated State unit administering programs carried out under
title I of such Ad (29 U .S.C. 720 et seq.) (other than section 112 or part C of that title (29
U .S.C. 732, 741 ) and subject to section 121 (f)) in accordance with section 101 (a)(11 ) of such
Act (29 U .S.C. 721 (a)(11 )) with respect to effortsthat will enhance the provision of services
to individuals with disabilities and to other individuals, such as cross training of staff,
technical assistance, use and sharing of information, cooperative efforts with employers,
and other efforts at cooperation, collaboration, and coordination;
As a region, Weld has had a I ongstandi ng commitment to serving those with barriers i ncl udi ng
those with di sabi I i ti es and ESWC has developed and maintained both f aci I i ty and program
accessi bi I ity to career services. School district' s SWAP programs and DV R participate on
Workforce Development standing committees and staff members from DV R, SWAP and ESWC
cross trai n with one another. Addi ti onal I y, Busi nc Services sends the I i st of open jobs weekl y
to DV R, school districts and community agencies such as SER Jobs for Progress so they can
revi evv and make referral s to employment or use the I i st as a di scussi on for careers.
A survey from the Department of Labor regarding the accessi bi I ity of our workforce center, its
programs and scrvi ces for people with di sabi I i ti es, was completed i n December 2014. The survey
was a great opportunity for self-assessment and analysis to determine, as a center, if we are both
accessi ble with programs and services. Staff of ESWC are trai ned i n worki ng with those with
D i sabi I i ti es through the use of the A DA endorsed site www.wiawebcourse.org and are aware of
Section 188 Implementation of the Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions and
Access for A l l ; a resource manual for mccti ng the needs of one-stop customers with disabilities.
25
9. If determined appropriate by the planning region, describe the coordination of
transportation and other supportive services or discuss why these are not appropriate for
the planning region at this time.
As a region, the most obvious need for future investment i n Weld County is the long-term
investment in the road and bridge infrastructure. The Weld County Region encompasses 3,987
square mi I es. Due to physi cal constrai nts al one, transportation and supportive scrvi ces are an
essential part of assistance. According to the 2010-2014 American Community Survey 5-Year
Estimates, there is a total of 111 ,725 workers 16 years and over utilizing a car, truck or van as
their means of transportation to work. Public transportation (excluding taxi cab) totaled 765 while
Taxicab, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Walking and Other Means totaled 5,039.
A transportation plan has boon created and takes a look at the condition of the current
transportation system, and uses County land use forecasts and regional travel demand models to
outline a plan that will develop and maintain a safe and efficient long term roadway network in
Weld County. The plan strives to i mprove the movement of people and goods to all Weld
County communities by enhancing regional arterial roadways. Current highway acccss for the
region includes 1 -25 and State Highway 85 for North/South demand, with 1 -76, State Highway
34 & State Highway 14 catering to the East/West demand. General Aviation acct can be found
i n the region at the Greeley/Weld County Airport as wel 1 as the Erie M uni ci pal Airport. Freight
Rail Access is demonstrated i n the fol I owi ng map:
- - -� L -,1:he% i -I"�
1 O INYOMING NEB '
Ir COLORADO
` V\-) t
Great Western Railway
(short line)
velingwn
FDrt Union Facific Railway
con' - Timn
•a1Cc*n-
Want
r ,,, incisor
`•hnsmw,
Berth• • "
__Ali>sams
.r'r '[
I
Ide, Burlington
NortherWSanta Fe
,--_,‘ . I c . awn
' k 1
f? r .'�
26
10. If determined appropriate by the planning region, describe how administrative cost
arrangements have been coordinated, induding the pooling of fundsfor administrative
costs or discuss why theeeare not appropriate for the planning region at this time.
Weld County is the only County in the Northern Colorado Region and as a result, the pooling of
funds for administrative costs is not necessary. However, the Department of Human Services has
a cost allocation plan which al l ocates costs based on time charged by staff. As one of the f i ve
divisions i n the Department, ESWC staff primarily charge to programs related to employment
grants. Approximately 50% of the staff charge to TA N F, Employment First Food Stamps,
A meri Corps, Community Service BI ock Grant, and Child Welfare programs. Indirect costs such
as rent, phone I i nes and admi ni strati ve cost pool costs are then reimbursed by the percent of staff
ti me spent i n the respective grants. Therefore, al I grant programs eff ecti vel y support the one-stop
center.
11 . The establishment of an agreement concerning how the planning region will
collectively negotiate and reach agreement with the Governor on local levels of
performance for, and report on, the performance accountability measures described in
WI OA sec. 116(c) for local areas or the planning region.
Since the I ocal area i s al so the PI anni ng Region (Weld), there isn't a I evel of consensus needed
as there is i n other PI anni ng Regions The prod for agreement with the Governor regarding
performance accountabi I ity measures wi I I be the same i n Program Year 16 as they were for
WIA .A . As additional gui dance i s received from the US Department of Labor, the Colorado
Workforce Development Council (CWDC), and the Colorado Department of Labor and
Employment (CD LE)E) regardi ng the use of the performance adjustment model and how it will
apply to the Weld County Region, ESWC and the W D B will negotiate standards as specified by
the Council and CD L E.
12. Provide a description of how one-stop centers are implementing and transitioning to
an integrated, technology-enabled intake and case management information system for
programs carried out under this Act and programs carried out by one-stop partners,
Employment Services of Weld County currently operates a number of the programs identified as
partner programs i n WI OA , including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title
Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Programs, the Title III Wagner Peyser Act (WP), Trade
Adjustment Act (TAA ), the Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker program (M SFW), and provides
functional supervision to the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DV OP) staff under the Jobs
for Veterans State Grant (JV SG) . Al I program i ndi vi duals are registered i n Connecting Colorado
and as such, basic information is not duplicated. As additional coordination between major
program systems such as the Colorado Benefits Management System (CB MS)S) and Connecting
Colorado take place, the abi I i ty to have a more technology enabled intake and case management
system should become more avai I abl e. As additional agreements between the WI OA Core
Partners take place, particularly at the state I evel , additional means to cross share i nformati on
will take place. Currently, job openings are shared with partner agencies via email and as
interagency agreements and Memorandum of Understanding (M OU ) are developed at the state
evel , partners may be able to acccm Connecting Colorado directly.
27
13. Briefly describe the activities and steps taken to develop this regional plan.
After the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, and the issuance of
the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ng ( NPRM ),), information regarding the regional and local plan
development was discussed with the Board of Weld County Commissioners and the Weld
County Workforce Development Board. As additional guidance and clarification from the US
Department of Labor, the Colorado Workforce Development Council , and the Colorado
Department of Labor emerged, the Weld County regional plan was developed after an analysis of
local data was undertaken. With discussion at the managerial level of ESWC, the Weld County
Workforce Development Board members, and workforce partner programs, the thoughts were
formulated into a plan.
The Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB) worked on the development of
this Region/Local Area Ran on a number of occasions in open Board mccti ngs and was able to
obtain input from workforce system partners, community agencies, and employers. After an
anal ysi s of local labor market data was compiled and reviewed, the Board identified and
approved the targeted industry sectors. In March 2016 the Board developed a meeting devoted
specifically towards partner agencies to obtain additional input and review and develop the Core
Partner Memorandum of Understanding (M OU ) regarding the operation of the workforce
system.
The Board' s standing Youth Committee also discussed the contents of the plan on a number of
occasions and developed and approved the Request for Proposals concerning the provision of the
required youth elements. Additional I y the Committee identified career pathways as being a
priority and a collaborative partner task force was developed to addrcm the gap in educational
services for i ndi vi dual I i teracy gaps between the 6t" and 9th grade levels.
After input from the Board, Youth Committee, and the partners, this plan was then made
available for public comment for a period of 30 days by posting it on the County website at:
http://www.co.weld.co. us/appl egal Notices/ After the 30 day review period and the
incorporation of relevant comments received, the plan will be approved by the Board of County
Commissioners, and submitted prior to the May 2, 2016 deadline.
14. Describe the process used by the local boards in this planning region to provide an
opportunity for public comment, induding comment by representatives of businesses and
comment by representatives of labor organizations, and input into the development of the
plan prior to its submission.
Notice of the Ran availability for review was provided to Weld County Workforce Development
Board members (WCWDB), Chambers, economic development community partners, school
districts, youth serving agencies and employers in the identified sector initiatives (both l ocal l y
and regi onal I y) .
As mentioned in item 13, employers and labor representatives on the W CW D B had input
opportunity. Fol lowing that support, the plan was made available to the public, and comments
28
were solicited, by posting it on http://www.co.weld.co.us/appsilegal Notices/ After the 30 day
deadl i ne for commentary and with Commissioner approval , the plan will be submitted.
B. For Each Local Area in the Planning Region
The Colorado Workforce Development Council Continuous I mprovement Management System
(CI MS) questions are incorporated into the local area plan below. Quarterly reports wi I I be
requi red that highlight the specific questions that wi II impact performance incentives. The
quarterly report will be reviewed by the CD LE E Regional Liaisons and Program Monitors, plus
the Colorado Workforce Development Council . Additional guidance regarding performance
incentives and quarterly reporting will be provided i n a separate PGL .
Note: I n the event that a single local area also comprisesa regional planning area,
questions 1 -3 can be eliminated from the local plan because they duplicate questions in the
regional plan.
4. Provide an analysis of the workforce development activities (including education
and training) in the local area, including an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of
such services, and the capacity to provide such services, to address the identified education
and skill needs of the workforce and the employment needs of employers in the local area.
The Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB) has a long established history of
focusi ng workforce devel opment activities and servi ces, i ncl udi ng trai ni ng and cducati on
activities, towards the existing in-demand and emerging industry sectors i n Weld County. A s a
designated local area, Weld County wi I I continue to focus workforce development activities and
efforts on meeting the needs of the i denti f i ed in-demand industry sectors as i denti f i ed i n the
Regional portion of this plan. The Workforce Board has and will continue to focus efforts on
convening sector targeted work groups that result in coordinated initiatives between partners that
are designed to meet the identified needs of the i n-demand sector employers.
As an example, through the WIRED Initiative, the WCWDB and Employment Services worked
with Aims Community Col l ege to develop two Multi Industry Systems Technician (MIST)
certificates based on the needs identified by manufacturing/advanced manufacturing industry
employers. Due to the sued of the M I ST program and through continued i nput by
manufacturing sector employers, the program was eventual I y expanded to four certificates and
an avai l abl e AA S degree. The program has continued to be modified basod on input from
manufacturing sector employers, as wel I as input from the WCWDB , and has since been
renamed to Industrial Technology program. These certificates and degree options are a viable
training option for the manufacturing/advanced manufacturing sector. Li nks with efforts taki ng
place under the Colorado Blue Print and the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Al I i ance
(CAMA ) continue.
As a member of the COETC TAA grant that provided resources to support the
education/training, Aims uti I i zed the f oundati ons of the Industrial Technology program
developed under the WI RED initiative, along with input provided by the WCW D B ' s Oil and Gas
Task Force (which included employer representatives from many of the County' s oil and gas
industry sector employers), to develop certificate and degree programs for careers in the of I and
gas sector. Although this industry sector is currently experiencing an ebb i n the demand for
workers state wide, there continues to be a need i n the Weld County area. Once the commodity
29
market rebounds, it i s anticipated the need for a trai ned workforce will also rebound
significantly. Both of these sector focused programs provide additional options for unemployed
and incumbent workers to gai n ski I I s, as wet I as certificates, for these targeted industry sectors.
Aims Community Col I ege, i n partnership with ESWC, has i ntenti onal I y designed certificates to
be stackabl e thereby increasing the val ue and opportunity to apply gai ned skills and knowledge
within various sectors.
Through the H 1 -B training grant, the WCWDB B identified the funds would be utilized to enhance
the higher level training options and needs primarily for employers i n the Sustai nable
Manufacturing Sector. Funds were used to increase the higher level ski I Is needs of the incumbent
workers in high demand occupations for the targeted industry sector employers. Upstate
Colorado Economic Development was identified as the convener for this Sector initiative to
f aci t i tate the connection of employers needs with training providers. The training and subsequent
certifications provided information on the needs of this industry sector and an identification of
the various skill needs and trai ni ng opti ons for both incumbent workers as well as the long-term
unemployed to assist them i n acquiring the requisite skills for high skill , high demand
occupati ons.
The Weld County Workforce Development Board and Employment Services of Weld County
have conti nued to work on meeti ng the health sector needs in the local area si nce the
development of the collaborative efforts with partners for the Gee Whiz Health Camps, the
development of a Nuclear Radiological Technician Certificate, and the collaboration to expand
entry level health worker training avai l abl e in the early 2000' s. Since that time the Board has
continued to be active i n working with a variety of partners to develop activities and services
meet the health and well ncss sector needs. Efforts have resulted i n additional career pathways for
youth and adults and Employment Services staff acti vet y parti ci pate in the existing sector
initiatives.
The Youth Committee and ESWC staff have been connected with the Aims Surgical Technology
program advisors and have been informed of the current nationwide labor shortage in Steri t e
Procesi ng Departments with limited tat ent pipelines of i ndi vi dual s to meet future needs i n thi s
high demand occupation. In col l aborati on with Aims Community Col l ege, the Youth Committee
and ESWC staff members have coordi nated and supported the creation of a Steri I e Processi ng
Technician certification, which is not currently avai l abl e in Colorado, under STEM Career
Pathway funding. By creating the f i rst Steri l e Processing Certification program i n Colorado the
Weld County Workforce Development Board, our partners, and the Board' s Standing
Committees have taken a lead i n the development of activities and services to meet the needs of
the health and wel I ness industry sector employers not only i n the I ocal region but i n the state as
well .
Aims Community Col l ege, the University of Northern Colorado, and I BM C represent the
pri mary post-secondary educational i nsti tuti ons i n Weld County. Fort M organ and Front Range
community col l eges as wel I as CSU and CU provide required support for additional educational
opportunities. Various workforce development activities and sector initiatives have identified
additional proprietary schools and other training opti ons avai I abl e, including on-I i ne trai ni ng that
can meet the needs for employers, incumbent workers, and job seekers. Employment Services of
Weld County uti I i zes these i nsti tuti ons to train clientele whose interest include, but are not
limited to, truck driving, healthcare, manufacturing/industrial technology, information
30
technology, welding, animal care, admi ni strati ve assistance and GED preparation. Training
dol l ars are spent only i n areas identified as an i n-demand or growl ng industry sectors.
5. Describe the local board's strategic vision and goals for preparing an educated and
skilled workforce (including youth and individuals with barriers to employment), induding
goals relating to the performance accountability measures based on primary indicators of
performance described in section 116(b)(2)(A) in order to support economic growth and
economic self-sufficiency.
The Weld County Workforce Investment Board developed its strategic vision and plan in 2014
covering the period of 2014-2016. This vision continues to be i mpl emented and it is the intent
that once f i nal WIOA OA implementation guidelines and regulations are issued, the Board will
develop a new strategic plan covering the period of 2016-2019.
As indicated in its 2014-2016 Strategic Plan, the Weld County Workforce Development Board
Envisions:
- A workforce development system understandable to its customers and easy to use
- A workforce development system admi ni stared local I y
- A workforce development system focused on outcomes and performance
- A workforce development system supportive to individuals' growth to become productive
employees and to develop skills to progress in the level of performance
- A workforce development system flexible and pro-active in changing resources to meet
customer needs
The Weld County Workforce I nvestment Board realizes the following opportunities and challenges
- Retain current busi ncsscs
- Retrai n underemployed population i nto higher demand roles
- Serve i n an information provider role to advise legislators on the impact of their decisions
- Take on a grouter role i n hel pi ng i of l uence how our future workforce i s developed
- Maintain activity within motor initiatives
- Helping current employers develop their future leaders
- Conti nue to I i nk with post-secondary institutions and job seekers on needed skills and training
- Align career pathways efforts for students across the County
- Become more informative i n sharing labor market i nformati on with educators and students
- Prepari ng older workforce to take on new roles
- Helping Veterans appl y current ski I I s as they relate to the civilian world
- Immigration and ref ugee job seeker populations with limited language ski I Is
- Serving as I i ai sons with employers to help them succeed when hiring refugees
- Conti nui ng to promote short term training for industry specific needs
- Enhanced communication and information strategies amongst the board and entire County
- Develop a resource map of activities
- Become community ambassadors on the role and function of the Workforce Development Board
To implement these efforts, the Board has developed the following standing committees:
Workforce Awareness Employment Program Development Youth Council
Strategies Strategies Strategies
- Conti nue sector initiatives - Conti nue sector initiatives - Conti nue sector initiatives
- Involve employment - Ensure all training providers mcct - Provide service i n the
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Workforce Awareness Employment Program Development Youth Council
services programs i ndustry standards and have community
- Enhanced communication measurable outcomes identified by - Encourage participation and
and information strategies I aw I eadershi p
amongst the board and - Uti I i ze tool s to effectively set - Take on a greater rol e i n
enti re County di recti on to meet workforce needs affecti ng how the future
- Retai n current busi noises - Recommend approval of grants workforce in Weld County is
- Hi ghl i ght ESWC - Promote the development of partner developed
success resources to address ski I I shortages - Conti nue to sic additional
- Involve Legislative and retraining needs opportune ti es to col I aborate
Representatives - Conti nue to I ink with post-secondary - Al i gn efforts with youth
institutions and job seekers on servi ce agencies
needed ski I I s and training for the
future
To provide more detail , the three tables I i sted below provide an outline on how future board priorities are
aligned with specific goals existing within the current WFB committee structure.
Workforce Awareness Committee
Goals Strategies
Support marketi ng efforts for the Workforce Conti nue sector i ni ti ati ves
Development System and Workforce - Create task force groups to address specific sector needs
Development Board. - Invite rural chamber reps to General Membership meeting
- Distribute Board Newsletter to rural Chambers of
Commerce
Create measures of customer satisfaction. I nvol ve employment services programs
- Fol I ow up on surveys each program provi des clients and
busi nesscs
I ncrease awareness of Employment Services Enhanced communication and i nformati on strategies amongst the
i n Weld County and actively solicit public board and entire County
and private sector support. - Work as community ambassadors on role & function of
WDB
- Accompany ESWC staff on employer visits
- Conduct presentations at Chambers of Commerce
- Accompany staff at community events to share info on
ESWC servi ces
Support economic development efforts Retain current busi nesses
resulting i n new and expanding busi ncn - Employer visits
usage of the services provided through - Job f ai rs to connect employers with potential employees
Employment Services. - Partner with and support local economic development entities
Identify opportune ti es to support public Highlight ESWC Successes
relation activiti ti es to celebrate the success of - Coordinate specific employment activities i n recognition
the workforce system. of Workforce Development Month
- Host recognition/appreciation events
- I ni ti ate publication of program/parti ci pant
accompl i shments
Identify legislative changes and trends at I nvol ve Legislative Representatives
the national and state I evel s to determi ne - Provide information to I egi sl ators on the impact of thei r
thei r i mpact on the local workforce system. decisions
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Employment Program Development Committee
Goals Strategies
Develop plans for local workforce Continue doctor initiatives
investment systems and set local workforce - Identify and respond to funding opportunities to serve
policy for Employment Services. citizens
- Alignment of resources under the Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act
- B usi ncss Relations process
- Increase avai I abi I i ty to employers of tools such as: online
training, labor market information, awarenc of state
resources available to busi asses, on-the-job-training, and
work experience
Identify eligible trai ni ng providers and I n alternate years review and ensure al I trai ni ng providers meet
require that they meet industry standards i ndustry standards as requi red by law
Set local performance standards and Ensure employment and trai ni ng programs have measurable
recommended goals i n accordance with outcomes identified by law
W I A/W I OA and establish objectives for the
workforce system partners, assessi ng the
effectiveness of local workforce systems.
Supply information on labor market needs Uti I i ze tools to effectively set direction to meet workforce needs
through workforce systems. - EM SI - HWOL - Economic Forecast
Review and recommend approval of grants, Employment and trai ni ng grants add= short and long term
contracts and plans affecti ng adult customers workforce trai ni ng needs i n Weld County
of Employment Services of Weld County. - Approval of the contracts, grants and plans
Design and refine programs and systems to Promote the development of partner resources to addrs ski II
become i ncreasi ngl y responsive to busi nesu shortages and retrai ni ng needs
needs. - Helping Veterans apply current ski I I s as they rel ate to the civilian
world by prioritizing services to Veterans and partnering with
Veterans organizations
- I mprove services to immigration and the ref ugee job seeker
populations with limited language skill s
- Conti nui ng to promote short term training for industry speci f i c
needs through sector planning initiatives
Coordinate services with other workforce Continue to I i nk with post-secondary institutions and job deckers
system partners and community efforts to on needed ski I I s and training for the future
provide the best possible scrvi ce to both job
dockers and employers.
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Youth Committee
Goals Strategies
Design and refine youth programs and Conti nue sector initiatives and career pathways
systems to become i ncreasi ngl y responsi ve to - Parti ci pate i n prof ects to bui I d relevant employment ski I I s
bus nom needs.
- Promote sector initiatives by inviting individuals to share
applicable i nformati on with the Youth Council and report to
the Workforce Development Board
Recommend goals and objectives for Provide service i n the community to meet the needs of youth
youth programs and systems. parti ci pants, local busi nesses and the community i n general
Promote positive communications with the Encourage participation and I eadershi p within the Youth
Workforce Development Board concerning Committee whi le increasing effective communication with the
youth programs. Workforce Development Board to gai n guidance and support
Anal yze private sector job opportunities Take on a greater role i n affecting how the future workforce i n
for youth job cockers, including esti mates Weld County is developed
by occupation, industry and location.
- Conti nue to I i nk with secondary, post-secondary institutions
and job seekers on needed skills and training for future
employment
- Al i gn youth services with emerging carer pathways via
partnership with local school districts and employers
- Become more engaged i n shari ng labor market i nformati on
with educators and students
Leverage funds for youth programs from Conti nue to scck additional opportunities to col I aborate with
various fundi ng streams and maxi mi ze workforce system partners, busi new and educational
their impact. facilities
- Remain actively engaged with local and state A meri Corps
and Youth Corps Associations for additional funding
opportunities
- Conti nue to bui I d rel ati onshi ps with rural areas i n Wel d
County to maxi mize grant awards to benefit the Youth
Corps and positively impact local communities
Set policy and bui Id a youth development Al i gn efforts with workforce system partners and youth service
system. agencies by reviewing other agencies' goals and objectives
6. Describe the strategies and servicesthat will be utilized to facilitate engagement of
employers induding udi ng small employers and employers in in-demand industry sectors and
occupations in workforce development programs Specifically:
a. What outreach activities are planned to increase busi ness engagement in your local
area?
The Busi ne Services Unit (BSU ) engages employers by sending industry specific
i nformati on through emai I updates entitled " Did You Know. . . " This method of outreach
is done on a quarterly basis. Addi ti onal I y, the Busi ncss Services Manager ( BSM )
partici pates with the Erie Economic Counci I and is able to engage with employers
through this forum; this Counci I meets quarterly. The BSM also fad I i tates the Leadershi p
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Team of the Sector Partnershi p National Emergency Grant (SP N EG) and coordi nates
annual Regional Industry Discussions.
ESWC has excel I ent represcntati on throughout Weld County through its i nvol vement i n
numerous Chambers. Although Weld County is vast geographical I y, staff attend meetings
at Chambers i n every area of the County! M ecti ngs at the f of I owi ng chambers of
commerce are attended on a routine basis: Erie Chamber, Evans Chamber, Carbon Valley
Chamber, Ft. Lupton Chamber, Johnstown/Milliken Chamber, and the Southeast Weld
County Chamber. Connections have also been establ i shed with numerous economic
developers for i ndi vi dual towns and communities; as wel I as with Upstate Colorado
which is the I eadi ng Economic Development agency in Northern Colorado. Another way
i n which ESWC serves the public and increases connectivity with public partners is
through participation with numerous Advisory Committees for Aims Community
Col l ege. A newly formed Public Partners Committee has been identified. During the
Sector Academy held in November 2015, it was determined that there was a need for
Public Partners in Northern CO to have one unified, singular voice. This call to action
resulted in the formation of a Public Partners Collaboration which held the first mccting
in the Spring of 2016. The goal of the group is to find a way to work together cohesi vel y
as partners and not inundate employers with numerous, repetitious requests by multi pie
public partners. The group is in formative stages; however, has developed the M i ssi on
Statement which follows: Provide a collaborative and coordinated group of public partners
that Sector Industry Partners can work with to meet their workforce and training
needs/challenges.
ESWC has found that through these connections and rel ati onshi ps, we are able to stay on
the pulse of the busi ness community employment needs. These successful strategies wi I
continue under the new plan.
b. H ow will the Business Services Team be utilized for this purpose?
The Busi ns Services Team (representing the Weld County Workforce efforts) has
f aci I i tated sector partnerships for a number of years. The statewide busi nem services
team i ncepti on has strengthened efforts to encourage busi ncss participation. Busi ncss
Services Representatives (BSR) wi I I continue to parti ci pate on the sub-teams of
professional development, tool box development, the Connecti ng Colorado and state
marketi ng workgroups. Management staff has parti ci pated i n the development of the
goals and obj ecti ves for the initiatives discussed i n each group. A planned objective is to
conti nue with the statewide business services team and vol unteer or develop professional
and marketi ng tools.
The Business Services team uses the sector approach to engage employers i n meaningful
discussion regard' ng their current and future needs. BSR' s keep employers i nformed of
various i ni ti ati ves and opportunities designed to improve, or increase, the pi pel i ne for
future workforce needs; the avai I abi I i ty of services or resources for the sustai nabi I ity or
i mprovement of thei r current workforce; and/or opportunities for the employer to partner
with education entities to inform students of the various career pathways i n their speci f i c
i ndustry sector. The Workforce Development Board developed a marketi ng campaign to
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encourage more sector involvement and ESWC has distributed " Did You Know . . . "
emai Is i n the Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Oil and Gas Sectors; as well as a cross
sector version. A planned objective is to generate a " Did You Know . . . " for at least one
sector on a quarterly basis.
The team parti ci pates on regional sectors in healthcare and advanced manufacturing. The
ocal sector initiatives include partneri ng with healthcare providers, school districts and
Aims Community Col I ege to integrate career pathways with the sector strategies. Joint
support with the regional sector group has moved initiatives into better strategic plans. A
planned objective is to help f aci I i tate opportunities on a regional basis i n healthcare and
manufacturi ng.
c. H ow will the members (particularly business members) of the LW DB and Youth
Council/committee support these efforts?
W CW D B members are always kept abreast of local initiatives and members are strongl y
encouraged to help " spread the word" to other members of the business community
regarding programs avai I abl e through ESWC. Addi ti onal I y, the WCWDB and the Youth
Committee have identified the key sector partnerships as mentioned previously, and are
involved through task forces specific to i ni ti ati yes and/or the measurement of the
program and the results of services and initiatives. The healthcare sector is planning to
host a job fair i n 2016, and tours of manufacturing plants by students hosted by the
manufacturing partnershi ps are also bei ng planned. Measurable outcomes wi I I be to
develop and report on results through a best practices submission and quarterly report to
the CWDC.
d. How will sector partnerships be utilized for this purpose?
I nvol vement i n the sector partnerships al I ows for connections to be made with local
employers. It i s through these connections that information can be shared about Weld
County initiatives. The Weld County Workforce Development Board (WCWDB)
identified two regional partnerships (Health Care and Advanced Manufacturing), as well
as local sector partnerships focusing on: manufacturing; energy (with an emphasis on the
oil and gas industry and the supply chai n) ; health care; transportation and l ogi sti cs
(Adams County is a partner i n this effort); and admi ni strati ve support (with an emphasis
on call center and back office support for all industries). These industry sectors are areas
of emphasis for not only the Business Services representatives, but also the other
programs and services offered within ESWC. Employment Services will utilize the
Sector Partnership and Career Pathway tools available through, and in partnership with,
the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) as appropriate. Staff currently
participate in the Sector Summits hosted by the CWDC and are committed to
involvement i n career pathways efforts as they are developed. ESWC wi I I also conti nue
to participate on the statewide peer networking cal I s.
e. What are your objectives and goals for these activities?
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It is the goal of ESWC to be responsive to the needs (both stated and unstated) of Weld
County employers; to be i ncl usi ve of both smal I and large empl oyer needs; and to
actively promote devel opment of a stronger workforce i n i n-demand i ndustri es.
7. Discuss the implementation of initiatives designed to meet the needs of employers in
the local area that support the local board's strategy, induding:
a. Work-Based Learning Programs Explain how you will utilize and promote
incumbent worker training programs on-the-job training programs customized
training programs internships or other activitiesfor PY16.
Youth: ESWC wi I I conti nue to provide WI OA Youth with opportune ti es to parti ci pate on
a paid work experience/1i mited internship or On the Job Training placement. At I cast
20% of WI OA Youth funds wi I I be spent on these areas. WI OA Youth wi 1 I conti nue to
be provided with career pathway opportunities, to include apprenticeship exploration. At
the inception of WI OA , ESWC f aci I i tated apprenticeship tours i n the Denver Metro area
i n partnershi p with the Colorado Sheet Metal Workers Joint A pprenti ceshi p and Trai ni ng
Institute, participated i n the annual Colorado Construction Career Days and coordinated a
Healthcare Boot Camp. Each of these initiatives were aligned with work based I earni ng
opportunities. Activities such as these wi I I conti nue and avenues for expansion wi I I be
explored.
The Busi ne Services Team will support the WI OA Youth team i n the development of
work experiences and i nternshi ps. I n the manufacturing partnership, ESWC is a vital part
of the ` Manufacturing Rocks' committee' s work which resulted i n tours of manufacturing
plants within Lari mer and Weld counties. Student tours are scheduled to take place
throughout PY 16. The goal of these tours is to generate interest i n the industry, as a
whole, and to educate the student population, and school district staff, on the career paths
necessary to work i n the industry.
I n addition, ESWC supports work-based I earni ng through a variety of avenues,
I everagi ng funds and increasing the total number of youth served by ESWC. Additional
initiatives i ncl ude faci I itati ng Corps based models, i ncl udi ng Amen Corps grant funding.
The Weld County Youth Corps is a proven strategy for engaging young people i n service
to their communities and stewardship of their environment whi I e cultivating valuable
ski 1 I s to meet the chal I enges of the 21st century. Youth Corps parti ci pants earn a I i vi ng
stipend and also gain techni cal training and work experience. Youth Corps parti ci pants
i mprove Colorado' s publ i c I ands, conserve natural resources and hel p underserved
populations whi 1 e bui 1 di ng bright futures for their selves. In col 1 aborati on with the
Colorado Youth Corps Association (CY CA ), the Weld County Youth Conservation
Corps creates col I aborati ve and i nnovati ve partnershi ps across the County and eastern
plains.
Bui It upon the foundation of a Youth Corps model , the TI GHT (Teamwork, Innovation,
Growth, Hope and Trai ni ng) program provi des critical services for had to serve, out of
school youth with significant barriers to employment. TIGHT is f ul I y funded by the
38
Department of Human Services of Weld County through CORE service and Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TAN F) funding. TI GHT was developed to delay or
eliminate out of home placement for youth involved with D HS. The TI GHT Youth Corps
addrcsscs this community need providing youth with opportuni ti es to increase basi c
ski I I s, whi I e si mul taneousl y gaining invaluable entry I evel employment ski I I s to include
the soft skills employers' desire.
The Weld County Commissioners are supportive of activities to enhance Youth
Entrepreneurshi p and as an engaged member of the Workforce Development Board,
conversati ons to expand i n this area are fad I itated. The Youth Standing Commi ttcc wi
explore the development of a structured program, i n partnership with the Small Busi ncss
Admi ni strati on and the University of Northern Colorado' s Monfort School of Business
which wi I I serve both youth and adults.
Adult/DW : Busi ness Services is col I aborati vel y engaged with the development of On the
Job Training (OJT) opportunities for al I WI OA related programs Busi ncss Services
along with the entire team of ESWC is committed to generati ng a mi ni mum of twelve
Or placements during Program Year 16.
The TA N F and Employment First (EF) programs have work based I earni ng experience
opportunities for their customers. CW EP is a community work experience program and
A W EP i s an alternative work experience program. Work supplementation provi des wage
supplementation i n addition to benefits EF has a work fare program which assists
customers i n work based I earni ng whi I e meeti ng program requirements of being involved
i n an activity i n exchange for their food benefits.
Weld conti nues to be interested i n apprenti ceshi ps and is exploring that avenue for the
near future.
Transitional Jobs At this ti me Weld County does not plan to uti I i ze transitional jobs i n
PY 16. If i n the future thi s changes a modification wi I I be completed.
Incumbent Worker Training: At this ti me Weld County does not plan to set aside funds
for incumbent worker training. If needed during PY 16, a modification wi I I be completed.
U nl css otherwise noted as mcasurabl e outcomes, additional outcomes for work-based
earni ng wi I I include best practices submi ssi ons or results/progress i n the quarterl y
CWDC report.
b. Sector Partnerships Participation: Explain how you will utilize the relationships
built by your Business Services Team to enhance or expand participation in Sector
Partnerships and also expand business ry ces efforts
Indicate PY16 specific planned objectives and measurable outcomes
The ESWC Busi ncss Services Unit will use the connections made at the NoCo
Manufacturing Sector Partnerships to promote Career Pathways wi thi n Manufacturing. It
is an objective of the partnershi p to interest students i n manufacturing careers. The BSU
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Team wi I I assist i n this effort by arranging tours of Weld County manufacturers during
PY 16. Within the Healthcare Sector Partnership an objective is to hold an annual
Healthcare Job Fair. ESWC wi II host an industry specific (healthcare) On Site Job Fai r
during PY 16 as wel I as assist the Partnershi p with the pl anni ng of a regi onal j ob fai r. The
job f ai rs wi I I reach those wi thi n the Sector Partnership and wi I I also be a way of
encouraging participation to those companies not currently engaged i n the Partnership.
c. Sector Partnerships - Status and Objectives: I n your local area or with partner local
areas what sector partnerships are you engaged in or do you plan to engage in
during PY16? Indicate the current status of your partnerships (active, emerging, or
exploring), plus PY16 planned objectives and measurable outcomes Note: For
Sector Partnership Definitions please visit:
http://www.sector ssummit.com/color ado-sector-partnerships-map/
There are two active regional Sector Partnerships i n Weld County, the NoCo
Manufacturing Partnership and the Northern Colorado Healthcare Sector Partnership. It is
an objective of ESWC to have representation at the Ful I Partners meeti ngs of each
partnership; to parti ci pate i n subcommittee meeti ngs; and to participate on Statewide
Sector cal Is. ESWC expects to participate i n a mini mum of four Ful I Partners meeti ngs;
monthly subcommittee meeti ngs; and quarterly state wide cal Is. The local sector and
N EG sectors for manufacturing and transportation are discussed elsewhere i n this plan.
d. Career Pathways Explain haw you will utilize information gathered through your
Business Services Team to provide a baseline for consideration of new or enhanced
Sector Partnerships and how this information will be used to inform changes to or
development of Career Pathways in your Local Area. I ndicate specific PY16
planned objectives and measurable outcomes
During PY 16, the Business Services Team plans to provide the public with up to date
information on the top i ndustri es wi thi n Weld County. To that end, the B usi ncss Services
Team wi I I generate and post quarterly I ndustry Overview Updates to the ESWC websi te.
Not only does this provide the public current local industry information, it provides a
means of compari son from one quarter to the next. This information can then be analyzed
to determine whether development of additional Sectors is warranted and used to promote
career pathways. A focus on stackable certificates, from Aims Community Col l ege, will
be used to help present short term credential opportunities that then can lead to additional
educational opportunities within the career. Employment Services of Weld County wi
also provide more extensive i nformati on to Bright Futures reci pi ents so they are able to
have a good understanding of the benefit of stackabl e credentials and particularly for
those that align with the i n-demand industry sectors i n the Weld County region.
8. Describe how the local board, working with the entities carrying out core programs
will expand access to employment, training, education, and supportive services for
eligible individuals particularly eligible individuals with barriersto employment,
induding how the local board will facilitate the development of career pathways and co-
enrollment, as appropriate, in core programs and improve accessto activities leading
40
to a recognized postsecondary credential (including a credential that is an industry-
recognized certificate or certification, portable, and stackable) ;
An exciting new program available in Weld County is " Bright Futures." ESWC and the
Workforce Development Board will help promote the Weld County Bright Futures Grant
Program. The program provides tuition assistance for all 2016 and future Weld County High
School graduates, GED recipients, and Honorably Discharged US Veterans to further their
education or training, which will create a di verse, wel l -educated workforce that wi II lead to
good payi ng jobs and a stabl e economy i n al I workforce Sectors.
Because of the focus on providing services to i ndi vi dual s with barri ers to employment, this
program will al l ow ESWC to i ntegrate this program i n the options available to assist
individuals to either start, or continue in career pathways.
9. Describe the strategy to work with adult education providersfunded under Title II of
WI OA and Vocational Rehabilitation to align resources available to the local area, to
achieve the strategic vision and goals described in question 5.
Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) has had long standing rel ati onshi ps with
Right to Read, the predominant local Title II Adult Education and Literacy provider, and the
regional office for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DV R). The Director of Right to
Read and the Regional Supervisor for DV R have been part of the Weld County Workforce
Development Board for more than 20 years and as a result have been involved in the
col I aborati ve development of programs, services, initiatives, and busi ncss services activities
to the benefit of the local community.
ESWC staff have ensured I i nkages between youth programs and the DV R SWAP programs
available i n local area schools, and have previously been a part of the local Community
Transitions Team, and the City of Greeley Commission on Disabilities. Assistive/Adaptive
technology continues to be available in both the Employment Services resource room and the
Assessment and Learning Lab for customers in need of such devices and equipment.
Additionally, DV R utilizes the Assessment and Learning Lab for a variety of assessments for
their customers.
The Busincss Services Unit (BSU ) of Employment Services of Weld County has, and will
conti nue to coordinate scrvi ces and events with and through the DV R regional Business
Outreach Specialist (BOS). The coordi nation of services includes, but is not limited to, hiring
events, career events and job development for co-enrol I ed clients by targeting busi ncss
engagement opportunities and expanding awareness of employment opportunities for
individuals with di sabi I i ti es. The Memorandum of Understanding betwcon the Board of
Commissioners of Weld County on behalf of the Weld County Department of Human
Services, Division of Employment Services outlines the roles and responsi bi I i ti es of both
ESWC and DV R regarding the provision of services and the alignment of resources to
achieve the Weld County Workforce Development Board' s strategic goals.
Right to Read has bccn a significant partner with ESWC in the delivery of Adult Education
and Literacy services for many years. Specifically, Right to Read has provided services to the
41
refugee population for both the Wagner Peyser and TA N F programs i n addition to services to
W I A and WI OA customers i n need of I i teracy services. I n addition to the provision of
services to joint clients, Right to Read is also involved i n the coordi nation of services to
customers for hi ri ng events, career events and job development for co-enrol I ed d i ents by
targeting busi ncss engagement opportunities and expanding awarencss of employment
opportunities. The M emorandum of U nderstandi ng wi II outline the roles and responsi bi I i ti es
of both ESWC and Right to Read regarding the provision of services and the alignment of
resources to achi eve the strategic goals.
Right to Read, Aims Community Col l ege, and the Employment Services of Weld County
Assessment and Learning Lab have col l aborated on projects designed to identify and define
what each partner organization provided i n services and programs, the types of student needs
that were addressed, and identify how col l aborati ve efforts could have the most impact.
These efforts began i n 2011 and have conti nued and resulted i n col l aborati on with Right to
Read i n 2015 on a partnership grant to hi re a navigator position to strengthen the
rel ati onshi ps between partners.
10. Describe the strategies and services that will be utilized to strengthen linkages between
the one-stop delivery system and unemployment insurance programs
ESWC has extensive ex peri ence i n saving Unemployment Insurance (U I ) claimants. I n
2012-2013, processes were implemented under the Emergency Unemployment
Compensation Program. A maj or component was the development of a U I el i gi bi I ity
assessment. With program requirements for extended benefits, U I clai mants were requi red to
parti ci pate i n activities designed to increase employment searches and empl oyabi I i ty ski I I s to
find and obtain employment. Servi ces for U I claimants have included:
• Assessments i ncl udi ng basic ski I I s, interest inventories, aptitude and attitudinal
assessments
• Testi ng i ncl udi ng the Work Readiness Certification
• One on one or group staff assi stance regardi ng I abor market and occupati onal i nformati on
• Interview and resume workshops and assi stance
• Individualized job search assistance
• Referral servi ces to training i ncl udi ng WI OA funded training
• Resources are uti I i zed to provide assi stance with applications for Federal Pell Grants,
i ncl udi ng I i nkages with the educati onal opportunity center, community col I eges and
universities, on site material and appropriate web based sites
• Other al I owabl e services as identified under the Wagner Peyser Act
Bui I di ng upon these strategies, ESWC continues successful coordination with the Division of
U I to assist claimants by implementing U I prof i I i ng strategies through a program known as
LINKS to Re-employment. I n addition, the U I Division has been working with I ocal offices
to rollout the Reemployment Services and El i gi bi I i ty Assessment ( RESEA ) program. It is
anticipated that thi s Zvi ce wi l I have si mi l ar results i n assisting clients in f i ndi ng
employment on an expedited basis. Employment Services also has identified staff that can
assist U I cl ai mants with basic questi ons regarding their cl ai ms as well as assist them i n
resetting passwords if needed.
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11 . Describe how the local board will coordinate workforce investment activities carried
out in the local area with economic development activities carried out in the planning
region, and promote entrepreneurial skillstraining and microenterprise services;
ESWC works closely with the Weld County Economic Development organization, Upstate
Colorado. The ESWC Busi ncm Services Unit is routi nel y cal I ed upon by Upstate Colorado to
assist with providing industry specific labor market information. They also request ESWC
presence at mceti ngs when prospective employers express interest to establish, or expand,
their business in Weld County; this partnership is expected to continue. Additionally, ESWC
will host quarterly employer workshops. These workshops include information necessary for
small entrepreneurs such as CO Civil Rights, Child Labor Laws, etc.
12. Provide a description of the workforce development system in the local area that
identifies the programs that are induded in that system. Also describe how you will
partner with the required WI OA partners to increase awareness of career pathways
and the critical role that workforce development plays in ensuring that all Coloradans
have accessto educational and career pathwaysthat result in meaningful employment.
Employment Services of Weld County operates a number of the programs identified as
partner programs including: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Adult,
Dislocated Worker, and Youth Programs; the Ti tl eIII Wagner Peyser Act (WP); Trade
Adjustment Act (TAA ); the Migrant and Scasonal Farm Worker program (MSFW); the work
components for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Fami I i es (TA N F) and the Employment
First programs; Ameri Corps; the TIGHT Youth Corps funded by CORE Service and TAN F
funding; services funded by CSBG; targeted programs for U I ; and provides functional
supervision to the Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DV OP) staff under the Jobs for
Veterans State Grant (JV SG).
As di scusscd i n the Region Plan, Career Pathways i ni ti ad yes are an active workforce
development strategy in Weld County. Through the Workforce Board, the standing Youth
Committee has been committed to Career Pathway initiatives and strives to align existing
programs and services while expanding services with careful oversight to prevent duplication
of services. Partner programs are represented on the Board, and the Director of Right to Read
is the chaff r for the Board' s Youth Standing Committee.
13. Describe the one-stop delivery system in the local area, in particular :
a. Identify the locations of the comprehensive physical one-stop centers (at least one)
within your local area; also list the locations of your network of affiliate sites, both
physical and electronically linked, such as libraries
Employment Servi ces of Weld County operates two comprehensive one-stop centers as
follows:
Main Location: 315 N 11 Avenue Bldg. B Greeley, CO 80631
South County Location: 2950 9th Street Fort Lupton, CO 80621
43
Addi ti onal I y, I i nkages and col I aborati ve efforts with the High PI ai ns I i brary district and
the associated Carbon Val I ey Library al I ow customers to be abl e to I i nk el ectroni cal I y.
b. Identify your key strategies for integrating the core programs (WI OA Title I , I I , I 1 I ,
and IV programs), aswell as all required partner programs within the local one-
stop system of comprehensive and affiliate offices
Employment Services currently operates the programs under Title I of WI OA ; the Title
III Wagner Peyser program; TAA ; M SFW; the work components for the Temporary
Assistance for Needy Fami I i es (TAN F) and the Employment First programs; and an
Amed Corps program; As previously indicated, Employment Services of Weld County
(ESWC) has had long standing relationships with Right to Read, the predominant local
Title I I Adult Education and Literacy provider, and the regional office for the Division of
Vocational Rehabi l i tati on (DV R) as well as with representatives from SER for the Senior
Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) . The Director of Right to Rcad and
the Regional Supervisor for DV R, and representatives from SER have been pat of the
Weld County Workforce Development Board for more than 20 years and as a result have
been involved i n the col l aborati ve development of programs, services, initiatives, and
busi ness services activities to the benefit of the local community. Through the execution
of the current M emorandums of Understanding, col I aborati on with partners wi I I continue.
c. Describe the roles and resource contributions of each of the one-stop partners
Contri buti on of resources for the programs operated by Employment Services f al I under
the County' s cost al l ocati on plan which al l ocates costs based on time charged by staff. As
one of the five divisions i n the Department, ESWC staff pri mari I y charge to programs
related to employment grants. A pproxi matel y 50% of the staff charge to TA N F,
Employment First Food Stamps, Ameri Corps, Community Service Block Grant and
Chi I d Welfare. I ndi rect costs I i ke rent, phone I i nes and admi ni strati ve cost pool costs are
then rei mbursed by the percent of staff time spent in the respective grants. Therefore, al
grant programs effectively support the one stop center.
Partner program contributions and roles are outl i ned in each partner' s Memorandum of
Understanding and typically consist of staff resources to assist shared customers,
involvement i n Busi ness Services hiring events, shared training when appropriate, and
staff resources to assist customers i n accessing one stop services avai I abl e i n Connecting
Colorado such as the review of open job listings
d. Describe how the local board will facilitate access to services provided through the
one-stop delivery system, induding in remote areas through the use of technology
and through other means; indude your intended use of virtual job fairs the
upcoming virtual job shadowing capability, and other innovative strategies and
initiatives to streamline and enhance services as well as increase access
The use of vi rtual job fair technology wi II be offered to businesses and job seekers in
outlying I ocati ons. The information about the virtual job fair service wi I I be included i n
the email campaign distribution of " Did You Know. . ."
44
Self registration and referral through Connecting Colorado is avai l abl e from anywhere in
the County where there is internet acccm and the extensive resources available through
the US Department of Labor and other sites are also able to be accessed. Additionally,
many of the services and activities provided by the Employment Services Assessment
and Learning lab can be accessed via the internet from any l ocati on that provi des that
acccss.
e. Identify the types of assessments and assessment tools that will be utilized within the
one-stop delivery system and how these assessments will be coordinated across
participating programs to avoid duplication of effort and multiple assessments of
customers being served by more than one partner program.
ESWC offers an on-site Assessment and Learning Lab. The lab offers the Workplace
Readi nc Credential , Behavioral Traits Assessments, Prove-its! , GED preparation and
much more. Duplication among assessments is avoided by having constant
communication among partners. For example, DV R routi nel y has clientele referred to the
Lab; as does the Department of Corrections (through both Youth & Adult programs).
It is pertinent to note that the Workplace Readi ncss Credential was pi I oted i n 2015 and
out of the 7 County offices that participated, 75% of the assessments taken during the 6
month pilot emerged from Weld. Thi s credential i ng system covers cri ti cal soft skills
many of our local employers have identified when assessing potential job candidates. The
skills include: Attitude, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Critical Thinking,
Interpersonal /Social Skills, Teamwork, Professionalism and Media Rules.
f. A description of how entities within the one-stop delivery system, induding one-stop
operators and the one-stop partners, will comply with section 188, if applicable, and
applicable provisions of the Americans with DisabilitiesAct of 1990 (42 U .S.C .
12101 et seq.) regarding the physical and programmatic accessibility of facilities,
programs and services, technology, and materialsfor individualswith disabilities,
induding providing staff training and support for addressing the needs of
individualswith disabilities; and
ESWC has f aci I i ty and program accessi bi I i ty to career services. School district' s SWAP
programs and DV R parti ci pate on Workforce Development standi ng committees and staff
members from DV R, SWAP and ESWC cross train with one another. Additionally,
Business Services shares the I i st of open jobs weckl y with DV R, school districts and
community agencies such as SER Jobs for Progress so they can review and make
referrals to employment or use the I i st as a di scussi on for careers.
A survey from the Department of Labor about the accessi bi I ity of our workforce center,
its programs and servi ces for people with di sabi I i ti es was completed i n December 2014.
It was a great opportunity for self-assessment and anal ysi s to determine as a center, if we
are accessi bl e with both programs and services. Al I staff i s requi red to comp) ete di sabi I i ty
awarencss online web training and are aware of Section 188 Implementation of the
Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity Provisions and Acccss for All ; a resource
manual for mccti ng the needs of one-stop customers with disabilities.
45
g. A description of how the local board will ensure the continuous improvement of
eligible providers of services through the system and ensure that such providers
meet the employment needs of local employers and workers and j obseekers;
The Weld County Workforce Development Board reviews performance of W I OA
programs on a quarterly basis. As more of the WI OA performance measures are
implemented across partner programs, the Board wi I I also be provided that i nformati on.
Regarding the deli very of training servi ces to customers, the El i gi bl e Trai ni ng Provi der
List has recently been updated and by uti I i zi ng a system of review and update, ESWC
works to ensure that employer, worker and job seeker needs are bei ng met. The Weld
County Workforce Development Board is able to provide i nput regardi ng the needs of
employers and workers, and this information is then shared with providers of services to
ensure services are structured to meet those needs.
h. Provide a description of how training services under chapter 3 of subtitle B will be
provided in accordance with section 134(c)(3)(G), including, if contracts for the
training services will be used, how the use of such contracts will be coordinated with
the use of individual training accounts under that chapter and how the local board
will ensure informed customer choice in the selection of training programs
regardless of how the training services are to be provided.
Training services for customers identified as i n need of such services, will be provided by
the educational entities that are on the El i gi bl e Trai ni ng Provider l i st maintained by the
state. Typi cal I y contracts for training wi I I not be uti I i zed and the f undi ng for the trai ni ng
services wi I I be made via a process for the I ndi vi dual Training Account under the WI OA
program. Training and training funds will be utilized only in areas identified as i n-
demand occupations or growth industry sectors. I n the case of on-the-job training,
associated opportunities are i ndi vi dual i zed with the final choice made between employer
and empl oyee whi ch wi I I include the individual training account. I n order to ensure
customer choice i n training, clientele work with Case Managers i n selection of providers
from the ET PL .
i . Outreach to I ndividuals with Barriers to Employment: Describe how you will
engage your LW D and Youth Council/committee to increase the awareness of the
services offered to returning Veterans_ out-of-school youth, individuals with
disabilities long-term unemployed, and other targeted groups? What additional
strategies will be utilized to reach out to these groups? What are your objectives and
goals for this effort?
I n outreach to i ndi vi dual s with barriers to employment, Veterans and their eligible
spouocs receive priority of service. I n addition to the priority given i n al I employment
related services, Employment Services is fortunate to house a DV OP on site to
immediately address the triaged Veteran' s needs. I n addition, ESWC has a staff member
represented on the CV EP Committee. The priority of service extends to BSU hosted
events, such as hiring events and job fairs, where Veterans are granted early admittance
to the event. ESWC has agreed to participate i n the Veterans UCX Enhanced Job
Contacts Rlot Initiative gi vi ng Veteran' s " credit" for work done at ESWC.
46
In 2015, ESWC began the H i re for Colorado - Governor' s Long Term Unemployed
Initiative. Working collaboratively with the State, ESWC has been able to speed up the
deli very of services to those unemployed for 26 weeks or more. Within the el i gi bi I i ty
group, ESWC also targeted Veteran' s, individuals age 50 and older; youth ages 18 to 24,
ex-offenders/parolees and individuals with disabilities. Recruitment efforts to reach
el i gi bl e j ob seekers include multiple methods such as targeted mai I i ngs to registered U I
reci pi ents, phone cal I s, job fai rs etc.
14. Provide a description of how the local board will coordinate education and workforce
investment activities carried out in the local area with relevant secondary and
postsecondary education programs and activities to coordinate strategies, enhance
services, and avoid duplication of services
Employment Services has a I ong standing hi story of col l aborati ve partnerships and efforts
with both Adult Education, Aims Community Col l ege and other education partners to
increase training opportunities i n the health care, energy, transportation, manufacturing,
admi ni strati on, information technology and other local demand occupational areas. Our
educational partners are cri ti cal in the development of training to moot employer needs.
ESWC Leadership has been asked to participate with Advisory Committees at Aims
Community Col I ege i n the f of I owing areas: M anuf acturi ng/I ndustri al , Construction, and
Healthcare. Additionally, Aims has representation on the SP-NEG Leadership Team and on
the Weld County Workforce Development Board.
A number of school districts parti ci pate on the Youth Committees. Schools throughout Weld
County are i nformed and invited to participate in career events and all schools have a
designated ESWC case manager which includes intentioned outreach efforts to each school
with a consistent ESWC staff member. Each school receives distribution of materials as
appropriate in an effort to provide youth with opportunities to participate and connect with
ESWC initiatives.
The standi ng Youth Committcc has dedicated several agendas toward the strategic al i gnment
of delivery of services, l everagi ng funds whi I e avoiding duplication of services i n an effort to
maximize avai I abl e resources to youth i n Weld County. As a result, increased col l aborati ve
efforts with DV R / SWAP and area school districts have taken place. One example is SWAP
Coordi nators working in partnership with ESWC staff to identify appropri ate worksite
placement opportunities for youth with di sabi I i ti es and the i nternshi p program for
Greeley/Evans School District students. Initiatives, such as the internship program, provide
meaningful work based I earni ng opportunities for i n-school youth al I owing ESWC to extend
and dedicate resources to relevant work based l earni ng opportunities to out-of-school youth.
The col I aborati ve approach ensures WI OA continues to provide invaluable services and
resources to out-of-school youth while supporting i ni ti ati ves to also serve in-school youth
through alternative funding sources.
15. Provide a description and assessment of the type and availability of adult and dislocated
worker employment and training activities in the local area; in particular identify how
the local area will expand services to dislocated workers utilizing all sources of formula
and discretionary funds targeted to the dislocated worker population.
47
When a resident of Weld County finds they are unemployed or underemployed, there are a
variety of services and training opportunities available to them through Employment Services
of Weld County. Once identified a client is in need of, and appropriate for, enrol l ment into
either WI OA Adult or Dislocated Worker program, they will begin with one on one intensive
case management with a knowledgeable case manager. Case managers have been trained to
uti I i ze i nformati on gathered by assessments and interviews with the client to develop the best
plan for the client to obtain sustainable employment as quickly as possible. This plan may
include referrals to any number of in house or community resources to assist the client i n
overcomi ng any chal l enges they may have that prevent them from worki ng at their full
potential . These include, but are not limited to, Right to Read for ESL clients, Aims and the
ESWC Assessment and Learning Lab for GED , EOC for scholarship information, DV R and
North Range for physical and mental issues. The ESWC Registration Unit has developed free
workshops for clients i n need of assistance with their resume, interview ski I I s, navigating job
search as a current parolee, and/or on-I i ne applications. Relationships are being establ i shed,
and sometimes re-established, with other agencies that also offer job search services such as
the Goodwill Industries and the local l i brary system i n an effort to eliminate any and all
chal I enges presented by the client. Furthermore, the Business Service Unit has worked
diligently with the case managers from all the programs, i ncl udi ng Employment First and
TA N F, to create work sites and On the Job trai ni ng opportunities.
If training is determined the best course of action, Weld County has a variety of training
activities avai I abl e to al I residents seeki ng additional education to make them more
employable. Training has occurred i n such industries as health care, business admi ni strati on,
transportation, oil and gas, renewable energy, and manufacturing to name a few. CI i ents have
taken the opportunity to attend the University of Northern Colorado (U NC),C), Aims
Community Col l ege, Front Range Community Col l ege and Aurora Community Col l ege to
earn certificates, credentials and post-secondary degrees. There are also a number of
vocational trai ni ngs that include three truck driving academies, computer ski I I s trai ni ng, and
adult education at the local community col l eges.
The resources available are strong and geared towards meeting the current needs of Weld
County' s preval ent industries; however there is always room for i mprovement and Weld is
already I ooki ng to the future. Through the Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant that
targets Dislocated Workers, strides have been made by the Leadership Team to develop
industry specific regional planning meetings for Transportation and to conti nue to strengthen
the one for Manufacturing. I n early Leadership Team mecti ngs, that included representatives
from both Manufacturing and Transportation companies as wel I as trai ni ng f aci I i ti es,
employers were abl e to explain what ski I I s they needed in potential employees and where the
training f aci I i ti es were not mccti ng those needs. Through this dialog, Aims Community
Col l ege re-configured and enhanced the Advanced Industrial Credential that was first
developed as the M ulti I ndustry Systems Technician program (M I ST) of 2008. Aims has also
included several endorsement requirements for their new Truck Driving School so their
students can be more competitive in the workforce.
WI OA case managers have effectively used the myriad of adult and dislocated worker
employment and training activities avai I abl e to serve al most 500 job seekers. Key people are
being brought to the table to addre current gaps i n services or training as well as keeping an
48
eye on future employment needs. Focus is being sharpened on the had to serve populations
and the tools needed to assist them i n overcoming their unique obstacles are constantly being
developed and refined.
16. Provide a description and assessment of the type and availability of youth workforce
investment activities in the local area, induding activities for youth who are individuals
with disabilities which description and assessment shall indude an identification of
successful models of such youth workforce investment activities in addition, indicate
how servicesto out-of-school youth will be expanded and enhanced to incorporate
additional work-based learning opportunities
As a region, Weld has a commitment to serving individuals with barriers, including those
with disabilities. ESWC has f aci I i ty and program accessibility to career services and school
district' s SWAP programs and DV R parti ci pate on Workforce Development standi ng
committees and staff members from DV R, SWAP and ESWC cross train with one another.
Local SWAP and Transitional Teachers often bring students to ESWC for a facilitated
workshop to assist youth with di sabi I i ti es to enhance employment related skills Workshop
topics include, but are not limited to, Connecting Colorado, job scorch, completing job
applications, interview ski I I s and resume preparation. Youth also navi gate publ i c
transportation system to attend the workshops further developing I i f e ski I I s to be uti I i zed to
increase their independence. ESWC' s strong collaborative partnership with SWAP has I ed to
successful work experience placements for youth with disabilities. ESWC provides the wages
and Weld County provides Workers Compensation coverage whi I e SWAP provides
extensive i ndi vi dual i zed job coaching as necessary. Leveraging resources and aligning the
delivery of services has proved to be successful and i mpactf ul to youth participants.
ESWC has hi stori cal I y engaged and targeted out-of-school youth in WIA A and has continued
to have this level of focus in WI OA . Through the WCWDB and the Youth Committee,
disenfranchised out-of-school youth has been identified as a priority target youth group in an
effort to help moot the needs of Weld County communities. ESWC has hi stori cal l y planned
not I css than 70% of funding being spent toward out-of-school youth and has exceeded that
level of expenditures annually. This has consistently boon achieved through extensive
community partnerships to include, but not limited to, local Truancy Officers, 19th Judicial
District, Platte Val I ey Youth Services Center, Senate Bill 94, Youth and Family Connections,
Child Welfare, Right to Read, North Range Behavioral Health, Aims Community Col l ege -
Academi c Pathways and area alternative High School programs. With confidence, ESWC
has planned to moot the 75% expenditure requirement for out-of-school youth and 20% work
based l earni ng expenditures during the initial year of WI OA and will continue to meet the
identified targeted goals in subsequent years
Since 1993, the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) has continued to serve
youth and young adults from ages 14-24 by providing youth with meaningful service
opportunities in the realms of conservation (land, water, and energy) and community scrvi ce.
Projects include a board spectrum from voluntary community service to contracted chai nsaw
work. WCY CC' s programs have developed to incorporate environmental education,
experiential I earni ng, and service I earni ng and values such as I eadershi p and peer
accountabi I i ty. Based on the Civilian Conservation Corps model , WCYCC A meri Corps
49
members gain three to six months of full -time hands on work based learning experiences i n a
vari ety of ski I I s and receive employment preparation support, post-Corps pl acement
assi stance as wel I as an Amer' Corps educational award.
In addition to the provision of services to disenfranchised youth through WI OA Youth
programs, Empl oyment Services conti nues to expl ore options for expandi ng servi ces and
alternatives for youth who are involved i n the social services or j uveni I e j usti ce systems
through the use of the Teamwork, Innovation, Growth, Hope and Training (TIGHT) Youth
Corps model . TIGHT, f aci I i tated under the W CY CC umbrella, was i ntenti onal I y designed to
mcct a specific community need; to delay or eliminate the need for out of home placement.
TIGHT members are provided team-based l earni ng experiences, and opportunities for,
developing job readiness ski I Is such as communication, pro-social behaviors, leadership, and
responsi bi I i ty. Youth are simultaneously engaged with educational activities to promote a
succcssf ul re-entry into a traditional or non-traditional school setting or toward the
obtainment of a High School Equivalency (HSE/GED) credential .
17. Provide a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment
activities carried out under this title in the local area with the provision of adult
education and literacy activities under title I I in the local area, induding a description
of how the local board will carry out, consistent with subparagraphs (A) and (B)(i) of
section 107(d)(11 ) and section 232, the review of local applications submitted under title
II .
ESWC works with local education providers in support of the in-demand industries
previously identified. The Executive Director of Right to Read is the W D B Youth Commi ttcc
Chair and a general Board member, Community Educational Outreach attends as an associate
member and a representative from Aims Community Col I ege is also a general member of the
Board. The WDB B has hi stori cal l y reviewed the Carl Perkins Plan prior to its submittal and
has voted on its support. With the passage of WI OA and the inclusion of application under
Ti tl e I I , the Board wi I I uti I i ze a si mi I ar approach i n the revi ew and approval of those pl ans.
18. Provide a description of how the local board will coordinate workforce investment
activities carried out under this title in the local area with the provision of
transportation, induding public transportation, and other appropriate supportive
services in the local area.
The Weld County Workforce Development Board and ESWC have adopted a supportive
services policy to ensure that scrvi ces are provided on a consistent and equitable basis for
those individuals who need such services to assist them i n obtaining or retaining
employment, or to participate in and complete career or training scrvi ces and who are unable
to obtain such scrvi ces through other program means. The supportive services that may be
provided are: transportation, child care'dependent care, job related medical expenses, special
clothing, I i cense costs, assi stance to secure bonding, books and supplies for training and
work tools.
19. Provide a description of plans and strategies for, and assurances concerning,
maximizing coordination of services provided by the State employment service under
50
the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U .S.C. 49 et seq.) and services provided in the local area
through the one-stop delivery system, to improve service delivery and avoid duplication
of services
Employment Services of Weld County has been providing services under the Wagner Peyscr
Act for approximately 36 years. During that period ESWC has assured services are
coordinated with other programs, and that there is not a duplication of effort between
programs.
20. I dentify the administrator/administrative entity responsible for the disbursal of Title I
and III funds in the local area, as determined by the chief elected official or the
Governor, and the fiscal agent if different.
The administrative entity for the disbursal of Title I and Title III funds in the Weld County
area is the Board of Weld County Commissioners, and through the Weld County Department
of Human Services.
21 . A description of the competitive process to be used to award the sub-grants and
contracts in the local area for activities carried out under this title.
Employment Services of Weld County does not intend to award sub-grants or contracts for
any activities carried out under this title. The procurement process for Weld County is
located at www.co.weld.co.us
22. Provide a description of the local levels of performance negotiated with the Governor
and chief elected official pursuant to section 116(c), to be used to measure the
performance of the local area and to be used by the local board for measuring the
performance of the local fiscal agent (where appropriate), eligible providers under
subtitle B, and the one-stop delivery system, in the local area.
The process for agreement with the Governor regarding performance accountability
mcosures wi I I be the same i n Program Year 16 as they were for WIA . As additional
guidance is received from the US Department of Labor (USDOL ),), the Colorado Workforce
Development Council (CWDC), and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
(CDLE) regarding the use of the performance adjustment model and how it will apply to the
Weld County Region, ESWC and the WDB B will negotiate standards as specified by the
Council and CDLE.
23. Provide a description of the actions the local board will take toward becoming or
remaining a high-performing board, including but not limited to:
a. LWDB Roles Identify the role of your Local Workforce Development Board
(LWDB) and Youth Council/committee in supporting Business Services,
Sector Partnerships Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning. What
actions will they betaking to ensure that these areas area priority for the
local area? What actions and commitments will you ask your LWDB or
youth council/ committee members (in particular business members) to make
51
to support these initiatives?
The Weld County Workforce Development Board conti nues to be a hi gh-
perf ormi ng board. Each member of the WCWDB is encouraged to be involved on
one of the three standing Board Committees. These committees include the:
Awareness Committee, the Employment Programs Development Committee, and
the Youth Committer. Each committer has differing areas of focus; however,
members on each committee are asked to help spread the word and participate i n
the initiatives and work being done by ESWC i n the respective areas.
b. LWDB Participation: Describe how you will market opportunitiesfor
participation on your LWDB to businesses in your local area to ensure
representation of industry sectors with the greatest labor force demand.
Describe how you will maintain a minimum of at least 51 % of businesses as
active members and participants on your LWDB.
A roster of the Workforce Development Board members is kept by the Board of
County Commissioners and by ESWC staff. This dual monitoring provides a
double check and ensures compliance of the busi nem representation percentage.
As vacancies occur, the Board of County Commissioners I i st openings i n the
Greet y Tribune and the Busi ncss Services Team i n tandem with the BOCC and
the WCWDB conduct outreach to possible board candidates. Workforce Board
members are asked, and encouraged, to recruit for vacancies. The outreach is
strategic and targets both employers within 1 ) geographic areas unrepresented on
the board and 2) industries without board representation.
24. Describe haw you will use the Workforce I nvestment Works (WI W) website to increase
the awareness of the services and successes for each of the service areas business re-
employment, and youth. How will you ensure that your local area posts a minimum of
three success stories per quarter on WI W?
Since the inception of the Workforce Investment Works site i n Program Year 13, ESWC has
submitted approximately 100 customer quotes, industry partnership, workforce innovation
and success stories. Staff conti nue to refer cl i ents to this site so they can see the surd of
the Colorado workforce development system and wi II be encouraged to share thei r own story
once they have completed their program. The W D B and their committees are wel I aware of
this site and conti nue to bring awarenem to potential clients and businesses.
25. Describe the process used by the local board, consistent with subsection (d), to provide
an opportunity for public comment, induding comment by representatives of
businesses and comment by representatives of labor organizations and input into the
development of the local plan, prior to submission of the plan.
Local plan discussion took place at the Workforce Development Board General M embershi p
and sub-committee meeti ngs i n early 2016. This Board and its subcommittees are a
col I aborati ve cross section of busi ncss representati ves and I abor organi zati on representations.
52
Their comments are included i n the plan presented for public comment. Addi ti onal I y, the
Weld County Board of Commissioners provided their input at various stages of the process.
The plan was publ i shed and avai I abl e for comment M arch 28, 2016 through A pri 127, 2016;
the Weld County CI erk to the Board did not receive any suggestions from the public.
53
Esther Gesick
From: Esther Gesick
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 9:03 AM
To: Tami Grant
Cc: Cecilia Moreno; Ted Long; Linda Perez; CTB; Judy Griego; Julie Cozad; Mike Freeman
Subject: RE: WIOA Plan
Hi Tami,
I'm fine with the Clerk to the Board being the recipient of written submittals. Some sample language from our other
public notices is provided: "The complete Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act(WIOA) Plan may be examined online
at *web location* or in the office of the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, Weld County Administration
Building, 1150 O Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631. E-Mail messages sent to an individual Commissioner may not be
included in the review file. To ensure inclusion of your E-Mail correspondence, please send a copy to
ctb@co.weld.co.us."
Consistent with that language, I will need you to provide the Draft Plan to CTB no later than this coming Monday(3/21)
at 10:30 a.m., so we can list it on the 3/23 Consent Agenda under Public Review. It will be scanned into Tyler, reviewed
by the BOCC, and available here in our office for the 30-day review period.
Please let me know if you need anything further.
Thank you,
Esther E. Gesick
Clerk to the Board
1150 O Street/P.O. Box 758/Greeley, CO 80632
tel: (970)400-4226
t/
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From:Tami Grant
Sent:Thursday, March 17, 2016 9:16 PM
To: Esther Gesick<egesick@co.weld.co.us>
Cc: Cecilia Moreno <cgarcia-moreno@co.weld.co.us>;Ted Long<tlong@co.weld.co.us>; Linda Perez
<Iperez@co.weld.co.us>
Subject: WIOA Plan
Hi Esther,
I understand that you have had at least one conversation with Cece Moreno regarding our WIOA Plan. Cece is out of the
office until Monday and in effort to have a clear direction for next week, I have a few clarifying questions. We plan to
post the WIOA Plan on the Weld County webpage under Legal Notices as you suggested. We have discussed this with
Jake who has agreed to post when the Plan is ready to reveal. At this point, we plan to officially open the 30 day open
comment period on Wednesday March 23rd and would like to formally open the comment period on the Commissioners
agenda. Would you please advise us what is required, along with timelines,to accomplish this target date?
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Also, in discussions regarding the Plan and open comment, we have realized that direct Employment Services employees
should not be the direct recipients of comments to avoid potential conflicts of interest. Would you be willing and able
to collect any comments received. Although it's impossible to know how many comments we may receive, at this point
we expect the majority of comments to be provided by Weld County and anticipate limited comments from the
public. If this is a role you are willing and able to fill,we greatly appreciate your support. If this is not something you are
able to do, we will likely identify Commissioner Freeman as the point of contact as he is the current Board Chair. If you
have alternative suggestions, please let us know.
Thank-you in advance for your support and guidance!
Tami Grant
Division Head
Employment Services of Weld County
3158 N. 11th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
970-353-3800 ext. 6754
04,4
Confidentiality Notice:This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for
the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise
protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return
e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the
contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited.
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Hello