TECHNOLOGY EMPLOYMENT IN COLORADO-PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT 2015 A regional program to connect the hidden tech talent market with Information Technology and Advanced Manufacturing careers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Year One Highlights 1 Partnership Summary 3 Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance 5 Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! Region 6 Workforce Boulder County Region 7 Denver Office of Economic Development Region 8 American Jobs Center serving Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties Region 10 Larimer County Workforce Region 11 Mesa County Region 12 TEC-P 2015 Data 13 Contact Information 15 Grant Administration Information 15
Year One Highlights PROGRAM INTRO A predominant theme in workforce development this year involves new and innovative ways that we approach businesses to engage in placement and training opportunities within the Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology industries. These strategies will help us to maximize the impact of almost every aspect of our work. The Technology Employment in Colorado Partnership (TEC-P) created an interactive website www.tecpcolorado.com, providing a unique ability to connect employers and job seeking customers; we also began populating a new online showcase of exciting tech talent that fit the grants strategic approach for catalytic investment. Through this regional grant, partnering workforce regions have the ability to support high tech occupations. TEC-P is the largest workforce development grant in the state that supports high tech industries and the award of $6.17 million will allow the six-region partnership to provide training, education and work-based training to nearly 600 program participants through October 2018. This report is a snapshot of the first year of the TEC-P grant that will present highlights, promising practices and partner engagement, all of which will make the program successful. TEC-P s successful implementation and execution will become a promising practice to be replicated across the state and the nation. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS During the first year, TEC-P implementation was extended to coordinate start-up activities and finalize contract execution with regional partners. December 2015 was able to capture all expenditures to date for 2015. Annualized monthly expenditures for TEC-P in 2016 will be approximately $70,000 per month for static costs. In 2016, TEC-P is expected to enroll almost 200 participants to ensure adequate time for completion of training or experiential learning activities and allow time for participants to secure employment. The expenditures on program participation will increase during the next year, allowing the partnership to draw down from the $6.2 million in allocated funds within the specified timeframe. Page 1
OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS During the first year TEC-P has made great strides in developing the foundation for partnership with private enterprises and training providers and lead participants to successful employment within the Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology Sectors. TEC-P has an advantage over other grant recipients as we have developed a multi-region approach allowing participation across the state of Colorado. Due to the collaborative efforts by regional liaisons and conveners of sector based partnerships, it is the expectation that the TEC-P program will exceed all metrics and provide training and employment opportunities to additional participants by leveraging funding from other grants to ensure success. LOOKING AHEAD The expectation from the TEC-P leadership and partners is that 2016 and 2017 will be significant increase in enrollment and participation. Looking ahead, TEC-P is setting the stage to be a national promising practice for H1B Ready To Work grants and it is our hope that, upon the successful completion, that the program will continue to serve Colorado. Thank you to Arapahoe/Douglas Works!, Workforce Boulder County, the Denver Office of Economic Development, American Jobs Center Serving Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin counties, Larimer County Workforce Center and Mesa County Workforce Center for your collaborative efforts which led to first year s success. TEC-P is linking hidden Tech Talent with Industry Leaders in Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology. Without the support of our advisory council and other employer partners, this success would not be possible. Liz Ojeda Project Administrator February 22, 2016 Page 2
Partnership Summary PRIMARY PARTNERSHIP ENTITIES TEC-P consists of representation from the following entities: 1) the Denver Office of Economic Development (OED), as the lead applicant; 2) the Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance (CUWA) as a third-party project convener; 3) six Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), including the Denver WIB, the American Job Center (serving Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties), Arapahoe Douglas Works!(serving Arapahoe and Douglas counties), Larimer County WIB, Boulder County WIB and Mesa County WIB; 4) Western Colorado Community College (WCCC) and the Colorado Community College System(CCCS), including the following schools: Community College of Aurora (CCA), Front Range Community College (FRCC), Red Rocks Community College (RRCC), the Community College of Denver (CCD)and; 5) three industry associations; 6) 11 employers in the IT and AM sectors; 7) five education/training partners; and 8) three community partners. PROGRAM ACTIVITIES TEC-P is a three-track training and education customized program that will provide: 1) intensive coaching through Workforce Empowerment Series and/or Power Prep sessions, 2) work-based training with an earning component, and 3) training leading to certificates and credentials needed for employment in the targeted occupations. The following table illustrates the certificates and/or credentials that TEC-P participants can earn through the TEC-P partner community colleges or private training partners. All certificates / credentials are aligned with skills needed for H1B occupations. To date, the following credentials have been awarded: Auto-Cad, Revit Cad, Lean Six Sigma, IT Project Management, Cisco CCNP, Project Management, Scrum Master, Sky Spark Analytics. CREDENTIALS TO BE AWARDED* Credentials or certificates offered Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Cisco CCNA and CCNP certifications CBAP and PMP Red Hat Development Database Technologies Certificate SolidWorks Essentials APICS certifications Microsoft MCSA and MCSE Certifications IBM Software and Systems Certifications Multimedia Technologies Certificate Computer Programming or Information Systems Certificate Geographic Information Systems Certificate CISCO Networking Certificate Certified Network Technician CNC Machining or Manufacturing Certificate Networking Technology Certificate LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt LEAN Agile Scrum Master Web Technologies Certificate Page 3
POPULATIONS TO BE SERVED TEC-P will focus services on the 45% of long-term unemployed individuals who currently hold a bachelor s degree or higher to best align with rapid reemployment. The program will focus on training and placing unemployed and underemployed in Information Technology and Advanced Manufacturing occupations using a sector approach that convenes industry employers to collaborate curriculum design for training programs. As an example employer partner, Lockheed Martin has committed to provide work-based training opportunities, interview program participants for job openings, and hire qualified participants who complete the program. TAKEAWAYS TEC-P is Colorado s largest regional workforce development investment in Information Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Sectors by the US Department of Labor and Employment. H1B Return to Work (H1B RTW) is designed to promote hidden tech talent while enhancing career opportunities within these industries. Through TEC-P, collaborative efforts are leading to enhanced sector initiatives statewide and opportunities to assist long-term unemployed and underemployed individuals back into high-growth technical careers. Page 4
Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance PROMISING PRACTICES The Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance has been instrumental in convening the Sector and Workforce Partners for the TEC-P grant. Through CUWA s networks the TEC-P project partnered with the Metro Manufacturing Sector Partnership (MMP), the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Association (CAMA), the Colorado Technology Association (CTA), and the Greater Metro Denver Healthcare Partnership (GMDHP) on sector activities and employer recruitment efforts. The project had discussions with the State of Colorado s National Emergency Grant (NEG) to coordinate employer outreach efforts and job seeker recruitment. In its role as the convener, CUWA continues to recruit employers to the TEC-P advisory committee and participates on all strategic planning events, leadership meetings, team meetings and TEC-P recruiting events and workshops. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES The Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance was instrumental in planning the TEC-P Promote Your Tech Talent Event that occurred in November 2015. Through the sector partnerships developed CUWA facilitated an employer panel at the event. In addition to the Tech Talent Event, CUWA also assisted in the planning and recruitment of employers and workforce staff for the Colorado Workforce Development Council s Sector Summit. Finally, CUWA has been instrumental in developing strategies and partnerships to allow strategic planning for 2016, 2017 and 2018 program years. PARTNERS The Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance has worked with the following partners during 2015. Page 5
Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! Region PROMISING PRACTICES Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! through its partnership with the Community College of Aurora identified Comcast and Plum Choice as employer partners with the potential to provide OJT and training. ADW! has been working with training providers identified by Long Term Unemployed (LTU) participants as possible training options for their goals. They also identified the following Key outcomes: 1) Develop HR talking points to use within industry, 2) Explore IT apprenticeship opportunities, 3) Develop Tech Talent Showcase, and 4) Select workgroup from Advisory Council members to assist in moving the TEC-P project forward. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES Ed was laid off from Uniform Industry Corp in March 2015 where he was a Senior Manager. He came to ADW assistance with his job search and training. Ed was seeking to update his skills and obtain certificates in Security+, PMP and CISSP. Through the TEC-P program and the AARP BACK TO WORK 50+ program he was able to attend a training program through LeaderQuest. Since starting his training Ed has worked on his resume and interviewing skills by attending workshops and working with his case manager. He recently accepted a position with North American Bancard as the Director of Business Development where his base salary will be $75,000. He couldn t be happier and credits his new employment with his training and updated resume. Ed will continue to complete his training programs and earn certifications. John, a TEC-P customer, has become employed. He is a long term unemployed older worker who started out in our BACK TO WORK 50+ program and was reversed referred to TEC-P. Through TEC-P he was able to attend Oracle training. John has received employment working as an EBS oracle database administrator consultant and will earn $105,000.00. He credits his Oracle training for helping him obtain this position. PARTNERS The Arapahoe/Douglas WORKS! region has worked with the following partners during 2015. Page 6
Workforce Boulder County Region PROMISING PRACTICES Boulder employer, Techtonic Group, led by CEO Heather Terenzio, is in the final process of establishing the first industry-led apprenticeship program in the Colorado IT industry. Techtonic will lead the way for other apprenticeship programs in this industry. Apprenticeships have become an important focus of the new WIOA program as well as a valid training tool for work-based learning. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES Workforce Boulder County has partnered with LeaderQuest to do enrollment events/orientation. This allowed WFBC to find and determine a number of Long Term Unemployed job seekers who were motivated to continue their education through receiving certifications. WFBC has also partners with WIOA case managers and veterans representatives to create a pathway for referrals from other programs. PARTNERS Workforce Boulder County has worked with the following partners during 2015: Page 7
Denver Office of Economic Development Region PROMISING PRACTICES The Denver Office of Economic Development had two promising practices in 2015: Promote Your Tech Talent: Successfully brought 8 employers together with 100+ IT job seekers to provide industry led training, job search support, and networking to learn more about the available occupations, what employers are looking for and how to provide a better resume and outreach. 58 participants have provided resumes for review and continued interest in employment through TEC- P. Individuals have been referred to Tuliva IT orientations in addition to other programs. Participant-todate numbers are pending. Employer partnerships: Kranect provided social media training for Denver job seekers participating in PowerPrep as well as Promote Your Tech Talent held in November. Tuliva has supported resume review for IT job seekers to help identify match for training and occupations Tuliva has established training cohorts based on actual employer occupation needs, including: Project Management, Networking Administrator, Software Developer, and IT Help Desk This demand-led training model will be key to insuring stronger employer partnerships and training-related placements in our targeted industries. TEC-P is collaborating to provide referrals to the start-up cohorts for February. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES Brian recently completed GIS training from CAD-1 and is scheduled for proctor exam on Feb. 5 th. In addition, he was hired in an On-the-Job Training with R&R Company as GIS surveyor on 1-15-2016. Brian had been unemployed since 2012. For more success stories, visit our website at www.tecpcolorado.com Page 8
Denver Office of Economic Development Region (cont d) PARTNERS The Denver Office of Economic Development has developed partnerships with these organizations in 2015: Page 9
American Jobs Center serving Jefferson, Clear Creek, and Gilpin Counties Region PROMISING PRACTICES The Tri-County region has identified an IT recruiter that will assist in reviewing candidate qualifications and assist in referring potential candidates to employment opportunities. They have also presented the TEC-P project with the Jeffco Bioscience Roundtable, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, and the Colorado Space Symposium. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES The AJC has leveraged recruitment of candidates from Job Fairs and Hiring Events to get to enroll 16 participants through December 2015. PARTNERS The AJC has developed partnerships with the following organizations in 2015: Page 10
Larimer County Workforce Region PROMISING PRACTICES Larimer County Workforce has worked on connecting with Weld County to potentially partner or offer TEC-P funding for candidates that meet eligibility requirements as Weld County does not receive TEC-P project funding. Larimer County Workforce also maintains contact with H1B participants that are now working which allows them to continue the connective relationship which will lead to increased outreach in terms of job seeker participants and employer partners. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES One customer has completed the Certified Scrum Product Owner certification in May, and then landed a job starting July 20 with Truven Health Analytics as an Information Technology Project Manager. The individual is making $70/hour. Another participant is working a temporary contract position through Agrium as a Project Manager through December, but full-time employment is a possibility when the contract is up. PARTNERS The Larimer County Workforce Region has partnered with the following in 2015. Page 11
Mesa County Region PROMISING PRACTICES Mesa County Workforce has been working with partners while they are rebounding from recession within the gas/oil/coal industry which is leading to how they do business with companies that employ workers in advanced manufacturing fields. Mesa County will continue to work in decreasing the unemployment rate and identify individuals and businesses that would benefit from TEC-P services which is a proactive approach to outreach given the economic changes in their region. SUCCESS STORY/STORIES Mesa County has had four long term unemployed customers complete certification during the 2015 program year. In addition, Mesa County Workforce hosted the RockIT Group to discuss TEC-P and Workforce Center services. During this discussion, they received local feedback that certifications were note beneficial to employer and that preference is to find individuals with exceptional soft-skills (customer service, communication, computer) and train on IT/AM duties on the job. Positions within the area are typically end user support and generalists. PARTNERS The Mesa County Workforce Region has partnered with the following in 2015. Page 12
TEC-P 2015 Data PARTICIPATION DATA During the first year of the three year grant, the following outcomes have been achieved: Page 13
TAKEAWAYS The Technology Employment in Colorado Partnership served 83 individuals during 2015. This was 8 more than the projected 75 to be served (111%). The overall average annual salary for participants who found employment was $71,766.90. TEC-P placed 21.6% of individuals in the first year, although many of the participants are still actively seeking training and employment services. The placement rate is expected to rise as participants complete training and engage in workforce activity. (All collective employment) Page 14
Contact Information ARAPAHOE/DOUGLAS WORKS! WORKFORCE BOULDER COUNTY DENVER OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Tel 303-636-1499 wjohnson@arapahoegov.com AMERICAN JOB CENTER - JEFFERSON, CLEAR CREEK, AND GILPIN COUNTIES Tel 303-413-7097 smiller@bouldercounty.org LARIMER COUNTY WORKFORCE CENTER Tel 720-913-1650 elizabeth.ojeda@denvergov.org MESA COUNTY WORKFORCE CENTER Tel 303-271-4756 nlaughli@co.jefferson.co.us Tel 970-498-6669 mloritz@larimer.org Tel 970-248-0869 jennifer.burke@mesacounty.us Grant Administration Information Denver Office of Economic Development Workforce Development 201 W Colfax Ave, Seventh Floor, Denver CO 80202 Tel 720-913-1650 Email tecp@denvergov.org www.tecpcolorado.com Grant Manager: Anita Davis Grant Administrator: Liz Ojeda Project Convener: Judy Emery Report Design and Preparation: Todd Nielsen Page 15