Free job and employment programs in Colorado.
Assistance is available in Colorado for job seekers. Clients can receive help in signing up for training, assistance in locating a new or better job, free enrollment into job training programs, career counseling, and more. Services available at Workforce Centers listed below that are near you can help the unemployed, seniors, and youth. While most of the resources are funded by the federal government Workforce Investment Act, thousands of individuals across Colorado benefit from them every year.
Assistance for displaced workers
Residents that have lost their jobs can explore programs such as Layoff Transition Services. The Colorado State Rapid Response Team serves people that work at companies which are facing corporate restructuring and downsizing. The Rapid Response Team was created as a cooperative effort between the Unemployment Insurance Program, your local Workforce Center, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The team will offer priority services to employees that are impacted by a corporate downsizing.
The business can also receive advice and support in dealing with families who will be impacted by the reductions. For example, layoff transition workshops can be established at a time and location designated by the employer. In general, the workshops are held at the worksite during normal working hours. They will commence operation as soon as possible after employees are notified of the pending layoff.
The services available from the Rapid Response Team were designed to benefit both employees and employers through the provision of information about the Dislocated Worker Program. Specialists will disseminate useful information and assistance with employment related needs. This includes trying to get the client into position to find another opportunity as soon as possible.
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Act, or TAA, can benefit workers who lose their jobs due to foreign completion and who are currently unemployed. It may also assist people whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports. Colorado and the federal government Department of Labor offer a number of benefits to those impacted. They will mostly be provided as reemployment services and they are all designed to help trade-affected workers and the unemployed prepare for and obtain new, suitable employment.
Those who are qualified may be found eligible for training, a job search allowance, money to pay for relocation, or a health coverage tax credit. Also, a weekly Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA) may be payable to those workers following the exhaustion of their federal government and state unemployment benefits.
Workforce center services in Colorado
The main place to go into the state is your local Workforce Center. They offer a number of assistance programs to the unemployed and career changers. Some of the main resources are below.
- Work with a counselor on free outplacement and job search assistance.
- Employees can get support and guidance which should reduce the emotional effects of a layoff and hopefully improve morale.
- The centers provide a number of services to clients, including information on unemployment insurance benefits, training resources, and educational opportunities.
- Counseling including financial and stress management.
- Get referrals to community support agencies.
Counselors from the Workforce Center can meet with individuals or hold workshops on some or all of the following topics. Access labor market information on high demand careers. Receive free use of the internet for job search. Resume writing and review sessions can be held. Specialists will help with the identification and use of transferable skills as well as discovering job retraining resources available to those in need of updating skills.
Staff will offer assessment and testing to customers. The results of this will show a clients current abilities, skills, and career interests. The assessment will help the Workforce specialist place you into positions, education and job training programs that you will have a better chance of being successful in.
A number of workshops may be offered, depending on the center. Some can help individuals with posting, creating, editing and preparing resumes. Mock interview sessions may be held. Or learn some of the latest software packages to improve your computer skills. All of these sessions have the objective of helping people obtain new skills and understanding their interests.
Counselors will work with clients and help them apply for a job. Attendees of the centers can register for other programs in Colorado, including intensive services such as individual career planning, group career workshops, job training, and general counseling.
Numerous educational opportunities are offered in Colorado. These are usually made available for people that are having difficulty matching their current skills to available job opening. Training and counseling may be an option for clients. Also learn about scholarship programs and federal aid, such as Pell Grants.
The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment offers a migrant and seasonal farm worker program (MSFW). While it can benefit anyone who falls into that category, most of the clients are bilingual (English/Spanish) speakers. The state outreach program can help seasonal workers gain a stable position or improve their education and skillset.
There are several primary locations around the state, including in Greeley, Brighton, Lamar, Monte Vista, Rocky Ford and Delta Colorado. They provide referrals and quality employment services to clients. The various outreach efforts are accomplished by offering individuals access to personal contacts. Seasonal and Migrant Farm workers can use the full range of services available in Colorado, such as help in completing applications, counseling, job training, referrals to non-profit supportive service agencies and job placement.
Military Veterans and their spouses are given priority in Colorado and nationwide for employment assistance. Every single resident of the state knows that veterans have made many sacrifices serving this great state and country.
Those who are qualified, and are considered Covered Persons, include veterans and their spouses. They need to meet all of the eligibility requirements for program participation. If they do this, then they will be qualified for Priority of Service in any workforce preparation programs. This can include education, job training, and more. Veteran, for the sole purpose of the Colorado Priority of Service, means an individual who served at least one day in the active navy, military or air service. They need to have been released or discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Colorado Workforce Center Staff can assist covered persons in securing an interview with a potential employer. They will work with both the applicant and the employer in matching skills to what is required. The staff member will also access local and national job databases to find open positions in the region. Veterans will be referred and will be able to apply to jobs posted in Connecting Colorado before others as part of the priority service.
Employment, training, and workforce services for youth
Youth can benefit from programs as well. One of them is the Summer Job Hunt Program. This was created to serve as a vital link between actual on-the-job experience and classroom learning. It matches young people's skills and interests with local and regional employment opportunities and internships. Employment assistance services are available, at no cost, to both young adults ages 16 - 21 as well as potential employers.
Younger people in Colorado, including younger adults, can also benefit from their use of technology to make money and/or gain new skills. There are games, smart phone apps, and even ways to make money using a computer. Sometimes cash is paid out and sometimes gift cards, but learn more on how to make money from playing games.
The workforce offices serve as a place where young people can meet with an employment specialist, who will assist them with resume creation, job search activities, networking and referrals as needed. Thousands of younger residents use the Summer Job Hunt Program every year to find jobs.
Workforce Centers locations in Colorado
The main customer service/intake number is 303-318-8000. Or find a Workforce center near you, listed below for free services.
Alamosa region
The center serves Alamosa, Costilla, and Conejos counties.
1016 West Avenue, #6
Alamosa, Colorado 81101
Telephone number is (719) 589-5118
Adams County Workforce and Business Center
Address: 3538 Peoria St, Suite 511
Aurora, CO 80010
Call the location at (303) 363-9380
Gilpin County
The office helps residents of Gilpin, Clear Creek & Jefferson counties.
2960 Dory Hill Rd.
Black Hawk, Colorado 80403
(303) 582-6003
Workforce Boulder County
2520 55th Street
Boulder, Colorado 80301
Telephone number is (303) 301-2900
Burlington Workforce Center
Serves Kit Carson & Cheyenne counties.
1490-A Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 115
Burlington, CO 80807
Dial (719) 346-5331
Adams County Workforce and Business Center, Brighton Satellite office
18 N. Main St.
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 659-4250
Broomfield
6650 W 120th Ave. Unit A-1
Broomfield, Colorado 80020-7614
Dial the center at (303) 464-5855
Workforce Center of the greater Canon City region
overs Fremont and Custer counties.
3224 Independence Road
Canon City, Colorado 81212
Dial (719) 275-7408
Arapahoe/Douglas Works - Castle Rock Workforce Center
4400 Castleton Ct #198
Castle Rock, CO 80109
(303)-688-4825
Colorado Springs Region, Pikes Peak Workforce Center
El Paso & Teller Counties families can call this center.
2306 E Pikes Peak Ave.
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909
Dolores and Montezuma counties.
2208 E. Main
Cortez, CO 81321
Moffat and Rio Blanco counties
Main address is 480 Barclay
Craig, CO 81625
Phone number is (970) 824-3246
Pikes Peak Workforce Center, in Aspen Mine Community Center.
166 E. Bennett Ave.
Cripple Creek, CO 80813
Call (719) 689-3584 for additional information.
Delta County Workforce Center
Address is 206 Ute Street
Delta, Colorado 81416
Telephone number is (970) 874-5781
Denver County Workforce Center
There is also at location for Youth Services.
1391 N. Speer Blvd.
Denver, CO 80204
Telephone number is (720) 865-5619
A second location is at 8500 Pena Blvd., 5th Level, Main Terminal, West Side, Denver, CO 80249, (303) 342-2590
Or stop by 3401 Quebec St, Suite 7700, Denver, CO 80207, (720) 865-0060
The western part of the county is served by an office at 1200 Federal Blvd., Denver, CO 80204, (720) 944-1615
All of these sites offer number of resources to the unemployed and people looking to gain a new skill or career.
Durango Workforce Center of La Plata & San Juan counties.
331 South Camino Del Rio, #C
Durango, Colorado 81303
Main phone number is (970) 247-0308
Eagle county
0069 Edwards Access Rd, #9
Edwards, CO 81632
Call (970) 926-4440 for hours.
Elizabeth job training and Workforce Center
Main address is 240 Elizabeth Street, Suite A1
Elizabeth, Colorado 80107
Dial (303) 646-2783
Larimer County Workforce Center
200 W. Oak Street, Suite 5000
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Call (970) 498-6600
Employment Services of Weld County
Main address is 2950 9th Street
Ft Lupton, Colorado 80621
Main number is (303) 857-2725
Fort Morgan Workforce Center - Serving Morgan & Washington counties.
411 Main St #200
Fort Morgan, Colorado 80701
Dial (970) 867-9401
Frisco Workforce Center - Summit county.
602 Galena St., P.O. Box 679.
Frisco, CO 80443
Dial (970) 668-5360
Glenwood Springs Workforce Center
Covers - Garfield, Pitkin & Eagle counties
51027 Hwy 6 & 24
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Phone - (970) 945-8638
Jefferson County Workforce Center
Arvada, Golden, Lakewood & Wheat Ridge County.
3500 Illinois St.
Golden, Colorado 80401
Job Seekers should dial (303) 271-4700
Granby Workforce Center - Serving Grand County
469 E. Topaz
Granby, CO 80446
Telephone number is (970) 887-1857
Mesa County Workforce Center
2897 North Avenue
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Dial the center at (970) 248-0871
Employment Services of Weld County
Center is location at 1551 North 17th Ave.
Greeley, CO 80632
Call (970) 353-3800
Employment counseling, job search assistance and other services are administered. The unemployed, students, and others may benefit.
Arapahoe/Douglas Works
Address: 5500 S. Quebec St.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(303)636-1160
Workforce Center - Serving Gunnison & Hinsdale counties.
Address: 109 E. Georgia
Gunnison, CO 81230
(970) 641-0031
Clear Creek County Workforce Center
Main address: 1531 Colorado Blvd., P.O. Box 3669
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Phone: (303) 567-3135
La Junta Workforce Center of Otero county
Address: 215 Raton
LaJunta, Colorado 81050
Main phone for intake is (719) 383-3191
Lamar Workforce Center
Prowers, Baca and Kiowa counties.
405 East Olive St.
Lamar, CO 81052
Call - (719) 336-2256
Leadville Workforce Center of Lake County Colorado
Address is 115 W 6th St
Leadville, CO 80461
Primary phone number is (719) 486-2428
Limon Workforce Center
Covers Lincoln county.
285 D Ave.
Limon, CO 80828
Main phone number is (719) 775-2387 or dial (719) 775-2388
Workforce Boulder County
1500 Kansas Ave
Longmont, Colorado 80501
Primary phone - (303) 827-7400
Employment Services of Weld County
4209 WCR 24 ½, P.O. Box 1805
Longmont, Colorado 80501
Telephone number is (720) 652-4209
Larimer County Workforce Center
Main address is 418 E. 4th St.
Loveland, CO 80537
Telephone: (970) 667-4261
Rio Blanco county
345 Market Street
Meeker, CO 81641
Call the center at (970) 878-4211 for hours.
Monte Vista Workforce Center
This offices helps job seekers in the counties of Rio Grande, Saguache and Mineral.
2079 Sherman Ave.
Monte Vista, CO 81144
Call (719) 852-5171 for hours.
Montrose Workforce Center
Supports Montrose, Ouray, Delta & East San Miguel.
504 North 1st St.
Montrose, Colorado 81401
(970) 249-7783
Pikes Peak Workforce Center - Tri-Lakes Cares Building
235 Jefferson St.
Monument, CO 80132
Phone number is (719)481-4864
Pagosa Springs Workforce Center
County covered is – Archuleta.
527 San Juan St., Suite D
Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147
Telephone - (970) 264-5627
Pueblo Workforce Center
212 W 3rd St
Pueblo, CO 81003
Main number is (719) 562-3720
Rangely Workforce Center of Rio Blanco county.
Located at Colorado Northwest Community College, 500 Kennedy Drive, Johnson Building
Rangely, CO 81648
(970) 675-5072
Garfield county
Address is 310 West 3rd.
Rifle, CO 81650
Call (970) 625-5627 to speak to a counselor.
Rocky Ford Workforce Center
Otero, Crowley and Bent counties.
Address: 801 Chestnut
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
Main number is (719) 254-3397
Chaffee county
141 E. 3rd St.
Salida, Colorado 81201
Call: (719) 539-6523
San Luis Satellite Workforce Center - Rocky Mountain SER Head Start
Main location is 410 Gaspar Street
San Luis, CO 81152
Dial (719)672-3310
Steamboat Springs Workforce Center
Families in Routt and Jackson counties should call this job center.
425 Anglers Drive, 80488 D-2
Steamboat Springs, CO 80488
(970) 879-3075
Sterling Workforce Center
Residents of Phillips, Logan and Sedgwick counties Colorado.
Walker Hall, Northeastern Junior College
100 College Drive #22
Sterling, CO 80751
(970) 522-9340
Adams County Workforce & Business Center
550 Thornton Parkway #200
Thornton, CO 80229
(303) 452-2304
A second site is at 12200 North Pecos Street
Westminster, Colorado 80234
Phone - (303) 453-8600
Workforce Center of Las Animas county
140 North Commercial
Trinidad, CO 81082
Main number is (719) 846-9221
Huerfano county
400 Main St.
Walsenburg, Colorado 81089
Main number is (719) 738-2372
Woodland Park Public Library has an office for Pikes Peak Workforce Center
Address: 218 E. Midland Road
Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Call (719) 687-9281 for details on local career counseling services.
Yuma County Workforce Center
529 N. Albany Street, Suite 1210
Yuma, Colorado 80759
Dial (970) 848-3760
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