Job Training Programs
Colorado FIRST / Existing Industry Customized Training Programs
The Colorado First and Existing Industry grants are jointly administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS).
Colorado First grants are for companies that are relocating to Colorado or existing companies that are undertaking a major expansion.
Existing Industry grants are designed for Colorado companies that are implementing new technology to remain competitive and keep jobs in Colorado. Approved training is for transferable job skills that support both the company's economic competitiveness by re-training its workers in new skills, while enhancing the workers' resumes and long-term employment opportunities.
These training programs received $2.7 million in funding for the 2009-2010 program year.
Colorado First grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year.
Existing Industry Grant applications are reviewed in a competitive process by the administering agencies twice per fiscal year.
Grant funded training must occur within the fiscal year that funds are awarded.
All grant applications for both programs must meet the following criteria:
- Maximum grant award of $800 per employee.
- Grant funded training must be for permanent, full-time, non-seasonal, non-retail positions in the state of Colorado, which have significant career opportunities and require substantive instruction.
- Grants will only be awarded to companies that meet a sustainable wage threshold: in urban areas, employers must pay an average wage of at least $10.46/hour; average wages in rural areas must be at least $8.21/hour.
- All grant-funded training must be customized to meet the company's specific needs.
- Applicant companies must pay for a minimum of 40% of the total training costs.
- A financial evaluation of the applicant company is required (Existing Industry applications only)
- An on-site visit of the applicant company is required.
For more information, contact:
Pete Roskop, Job Training Program Director
1625 Broadway, Suite 2700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 892-3840; FAX: (303) 892-3848
e-mail: peter.roskop@state.co.us
To apply for a job training grant, locate the Community College or area vocational school in your area by searching http://www.cccs.edu/FindCollege.html.
If your company is planning to expand or relocate to Colorado, please contact the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade directly (303) 892-3840.
To download information and application forms from the Community Colleges Website, go to www.cccs.edu/workforce/trainingfunds.html.
To list or search job openings, contact the Colorado Workforce Centers, www.coworkforce.com/EMP/
