Rise into the Career You Want

Looking for a good job or new career?

Earn a short-term credential at no cost to you to prepare for an in-demand, well-paying job or career.

Has the pandemic derailed your work or education plans? Rise into the job or career you have always wanted.

A short-term credential can prepare you for an in-demand, well-paying job or help you advance in your current field. You could earn a commercial drivers’ license, H-VAC certification, or licensed practical nurse credential. Or you could strengthen your digital or customer service skills to advance in your current industry.

Colorado’s local workforce centers have stimulus funds to provide training to support your next career move. Whether you want to find a new job, advance your skills, or change careers, funding is available to help you on your way to an in-demand, well-paying job.

Are you ready to make your next career move, but not sure where to start? The career coaches at your local workforce center can help you explore training opportunities for a variety of in-demand jobs and careers. Fill out the form to get started.

Are you excited about launching a rewarding career in education, or joining Colorado’s growing healthcare industry? Get connected with education and healthcare training opportunities by selecting your industry preference on the contact form, or follow the links below to learn more about these in-demand industries.

How to Apply

COVID-impacted Coloradans can access funding for a short-term credential through their local workforce center. Please complete this form to be contacted by a career coach at your local workforce center about opportunities.

Am I eligible?

If you are 16 or older and have experienced financial impact due to COVID-19, you are eligible to receive funding. This includes anyone unemployed or underemployed due to COVID-19 or who has otherwise been economically impacted by the pandemic since March 2020.

Eligibility Simplified

  • 16 or older AND one of the following:

    • Unemployed

    • Underemployed

    • Currently employed workers are eligible when the worker or the employer has been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

    • Experienced an economic loss or had additional household expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic

    • Previously incarcerated

What will I get?

The costs will be covered for an industry-recognized credential to be obtained in 12 months or less. This support towards earning a short-term credential is available for both unemployed and employed individuals.

Funds must be used to complete only one short-term training program per individual. These funds cannot be used for High School Equivalency attainment* or to cover costs that have already been incurred.

*Learn more about the High School Equivalency Testing Program or the Workforce Diploma Pilot Program

What is an industry-recognized credential?

Any credentials (including licensures, certifications, or certificates) earned that increase an individual's employability for in-demand industries or growth occupations that are recognized by the industry.

This could include earning a commercial driver’s license, H-VAC certification, or licensed practical nurse credential. You could also strengthen your digital or customer service skills to advance your career. View a list of other potential industry-recognized credentials.

About Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling (RUN) Funding

HB21-1264 Funds Workforce Development Increase Worker Skills, which was signed by Governor Polis on June 23, includes $25M for Investments in Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling Workers.

This portion of funding, referred to as RUN, is being distributed by local workforce boards and community-based organizations focused on reskilling, upskilling, and next-skilling (RUN) for individuals whose work or training has been impacted by the pandemic.

RUN funding will support impacted individuals in earning a short-term, industry-recognized credential that leads to an in-demand, well-paying career.

Questions?

If you have additional questions about training opportunities, please connect with your local workforce center to learn more, or complete this form to be contacted directly by a career coach at your local workforce center.