Good Jobs: How Business & Nonprofit Partnerships Are Energizing the Trades

Count the cranes dotting Denver’s skyline to see the fruit of record-low unemployment and a rapidly growing population. Yet, despite high wages and soaring demand, the shortage of skilled laborers in Colorado has hit crisis levels.

What factors keep people from pursuing lucrative careers in the trades--and how will this shortage hinder the state’s economic growth?

How can careers in the trades become a lifeline for many of our community's underserved members?

What do businesses and social service agencies need to know to partner well in workforce development?

Join Denver Institute for Faith & Work and Weifield Group Contracting for a gathering exploring the factors causing this shortage and innovative workforce development strategies.

We’ll examine cultural perspectives that shape our view of the trades and hear what’s working—and what isn’t—from a panel of industry and government leaders. 

Local nonprofits will share best practices for hiring and training their clients.

The evening will include time to connect with other leaders to explore business/nonprofit partnerships.

Whether you’re a corporate executive, general contractor, or nonprofit leader looking for ways to create and fill jobs, this event is for you.

Light refreshments will be served. 

Agenda

4:30 - Guest check-in & refreshments

4:45 - Welcome & introductions

4:55 - "Renewing Our Vision for the Trades"

- Jeff Haanen, Denver Institute for Faith & Work

5:10 - "Workforce Development - What's Working?"

- Michael Gifford, Associated General Contractors of Colorado- James Roina, Office of Economic Development, City & County ofDenver- Katrina Wert, Center for Workforce Initiatives

5:40 - "The Power of Partnership" - Panel Discussion

- Scott Flores, The Master's Apprentice- Helen Hayes, Activate Workforce Solutions- Karla Nugent, Weifield Group- Teri Smith, Stout Street Foundation- Josh, Geppelt, Denver Rescue Mission

6:30 - Connections & refreshments