COLORADO SPRINGS – Today, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) along with the Pikes Peak Workforce Center and Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) hosted a Regional Talent Summit at Pikes Peak State College to convene industry and community leaders, discuss much needed career pathway solutions and begin developing tactical workforce plans to ensure that Colorado workers develop the skills employers need.
“As a state, we are doubling down on workforce development to connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs while supporting regional economic development goals. Today’s Regional Talent Summit will result in a tactical action plan developed by community and business leaders to meet the region’s unique goals and needs," said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.
Today’s summit focused on the advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and technology industries in El Paso and Teller counties.
“We believe tangible solutions emerge when we convene the right people. That’s why we’re proud to co-host the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summit—to connect industry leaders, educators, and workforce experts in shaping strategies that respond directly to the talent needs of our Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace and Defense, and Technology sectors. This is about more than dialogue—it’s about building actionable solutions through collaboration,” said Traci Marques, Executive Director & CEO of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center.
Today’s event was the last of seven Regional Talent Summits that took place across the state since February. The tactical workforce plans developed by each region will be published in the 2025 Colorado Talent Pipeline report, with annual progress reports published through 2030. These plans include a needs assessment for each region, incorporating data from the summit outcomes, as well as two- and five-year regional goals and actions to develop career pathways in high-need fields.
Established by HB24-1365, these summits build on the impact of the Opportunity Now grant program which has, to date, distributed nearly $90 million to 89 grant recipients to launch and expand innovative talent development programs across the state.
The Pikes Peak region has received over $1.5 million in Opportunity Now grants from OEDIT, including:
- Joint Initiatives for Youth and Families - $622,624 to support training for early childhood educators. Through collaboration with early childhood collaborators and local employers, this no-cost training is designed to educate and retain early childhood educators and provide support as trainees transition from another industry, unemployment, or following high school.
- Microchip Technology - $1,056,792 to advance career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. In partnership with manufacturers Entegris and InnovaFlex, Pikes Peak State College, and Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance, this program supports training to retain local talent and encourage financial stability.
Grant recipients from Colorado Education Initiative, Entegris, Innovaflex, Microchip Technology, and Pikes Peak State College participated in today’s summit.
“Growing and sustaining Colorado’s workforce is a top priority, and today’s Regional Talent Summit will help develop actionable plans for workforce development and connect more Coloradans to good-paying jobs in their region,” said former Minority Leader Paul Lundeen.
“The work at today’s Regional Talent Summit lays the groundwork to connect Coloradans to access and opportunity—essential to filling vital jobs in the region’s advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and technology industries,” said Senator Marc Snyder.
“The plans developed at this summit will help ensure our hardworking residents have the skills to earn a living in their communities and support their families. This is a key step forward for our region and local economy,” said Rep. Mary Bradfield.
“As we grow and develop our workforce, it is important to empower our Colorado workers. Through local collaboration with industry and community leaders, we are creating strategies for individuals to learn new skills and help advance their careers right here in the Pikes Peak region,” said Rep. Amy Paschal.