Located in:
- II. Strategic Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a Strategic Planning Elements section that analyzes the State’s current economic environment and identifies the State’s overall vision for its workforce development system. The required elements in this section allow the State to develop data-driven goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and to identify successful strategies for aligning workforce development programs. Unless otherwise noted, all Strategic Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs.
- a. Economic, Workforce, and Workforce Development Activities Analysis
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an analysis of the economic conditions, economic development strategies, and labor market in which the State’s workforce system and programs will operate.
- a. Economic, Workforce, and Workforce Development Activities Analysis
II. a. 1. A. Economic Analysis (A.I -A.III)
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an analysis of the economic conditions and trends in the State, including sub-State regions and any specific economic areas identified by the State. This must include-
i. Existing Demand Industry Sectors and Occupations
Provide an analysis of the industries and occupations for which there is existing demand.
ii. Emerging Industry Sectors and Occupation
Provide an analysis of the industries and occupations for which demand is emerging.
iii. Employers’ Employment Needs
With regard to the industry sectors and occupations identified in 1 and 2 above, provide an assessment of the employment needs of employers, including a description of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required, including credentials and licenses.
Current Narrative:
| 25-2011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | $13.37 | $27,813 | 33.40 | 544 | 820 | Associate's degree | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-2012 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $22.48 | $46,758 | 20.97 | 193 | 751 | Bachelor's degree | Internship/residency |
| 25-3021 | Self-Enrichment Education Teachers | $17.39 | $36,180 | 31.24 | 282 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 25-9041 | Teacher Assistants | $13.13 | $27,303 | 21.93 | 861 | 2 | Some college, no degree | None |
Media and Communication
| 27-2022 | Coaches and Scouts | $13.27 | $27,606 | 21.11 | 493 | 259 | Bachelor's degree | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27-2042 | Musicians and Singers | $24.73 | $51,438 | 21.63 | 45 | 517 | No formal educational credential | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 27-4011 | Audio and Video Equipment Technicians | $18.06 | $37,558 | 23.63 | 50 | 56 | Postsecondary non-degree award | Short-term on-the-job training |
Health Diagnosing and Treating
| 29-1199 | Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, All Other | $22.10 | $45,958 | 35.13 | 76 | 173 | Master's degree | None |
Health Technologists and Technicians
| 29-2012 | Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians | $19.36 | $40,267 | 32.17 | 115 | 46* | Associate's degree | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-2041 | Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics | $18.10 | $37,647 | 32.44 | 215 | 1,360 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 29-2052 | Pharmacy Technicians | $16.64 | $34,617 | 25.54 | 181 | 220 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 29-2055 | Surgical Technologists | $23.43 | $48,743 | 34.92 | 71 | 58 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 29-2056 | Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $15.52 | $32,280 | 36.51 | 179 | 520 | Associate's degree | None |
| 29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $23.05 | $47,935 | 22.44 | 262 | 277 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 29-2071 | Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | $22.59 | $46,986 | 28.67 | 142 | 107 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 29-2081 | Opticians, Dispensing | $17.50 | $36,394 | 30.12 | 77 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 29-2099 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $20.76 | $43,189 | 38.09 | 139 | 138** | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
Healthcare Support
| 31-1011 | Home Health Aides | $11.83 | $24,597 | 47.77 | 965 | 8 | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31-1014 | Nursing Assistants | $14.19 | $29,506 | 30.47 | 1,064 | 1,976 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 31-9011 | Massage Therapists | $22.01 | $45,771 | 31.02 | 370 | 796 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $16.35 | $34,010 | 28.40 | 496 | 1,256** | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 31-9093 | Medical Equipment Preparers | $17.80 | $37,015 | 34.08 | 56 | 13 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 31-9097 | Phlebotomists | $16.88 | $35,106 | 35.65 | 95 | 315 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 31-9099 | Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $14.76 | $30,704 | 21.59 | 96 | 164 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
Food Preparation and Serving
| 35-1011 | Chefs and Head Cooks | $23.16 | $48,162 | 24.40 | 118 | 674 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | $18.05 | $37,546 | 26.76 | 898 | 380 | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
| 35-2014 | Cooks, Restaurant | $12.11 | $25,182 | 32.7 | 1,844 | 674** | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 39-1021 | First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $17.45 | $36,300 | 23.65 | 256 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | None |
Personal Care and Service
| 39-5011 | Barbers | $14.29 | $29,721 | 24.77 | 133 | 148** | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39-5094 | Skincare Specialists (Estheticians) | $20.33 | $42,281 | 24.22 | 62 | 437 | Postsecondary non-degree award | None |
| 39-9011 | Childcare Workers | $12.32 | $25,627 | 27.20 | 796 | 188** | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 39-9031 | Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | $19.93 | $41,455 | 24.42 | 370 | 399 | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 39-9032 | Recreation Workers | $12.31 | $25,599 | 20.70 | 304 | 342 | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-3021 | Billing and Posting Clerks and Machine Operators | $18.68 | $38,859 | 24.11 | 297 | 388 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Sales
| 43-4051 | Customer Service Representatives | $15.99 | $33,256 | 21.86 | 2,092 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43-4111 | Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan | $16.62 | $34,578 | 22.04 | 204 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-4199 | Information and Record Clerks, All Other | $19.58 | $40,720 | 20.69 | 442 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-5021 | Couriers and Messengers | $13.92 | $28,956 | 29.39 | 56 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 43-6031 | Medical Secretaries | $17.81 | $37,044 | 48.00 | 1,283 | 758 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Construction
| 47-2021 | Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $24.04 | $49,999 | 46.99 | 109 | 5** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47-2031 | Carpenters | $20.14 | $41,891 | 27.34 | 796 | 21** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2044 | Tile and Marble Setters | $18.28 | $38,021 | 27.59 | 62 | 5** | No formal educational credential | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2051 | Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | $18.93 | $39,368 | 35.78 | 264 | 55** | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2061 | Construction Laborers | $16.27 | $33,832 | 29.36 | 1,370 | 17** | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2073 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $22.77 | $47,372 | 25.20 | 404 | 6** | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2081 | Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $21.09 | $43,861 | 27.74 | 122 | N/A** | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2111 | Electricians | $23.75 | $49,397 | 39.83 | 990 | 245** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2121 | Glaziers | $19.57 | $40,713 | 24.44 | 50 | 1** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2131 | Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall | $15.95 | $33,185 | 29.24 | 45 | N/A** | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2132 | Insulation Workers, Mechanical | $18.75 | $39,008 | 46.74 | 59 | N/A** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2141 | Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $17.81 | $37,044 | 30.07 | 318 | 4** | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2152 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $23.29 | $48,435 | 34.00 | 451 | 83** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2181 | Roofers | $17.19 | $35,749 | 37.42 | 206 | N/A | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-2211 | Sheet Metal Workers | $21.31 | $44,332 | 30.11 | 182 | 35** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-2221 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $21.97 | $45,702 | 22.47 | 51 | N/A** | High school diploma or equivalent | Apprenticeship |
| 47-4099 | Construction and Related Workers, All Other | $16.17 | $33,639 | 28.79 | 43 | 17** | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5013 | Service Unit Operators, Oil, Gas, and Mining | $21.23 | $44,152 | 22.51 | 101 | N/A | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 47-5071 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | $18.38 | $38,240 | 26.23 | 110 | N/A | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2097 | Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers | $20.86 | $43,395 | 24.20 | 42 | N/A** | Postsecondary non-degree award | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 49-2098 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $21.62 | $44,976 | 25.55 | 75 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-3031 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $23.50 | $48,873 | 22.75 | 190 | 387** | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9011 | Mechanical Door Repairers | $19.22 | $39,980 | 31.34 | 59 | 45 | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 49-9071 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | $17.99 | $37,424 | 21.78 | 1,139 | 35** | High school diploma or equivalent | Long-term on-the-job training |
Production
| 51-3011 | Bakers | $11.90 | $24,754 | 21.64 | 171 | 269** | No formal educational credential | Long-term on-the-job training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51-3099 | Food Processing Workers, All Other | $11.99 | $24,946 | 21.05 | 42 | N/A | No formal educational credential | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-4011 | Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic | $17.18 | $35,729 | 20.93 | 47 | 261* | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| 51-9012 | Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $17.30 | $35,990 | 21.86 | 93 | N/A** | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
Transportation and Material Moving
| 53-3021 | Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | $17.55 | $36,494 | 22.78 | 137 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53-3022 | Bus Drivers, School or Special Client | $15.96 | $33,199 | 22.65 | 228 | N/A | High school diploma or equivalent | Short-term on-the-job training |
| 53-3041 | Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs | $13.09 | $27,231 | 26.40 | 163 | N/A | No formal educational credential | Short-term on-the-job training |
N/A- Directly associated postsecondary program or completions could not be identified
*- Completions are shared across multiple occupations and are likely insufficient to meet demand
**- Incomplete data- does not include all apprenticeship or other industry certification program completions
Tier 1
Occupations that are part of the Tier 1 list (high growth rates, high annual openings, and pay a living wage for a family of three) overwhelmingly require education or training beyond high school for entry into the field. When measured by job openings, 93 percent typically demand some level of postsecondary education or training, ranging from one-year-or-longer programs that combine OJT and coursework, to graduate-level degrees. Nine percent of job openings are for middle-skill jobsa job that typically requires additional education or training beyond a high school diploma, but less than a bachelor’s degreein fields like IT, health care, and the skilled trades. At the same time, a paradigm shift is underway, with employers increasingly recognizing the need to look for required competencies rather than simply defaulting to certain degree requirements. As WBL opportunities expand, more Top Jobs may be filled by individuals with these types of OJT experiences.
Tier 1 Top Jobs - Projected Annual Openings by Typical Education Needed for Entry
| Education | Number of Openings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 15,144 | 70% |
| Doctoral/professional degree | 1,833 | 8% |
| HS diploma & mode rate to no OJT | 1,388 | 6% |
| Master’s degree | 1,268 | 6% |
| Associate degree | 589 | 3% |
| Some college, no degree | 564 | 3% |
| Long-term OJT | 485 | 2% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 289 | 1% |
| No formal educational credential | 55 | 0.3% |
Tier 2
For occupations that are on the Tier 2 list (high growth rates, high annual openings, and pay a living wage for an individual), less than half (45 percent) typically require formal postsecondary education/training for entry into employment. For jobs that call for education and/or training beyond high school, most are considered middle-skill jobs. Middle-skill jobs on this list are concentrated in the skilled trades and health care support positions. Here, occupations that expect a bachelor’s or graduate degree tend to be in education, counseling, or social services.
Tier 2 Top Jobs - Projected Annual Openings by Typical Education Needed for Entry
| Education | Number of openings | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| HS diploma & mode rate to no OJT | 9,078 | 34% |
| No formal educational credential | 5,550 | 21% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 3,002 | 11% |
| Apprenticeship | 2,688 | 10% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 1,719 | 6% |
| Long-term OJT | 1,684 | 6% |
| Associate degree | 1,217 | 5% |
| Some college, no degree | 861 | 3% |
| Master’s degree | 823 | 3% |
| Doctoral/professional degree | 111 | 0.4% |
Employers’ Employment Needs
For the occupations identified in Colorado’s “Top Jobs” list, a majority require high levels of one or more STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. In fact, when using Brookings Institution’s definition of STEM occupations, the 2017 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report found that 66 percent of Tier 1 job openings require high levels of STEM competencies while only 11% of Tier 2 job openings require STEM competencies, per the Brookings STEM definition. Compared to the share of STEM employment across the state’s overall workforce - which is approximately 20 percent - this suggests that a number of STEM competencies are highly valuable, as this list highlights jobs with above average growth rates and typically pay a living wage for a family of three.
In addition to STEM skills, the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report also identified certain skills that make employers more likely to promote individuals within their organizations. By reviewing data available from LinkedIn that is listed below, the skills of Coloradans who were promoted from entry-level to a more senior level position were identified. The top fifteen skill clusters include for these promoted workers include:
- Economics
- Social Media Marketing
- People Skills
- Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
- Software Revision Control System
- Software Applications
- Multilingual
- Politics
- User Interface
- HR Recruiting
- Analytical and Problem Solving
- Software Development Skills (Other)
- Mobile Development
- Legal Skills (Other)
- History, Archaeology, and Anthropology[2]
In summarizing the analysis of these skill clusters, the Colorado Talent Pipeline Report noted:
Many of these skills are related to skills expected of high demand fields in the state (such as IT); this is exemplified by the vast number of technology-related skill clusters, such as software revision control system (e.g. competency using tools like Git or Subversion), software applications (e.g. expertise in Primavera or SharePoint), and user interface (e.g. expertise in WordPress or user experience design).
Yet, what is also interesting about this list is that it is not limited to technical skills - interpersonal skills, language skills and problem solving can also play a role in progressing one’s careers.[3]
O*NET Skills Scores by Key Industry Network
Our O*NET skill scores are based on the staffing pattern for each Key Industry Network (KIN). By KIN, we then isolated the skilled occupations that had the highest concentration of workers, a total number that comprised at least half of the workers in the KIN. Based on the skills scores for these select occupations, we then established one score for each skill in each KIN. Below are the top ten ranked scores for each key industry; scores that exceed the average score for all occupations is denoted with an asterisk.
Advanced Manufacturing
1. Critical thinking 61.3
2. Reading comprehension 60.3
3. Active listening 59.9
4. Speaking 58.0
5. Monitoring* 57.8
6. Complex problem solving* 55.3
7. Judgment and decision making 54.9
8. Time management 52.3
9. Coordination 52.1
10. Writing 50.0
Aerospace
1. Critical thinking* 68.3
2. Reading comprehension* 67.3
3. Active listening* 65.6
4. Speaking 63.0
5. Complex problem solving* 62.7
6. Judgment and decision making* 60.7
7. Monitoring* 58.3
8. Writing* 57.9
9. Active learning* 54.9
10. Coordination* 54.9
Bioscience
1. Reading comprehension* 65.8
2. Critical thinking* 65.3
3. Active listening 65.1
4. Speaking 62.0
5. Complex problem solving* 59.1
6. Judgment and decision making* 58.5
7. Monitoring 57.6
8. Writing* 57.3
9. Active learning* 54.1
10. Time management* 53.5
Creative Industries
1. Active listening* 67.5
2. Reading comprehension* 65.5
3. Speaking* 64.4
4. Critical thinking* 64.0
5. Judgment and decision making* 58.2
6. Writing* 57.9
7. Complex problem solving* 57.8
8. Monitoring 56.6
9. Time management* 54.9
10. Coordination* 54.9
Defense & Homeland Security
No available data
Electronics
1. Reading comprehension* 68.4
2. Critical thinking* 66.5
3. Active listening* 66.1
4. Speaking* 63.8
5. Complex problem solving* 61.3
6. Judgment and decision making* 60.1
7. Writing* 58.8
8. Monitoring 57.0
9. Time management* 54.7
10. Coordination* 54.6
Energy & Natural Resources
1. Critical thinking 61.2
2. Active listening 59.3
3. Monitoring 57.6
4. Speaking 57.5
5. Reading comprehension 56.2
6. Judgment and decision making 55.7
7. Operation monitoring* 54.9
8. Complex problem solving 54.2
9. Coordination 53.3
10. Time management 53.0
Financial Services
1. Active listening* 72.6
2. Speaking* 71.3
3. Reading comprehension* 68.6
4. Critical thinking* 67.6
5. Writing* 63.6
6. Judgment and decision making* 62.6
7. Complex problem solving* 59.2
8. Social perceptiveness* 59.0
9. Time management* 56.9
10. Active learning* 55.4
Food & Agriculture
1. Active listening 55.8
2. Critical thinking 55.6
3. Speaking 54.8
4. Operation monitoring* 53.9
5. Monitoring 53.6
6. Coordination 52.9
7. Operation and control* 51.4
8. Time management 50.1
9. Judgment and decision making 50.0
Health & Wellness
1. Active listening* 74.0
2. Speaking* 72.1
3. Critical thinking* 68.3
4. Reading comprehension* 68.2
5. Social perceptiveness* 68.0
6. Service orientation* 65.6
7. Monitoring* 64.0
8. Judgment and decision making* 61.6
9. Writing* 61.4
10. Active learning* 59.1
Infrastructure Engineering
1. Critical thinking* 64.4
2. Active listening 62.7
3. Reading comprehension* 62.0
4. Speaking 60.1
5. Judgment and decision making* 57.1
6. Complex problem solving* 57.1
7. Monitoring 56.6
8. Coordination* 55.1
9. Time management* 64.3
10. Active learning* 52.7
Technology & Information
1. Critical thinking* 67.6
2. Reading comprehension* 66.7
3. Active listening 65.1
4. Speaking 61.7
5. Complex problem solving* 61.6
6. Judgment and decision making* 58.6
7. Writing* 56.7
8. Monitoring 56.2
9. Systems analysis* 55.5
10. Active learning* 54.6
Tourism & Outdoor Recreation
1. Speaking* 69.6
2. Active listening* 67.9
3. Social perceptiveness* 63.2
4. Service orientation* 62.7
5. Coordination* 60.5
6. Critical thinking 60.3
7. Monitoring* 60.1
8. Reading comprehension 57.4
9. Judgment and decision making 56.7
10. Time management* 55.6
Transportation & Logistics
1. Speaking 62.3
2. Active listening 62.1
3. Critical thinking 59.3
4. Reading comprehension 58.1
5. Monitoring 57.4
6. Coordination* 54.7
7. Social perceptiveness 54.5
8. Time management* 54.1
9. Judgment and decision making 53.5
10. Complex problem solving 52.6
[1] The Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, 2015
[2] The Colorado Talent Pipeline Report, data sourced from LinkedIn, 2015
[3] Ibid
[1] Living wage is defined for a family with two adults (one working) and one child. In Colorado, the living wage for a family of this size is $21.18 per hour, according to www.livingwage.mit.edu. At the time of the analysis, above average growth included jobs at or above 24.4 percent growth and high projected annual openings included jobs with at least 40 annual average openings.