U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Approximately $2.4 Million in Denver, Colorado to Strengthen Aerospace Workforce Training Program Through Good Jobs Challenge
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, edamedia@eda.gov
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an approximately $2.4 million Good Jobs Challenge grant to the City and County of Denver, Colorado, to further the Technology Employment in Colorado Partnership 3.0 (TCEP 3.0), a workforce training program to support the region’s aerospace industry.
The program will bring together industry, education, and workforce organizations to train Coloradans for in-demand aerospace jobs. The program will curate curriculum that is responsive to industry needs, provide trainees with wraparound supports to fill in-demand industry occupations, and create a more resilient regional workforce training system.
“The Good Jobs Challenge underscores the intent and impact of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda by strengthening and empowering America’s workforce, securing their future, and ensuring the United States remains globally competitive,” said Secretary Raimondo. “Building off its previous success, the Good Jobs Challenge is expanding into more communities across the country with a focus on industries that will define the 21st century economy. These investments will train American workers for industries of the future, empower them with the tools they need to secure good-paying jobs, and lift up communities in Colorado that have too often been overlooked or left behind.”
The Good Jobs Challenge is awarding its second phase of funding, investing $25 million into workforce systems and industry-led partnerships, providing new opportunities and training for America’s workforce to develop in-demand skills that meet the needs of today’s employers and lead to good-paying jobs. Initially funded by $500 million from the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan, the program is concluding its second year of implementation and has trained and placed more than 12,000 American workers into good jobs.
“Training a workforce that meets industry demands is a key component to growing and strengthening local and regional economies,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. “The new Good Jobs Challenge awardees will build upon the success of our first-round grantees in putting thousands of Americans to work in industries that make our country stronger, safer, and more prosperous.”
“Colorado’s thriving aerospace industry and our world-class talent continue to grow,” said Governor Jared Polis. “This support will help build on our plans preparing Coloradans for in-demand careers and jobs of the future and ensure Colorado is the best place to innovate and reach new heights.”
“Once again, the American Rescue Plan is delivering for Coloradans, and I’m proud to have helped pass it into law,” said Representative Diana DeGette (CO-1). “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration, this funding will strengthen Colorado’s aerospace industry—a cornerstone of our regional economy—while providing Coloradans with the training, resources, and support to excel in high-demand, good-paying jobs. This is an exciting step forward for Denver and Colorado as we remain at the frontline of innovation and build a stronger, more resilient workforce.”
“Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked hard to position Colorado as a leader in the aerospace industry. Today’s federal investment to support workforce training programs will have a positive impact across our state, helping to ensure Coloradans have the skills necessary to fill in-demand aerospace jobs,” said Representative Jason Crow (CO-6). “I’m proud to represent Buckley Space Force Base and the thousands of service members who live in our community and help protect America every day.”
Read more about the Good Jobs Challenge at eda.gov.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.