The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced October 21, 2026, that it has received $6,740,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor. The money will pay employers back for up to 80 percent of the cost of training new hires and current employees.

The grant comes from the second round of the federal Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. It will launch the Colorado Industry-Driven Skills Training Initiative. The program is a partnership between government and private business. It pays employers based on training results.

The program will train workers in high-priority fields across the state. These include Advanced Manufacturing, Aerospace, AI Infrastructure, Information Technology, Nuclear Energy, and Domestic Mineral Production.

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Colorado is one of seven states to share a total of $43 million from the federal grant. The money pays employers back for training that keeps up with fast-changing job skills and local workforce needs.

"Colorado's leadership in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies depends on Coloradans having access to the skills needed in these industries. This $6.74 million investment builds on Colorado's workforce training efforts, helping residents start new careers and advance in existing jobs while lowering training cost for employers. Connecting training directly to business needs helps Coloradans earn more, help businesses grow, and strengthens the state's economic competitiveness," said Governor Jared Polis.

"Colorado is a leader in innovation and is committed to continuing to develop the workforce necessary to support critical industries across the state, including aerospace. This $6.74 million investment will allow our state to continue and expand our skilled workforce and ultimately create more opportunities for Coloradans to thrive," said Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera.

"This $6.74 million grant is an important investment that will make a direct impact on Colorado's economic resilience and the competitiveness of our local businesses," said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. "Because of this, CDLE will be able to enhance its mission by empowering employers to build a highly skilled workforce, while providing Colorado workers with the training they need to thrive in high-growth, emerging industries."

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"Colorado has doubled down on workforce development because we know that our economic strength begins and ends with our people. By ensuring Coloradans have access to the training and skills needed to fill in-demand jobs, we are helping residents build lasting careers while giving our businesses the competitive edge they need to grow. This announcement furthers that commitment, building on our state's momentum to connect talent directly to opportunity," said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

CDLE will run the program through a state-managed online portal. Employers will be paid back in two stages, tied to two milestones.

Colorado's Local Workforce Areas will be key partners. They will help with regional intake, reaching out to employers and recruiting workers. They will also help participants enroll in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I programs, which offer support services.

Employers interested in the program are encouraged to contact the business service representative at their local workforce center to learn about eligibility and other services. Workforce centers are listed at cdle.colorado.gov/jobs-training/workforce-centers.

More program details, including eligibility rules and how to apply, will be posted at cdle.colorado.gov/jobs-training/grants-programs as they become available.