‘Three Es’ Part of Jefferson’s Lesson Plan
Published Apr 16, 2005
The Tri-County Workforce Center tailors job development to match the needs of employers.
Divide and conquer is a positive strategy when it comes to workforce development in Jefferson County. Officials here are taking a three-pronged approach to economic development – addressing employment, education and economic growth – to help ensure that potential gaps are closed. This approach recognizes, for instance, that an employer may need specialized education and training services to build a viable workforce, or that a business considering relocating may need help with permits and licenses as well as recruiting workers.
E3, as this philosophy is referred to, “just takes it one step further, where you look at what is needed to keep our community alive, vital and working,” says Mary Russell, supervisor for business and employment services at the Tri-County Workforce Center.
The center addresses workforce issues in Jefferson, Gilpin and Clear Creek counties.
The workforce center’s board of directors includes representatives from the business community, the community college system, the K-12 school system, economic development, human services, and faith-based organizations.
“You need all of those really taking a look at what is it we’re doing and how are we creating a workforce that meets demands,” Russell explains. “We’ve always had a dual mission – that is to help businesses solve workforce-related issues and then also to help people who are in some form of career transition.”
In Jefferson County, 96 percent of all businesses fall into the small-business category, Russell says. Small businesses frequently need help finding the kinds of employees who can help their businesses grow.
The workforce center also acts as a recruitment agency, tailoring job development, recruitment, screening and hiring services to match the needs of employers. The Tri-County Workforce Center provides labor market information to employers, saving those businesses thousands of dollars.
“It is reported that hiring a new person can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $11,000,” Russell says, “so we really try and help a company be more profitable by saving them that money.”
The center also supports prospective employees with job counselors who assess both hard and soft job skills and can point out areas where workers need to improve.
Soft skills such as verbal and written communication, customer service and teamwork are among the most sought-after by employers, Russell says.
Jefferson County’s workforce is more than 300,000 strong. Labor statistics for April 2005 showed 287,781 employed or 5.2 percent unemployment.
Story by Sue Lenthe
Photo by Stephen Cherry
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