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Work Experiences in High School
Work-Based Learning
Gaining valuable work experiences (more than job shadowing) while in high school prepares you for a top job in Colorado! Ask your school if there are opportunities to earn Concurrent Enrollment credit through an apprenticeship or internship program.
Research shows that students who have work or work-based learning opportunities in high school have better postsecondary grades and better employment and wage outcomes by age 23.
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Colorado's Fastest Growing Occupations
Every year, in partnership with other state agencies, the Colorado Workforce Development Council provides a report on the state of work in Colorado called the Colorado Talent Pipeline.
Top 10 Essential Skills Across All Occupations
Skill |
Frequency in Job Postings |
Management |
26% |
Customer Service |
24% |
Sales |
22% |
Communications |
19% |
Operations |
18% |
Leadership |
16% |
Innovation |
15% |
Valid Driver's License |
9% |
Problem Solving |
8% |
Presentations |
8% |
Source: EMSI 2019.3 Data
Colorado's Key Industries
In 2011, Colorado identified 14 major industries that drive the state’s economy. In 2018, the annual average employment in these industries was 2,138,180, meaning that the majority of nonfarm payroll jobs in Colorado are encompassed in the key industries, and these jobs are growing faster than those not included in these industries.
Aerospace
Electronics
Defense &
Homeland Security
Information &
Technology
Tourism &
Outdoor Recreation
Financial
Services
Transportation &
Logistics
Bioscience
Energy &
Natural Resources
Infrastructure
Engineering
Health &
Wellness
Creative
Industries
Food &
Agriculture
Advanced
Manufacturing
Source: Colorado Workforce Development Council
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