
The release of the 2024 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report highlights the state’s labor market and workforce trends, industry needs, and talent development strategies. As a key higher education partner, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) plays an essential role in helping Colorado deliver on the talent pipeline demands.
Panel Discussion: State Agency Leadership Reflects on the Report
The report’s launch event featured a panel discussion with state agency leaders who reflected on this year’s findings and the collective efforts needed to address Colorado’s workforce challenges. During the discussion, several speakers recognized CCCS as a critical partner in achieving these goals. Panelists emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between education and industry to align programs with the needs of high-demand sectors.

A Partner of Choice in Workforce Development
CCCS is aligned with the priorities outlined in the 2024 Talent Pipeline Report, particularly the “Industries to Look Out for in Colorado” section, which highlights aerospace, energy, and quantum technologies as critical to the state’s economic future. CCCS programs are strategically designed to meet the demands of these high-growth industries, preparing students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive.
Michael Macklin, CCCS Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Solutions—who oversees both workforce development and career and technical education—highlighted the organization’s role in fostering innovation and collaboration:
“Colorado’s workforce challenges demand bold, innovative partnerships. CCCS is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students gain the skills they need while businesses access the talent required to thrive. CCCS is proud to be the partner of choice for advancing the state’s talent pipeline goals.”

CCCS is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between education and industry, ensuring that students gain the skills they need while businesses access the talent required to thrive.
Aligning with Statewide Pathways Through CTE
The 2024 Talent Pipeline Report highlights the over 350,000 learners who are participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that ready them to join the state’s talent pool. With the state’s CTE office housed within CCCS, the system is uniquely positioned to align pathways that begin as early as middle school and extend through community college. This seamless integration ensures that students are equipped with in-demand skills, while fostering a talent pipeline that directly meets the needs of Colorado’s employers and industries.
Delivering on the State’s Talent Pipeline Goals
CCCS leverages insights from the Talent Pipeline Report, along with ongoing outreach and collaboration with industry and employers, to build data-informed programs that are relevant to today’s and tomorrow’s workforce needs. These efforts include:
- Expanding training and stackable credentialing in in-demand, or ‘Top Jobs’ as the report refers to them.
- Partnering with employers to build career-connected programs and provide students with work-based learning opportunities that combine classroom instruction with real-world experience.
- Advancing workforce equity by offering affordable, accessible education to all Coloradans, including underrepresented and underserved populations.
Building Colorado’s Workforce Together
The Talent Pipeline Report highlights the importance of collaboration in creating a thriving workforce. CCCS remains committed to serving as a trusted partner for state leaders, industry partners, and community stakeholders. Together, these efforts will address Colorado’s labor market challenges and unlock new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.
The full 2024 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report can be explored at the Colorado Workforce Development Council’s website.