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Media Contact
Becca Tonn, Communications & Public Relations Manager
719.499.0642
beccatonn@elpasoco.com
Pikes Peak Workforce Center Job Fair – By Jon Huang 2024
On Nov 7, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center hosted its annual veterans and community job fair at the Colorado Springs Event Center. While the recent snowstorms put a damper on the more than 170 employers registered to attend, there was still at least half that showed up. Last year’s event brought in more than 1,000 job seekers; this year, it was closer to 500.
The early November snowstorms put a damper on the Pikes Peak Workforce Center’s community job fair; however, about 500 people and more than half of the 172 businesses that registered still showed up.
Colorado Invests in Tech and a ‘New Language’ of Learning
By Colleen Connolly, 2024
Traci Marques now spends a lot of her days at Pikes Peak Workforce Center evangelizing skills-based hiring and a modern version of the resume.
As executive director and CEO, she’s one of a number of workforce leaders across Colorado at the frontlines of getting employers and jobseekers to adopt new digital learning and employment records, or LERs, that the state sees as the wave of the future. Continue to the article here
The Big Idea: Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, the state is garnering a reputation as a leader in pushing skills-based hiring.
Pikes Peak Workforce Center will host the Community & Veterans Job Fair
Tri-Lakes news briefs for November 6, 2024 — On Nov. 7, at the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. Sponsored by USAA
The Community & Veterans Job Fair is open to the general public, as well as transitioning military, Guard or Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families – offering civilian and military job seekers a unique opportunity to connect with numerous employers in one convenient location.
“We look forward to having more than 150 employers from a variety of industries at the Community & Veterans Job Fair,” said Becca Tonn, communications & public relations manager at PPFWC. Continue to the article here
Pikes Peak Workforce Center will host the Community & Veterans Job Fair – sponsored by USAA
Teller County news in brief — November 6, 2024. The Pikes Peak Workforce Center will host the Community & Veterans Job Fair – sponsored by USAA – on Nov. 7, at the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd.
The Community & Veterans Job Fair is open to the general public, as well as transitioning military, Guard or Reserve personnel, veterans, and their families – offering civilian and military job seekers a unique opportunity to connect with numerous employers in one convenient location.
“We look forward to having more than 150 employers from a variety of industries at the Community & Veterans Job Fair,” said Becca Tonn, communications & public relations manager at PPFWC. Continue to the article here
School districts, industries unite to expand career education in Pikes Peak Region
By Eric Young, 2024
PPBEA director Bob Gemignani said it formed following his tenure as a workforce learning manager in D-49, where he helped design and implement its occupational training program and business partnerships and other school districts took notice. Despite the recent progress with these collaborations, he said student engagement remains the key to filling current job gaps.
The innovative program connects high school students with high-demand industries in the Colorado Springs area
Workforce center hosting community and veterans job fair
By Brett Yager, 2024 (COLORADO SPRINGS)
On Thursday, Nov. 7, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center (PPWFC) will host the Community & Veterans Job Fair sponsored by USAA at the Colorado Springs Event Center, located at 3960 Palmer Park Boulevard.
The job fair is open to the general public, as well as transitioning military, guard or reserve personnel, veterans, and their families.
October chamber meeting wrap-up. The U.S. Department of Labor and the state of Colorado are active partners
By Larry Sparks, 2024 (Falcon) — The main presentation came from Traci Marques, the executive director/CEO of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, which is the American Job Center serving El Paso and Teller counties. The Workforce Center’s mission is to connect vital businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. Continue to the article here
Upcoming Colorado Springs career fair
Oct 30, 2024
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is scheduled to host a job fair Nov. 7.
The fair, with more than 150 employers expected, will be held at the Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. It opens at 10 a.m. to veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses and family. It opens to the public at 11 a.m. and will run until 2 p.m.. Continue to article here
COVERING COLORADO
Pikes Peak Workforce Center to host community and veterans job fair Thursday
COLORADO SPRINGS — On Thursday, November 7, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center will host a community and veterans job fair at the Colorado Springs Event Center.
The community & veterans job fair is open to the general public and those transitioning from the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
According to the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, both civilian and military job seekers will have an opportunity to connect with numerous employers in one convenient location.
“We look forward to having more than 150 employers from a variety of industries at the Community & Veterans Job Fair,” said Becca Tonn, communications & public relations manager at PPFWC.
For express access on the day of the fair, PPFWC recommends that you create a Connecting Colorado account beforehand.
Colorado Springs career fair to match disabled job seekers with prospective employers
Oct 14, 2024
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center is hosting an opportunity event for local job seekers with disabilities, according to a Monday news release. The Hiring Abilities Career Fair is scheduled 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Citizens Service Center, located at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road, the release stated. Continue to article here
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is hosting the Hiring Abilities Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
Forum educates employers on hiring people with disabilities
By Brett Yager 11, 2024 (COLORADO SPRINGS) — Each year during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Pathways to Progress Employer Forum helps educate employers on hiring people with disabilities.
iQ4 and VitalSource Partner to Launch the “Workforce Skills Wallet”
, 2024 “We are thrilled to participate in this pilot program of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center Achievement Wallet with VitalSource and iQ4,” said Traci Marques, Executive Director/CEO of the Pikes Peak Workforce Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “In the labor market, competition is tough for job seekers. Having a Workforce Skills Wallet – with all of their education, skills, and experience in one portable, digital format – will be invaluable.” Continue to article here
High school interns in the Pikes Peak region celebrated by local employers
By Eric YoungAug 19, 2024 -As business and industry continues to grow throughout the Pikes Peak region, so does its need for a workforce to meet their demands.
PPBEA celebrates interns at Pikes Peak Workforce Center
By Brett YagerAug 13, 2024 (COLORADO SPRINGS) — The Pikes Peak Business & Education Alliance (PPBEA) said it is more difficult than ever to recruit, hire, and retain staff. Continue to video article here
‘Innovative’ program connects high school students with high-demand industries in Colorado Springs area
By Eric YoungAug 12, 2024 – Recognizing these rapid developments, the Pikes Peak Business and Education Alliance launched in July 2019 to increase the local talent pool and recalibrate the K-12 education system through organized career-connected learning. Continue to article here
COVERING COLORADO
New hotel construction in Pikes Peak region means big focus on hospitality hiring
Hotel Polaris opening this fall plans to hire 340 team members once it’s at full operating capacity
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — With eight new hotels opening in the Pikes Peak region through 2025, focus is now turned to filling the hundreds, if not thousands, of openings in the hospitality industry.
“This is an amazing time to be in the hospitality industry in Colorado Springs, because there’s so many hotels opening up,” said Torie Giffin, owner and operator of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort. “It just means opportunities for the workforce galore. Opportunities for having a career in hospitality.
You could start as a busboy one day, and maybe in two years, you could be upper management.
”The Pikes Peak Workforce Center partners with local organizations, including hotels, to help place candidates into open jobs.
Erica Romero, business relations manager at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, said their organization aims to help fulfill the high demand in hospitality work.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about apprenticeships.
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about some services they offer to businesses looking to hire.
Colorado Springs Families Grapple with Rising Costs Amid Modest Inflation Cooling
On a sunny Friday morning at the Walmart Supercenter at Vennetucci and South Academy, Rodrigo Ama is loading a modest number of groceries into his car. He says that while the items inside the cart aren’t changing, the cost at the checkout stand is.
The prices are “bumping up it feels like every six months,” he said.
He estimates that his family of three is spending nearly $500 a month on groceries. But it’s not just groceries putting a financial strain on his family.
“Everything I feel is going up,” he said. He pointed to increased utility costs as also having an impact on his family’s bottom line. “We don’t go out as much, don’t go to the movies like we used to.”
“One job isn’t enough to stay afloat anymore,” said Erica Romero, business relations manager with the Pikes Peak Workforce Center.
Romero said that many of the clients at the workforce center are turning to the so-called gig economy for that second job.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler has some tips for those graduates looking for a job.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about résumé reviews and mock interviews.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about things employers are looking for in applicants.
Workforce Central Podcast
Traci shares how Pikes Peak Workforce Center serves the diverse needs of urban and rural areas, collaborates with economic development entities, supports small businesses, and helps military veterans transition into the civilian workforce. She also touches on exciting developments on the horizon: AI to enhance the efficiency and impact of workforce boards. Tune in!
In this podcast, our CEO Traci Marques chats with National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) CEO Brad Turner-Little about the vital role workforce boards play in connecting businesses with job seekers to foster economic vitality in their communities.
Traci shares insights on how PPWFC serves the diverse needs of urban & rural areas, collaborates with economic development entities, supports small businesses & helps military veterans transition into the civilian workforce.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about things employers are looking for in applicants.
Teller County news brief
Teller County Job Fair
The 2024 Annual Teller County Job Fair will be held May 14 from 1-4 p.m. at the Ute pass Cultural Center. Bring multiple copies of your resumé and chat with employers who are hiring in Teller County.
Create an account first in Connecting Colorado–follow this link for all the details: ppwfc.org/teller-county-job-fair
9 AM Newscast
Becca Tonn previews the annual MVEE:
Military Veterans Employment Expo, today through Thursday.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Becca Tonn previews a job fair happening in Teller County on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.
COVERING COLORADO
Pikes Peak Workforce Center hosting employment expo for veterans next week
by: Ryan Mutch
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The Pikes Peak Workforce Center will be hosting an employment expo next week highlighting job opportunities for veterans.
The expo will run from May 7 toMay 9 and more than 80 employers will take part in it.
The Workforce Center says that veterans will get priority to speak with both employers and recruiters. Industries that will be represented at the job fair include the following: • defense related companies • IT • first responders • transportation • sales • construction
Veterans are innovative, they have a ton of different work experience, and they’re able to do those transferable skills from the military to the professional market as well,” said Erica Romero with the Pikes Peak Workforce Center.
Family members of veterans are also encouraged to attend. Continue to video & article …
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about the upcoming MVEE hiring event.
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler has some tips for students looking to get a summer job.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about helping graduates with their job search.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about funding for training for young adults.
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about applicant tracking systems.
COVERING COLORADO
Young adult job fair happening today in Colorado Springs
by: Devan Karp
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is hosting a Young Adult Job Fair today from 11 am to 3 pm at the El Paso County Human Service Center.
There will be 25 employers looking to hire young adults ages 16-24.
“We try to have a broad range of jobs, all the way from entry-level hospitality to apprenticeships, and I think that’s really our big focus right now. How can you look into a different career pathway?
And all of these employers will have open positions”, said the Business Relations Manager with the PPWC Erica Romero.
The PPWC is encouraging those interested to come with a resume, be ready for on-the-spot interviews, and sign up online before attending. Continue to video & article …
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about Artificial Intelligence used in the job search.
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about the Changing Careers workshop.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about grants for training.
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about upcoming job fairs.
Teller County news brief
Job Fair
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center in Colorado Springs will be offering its next job fair on March 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Each month they host up to 15 employers, making it easier for you to meet with a variety of companies all in one place and have the opportunity to chat in person with hiring managers who have open jobs.
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about improving your soft skills.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about skills that employers are looking for.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Becca Tonn talks about résumé trends.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about improving your soft skills.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about soft skills in the workplace.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about changing technology and your job.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 – KRDO The Extra
On Tuesday’s “The Extra” host, Shannon Brinias, was joined by Kristin Vossler, Training Facilitator at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, to talk about setting resolutions to make 2024 the best year for your career yet. More information on job resources on ppwfc.org.
COVERING COLORADO
No desk required: Jobs with Colorado’s outdoor industry
by: Bill Folsom
COLORADO SPRINGS — “I love the outdoors. I love hiking and going out spending time.”
College student Brandon Adamson was among close to 200 jobseekers who showed up Tuesday looking for opportunities in Colorado’s outdoor industry.
The event was an outdoor specific job fair put together by the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation
Alliance (PPORA) and the Pikes Peak Workforce Center.
“We reached out to the workforce center, they were super jazzed about starting an industry focused job fair,” said PPORA Program and Operations Manager, McKenzie Carmack.
Close to 200 jobseekers showed up today looking for jobs at a unique career recruiting event in Colorado Springs. It was focused specifically on jobs in the outdoor industry, which is an essential economic driver in our state.
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about things you can do if you are searching for a better job.
Wednesday, January 11, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
The Pikes Peak Workforce Center has $330,000 available in Employee Development Funds to award companies who want to train or upskill their current employees
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 – KRDO Morning News
Kristin Vossler talks about the First Wednesday Job Fair.
TOP STORIES
Start the new year with a new career: January job fair
by: Sarah Ferguson
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — You’ve heard the phrase: ‘New Year, New You,’ but what about: ‘New Year, New Career’?
This could be your chance to start 2024 off on the right foot, as the Pikes Peak Workforce Center is hosting its First Wednesday Job Fair on Jan. 3, 2024.
