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Career Development and Work-Based Learning
The PWR of Career Development:
Effective career readiness activities provide students with an opportunity to explore their individual talents and interests, and they can help students understand how those interests intersect with the needs of the labor market. These activities can also equip students with critical opportunities to enhance their skills and earn industry-recognized credentials to improve employability.
- Career & Technical Education programs are developed to prepare learners for specific industries.
- Work-Based Learning Programs create opportunities for learners to get experiential career development outside of the classroom.
- Labor Market alignment ensures that education programs prepare learners for the skills and competencies needed in today’s workforce.
Essential Skills
Business and education leaders from around the state met in 2016 to develop the statewide description of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness: "Colorado High School graduates demonstrate the knowledge and skills (competencies) needed to success in postsecondary settings and to advance in career pathways as lifelong learners and contributing citizens." During the conversation about PWR, these leaders agreed on essential skills that are necessary for postsecondary success.
Colorado's high school graduates are:
- Communicators
- Problem Solvers
- Community Members
- Empowered Individuals
Career Development strategies support the development of these skills to prepare learners for good jobs.
Professional Development for Career Navigators
Trainings
Memberships
Articles
- Condition of Career Readiness in the United States
- JFF's The Big Blur: An Argument for Erasing the Boundaries Between High School, College, and Careers--and Creating One New System that Works for Everyone
Contact
Sami Mooney, Education Consultant
Colorado Workforce Development Council and Colorado Department of Education
Financial information on schools and districts throughout Colorado. Learn more about financial transparency.
Colorado Dept. of Education
201 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: 303-866-6600
Contact CDE
CDE Hours
Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See also Licensing Hours
UPDATED
February 27, 2025
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