Workforce Development andCustomized Training
Skill Advance Colorado connects growing and established businesses with state funding to train their workforce. Trinidad State helps local employers design, deliver, and administer that training through the Colorado First and Existing Industry grant programs.
Customized Training Grants, Administered Locally
The Skill Advance program offers state funding for Colorado First and Existing Industry customized job training reimbursement grants, strengthening business competitiveness and improving employment opportunities across the state.
These grants are jointly administered by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), and locally administered by participating community colleges including Trinidad State.
New-Hire Training
Provides funds for net new-hire training. Colorado First is built for businesses relocating to or expanding in Colorado that need to train workers with the skills to increase productivity, raise wages, and reduce reliance on public support.
Incumbent Worker Training
Provides funding for incumbent worker training. Existing Industry supports established Colorado businesses as they adapt to new technology and helps prevent layoffs.
Funding at a Glance
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$150,000
- Maximum training funds request per application
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$200,000
- Cap on total training funds per grantee, per fiscal year
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40%
- Minimum grantee contribution, cash or in-kind
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Jul 1 – Jun 30
- Program fiscal year, matching the State's fiscal year
Requirements and Eligibility
- Training must be for full-time (32 hours/week), non-seasonal, non-retail employees who have significant career opportunities, require substantive instruction, and are eligible to work in the U.S.
- Training must be short-term and customized to the business's specific needs.
- Grantees must pay an average wage of at least $13.50/hour in urban counties, and at least minimum wage in rural counties.
- Learners must sign an affidavit certifying their participation in grant-funded training.
- Grantees must contribute a minimum of 40% (cash or in-kind) to the total cost of grant-funded training.
- Training must be related to substantive resume-building and transferable skills.
- For-profit businesses and non-governmental 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply.
- Grant-funded activities may not begin until the application is approved by state program administrators.
- Skill Advance Colorado program administrators may conduct an on-site company visit.
Other Program Elements
- Funding is disbursed to community colleges for reimbursement to grantees after training is completed.
- Disallowed training includes company orientation, personality assessments, strategic or project planning, and non-customized training already available at local colleges, workforce centers, or public service providers.
- Consulting services and federally or state-mandated training, such as OSHA or CDL certification, are not eligible for grant funding.
- Colorado First applications may be submitted every year.
- Existing Industry applications are considered every other year — a grantee awarded EI funds in one fiscal year is not eligible to apply again the following year.
Need Training We Don't Already Offer?
If Trinidad State cannot provide the training your employees need, we can work with you to identify a qualified trainer.
Related Programs and Resources
A few other Trinidad State programs that employers, career-changers, and community members often pair with workforce training.
Donna Haddow
Workforce Development and Customized Training