Pueblo, CO – In response to recent national layoffs, Colorado’s state government, led by Governor Jared Polis, has pledged to provide support to federal workers in the state. Approximately 57,000 federal employees are located in Colorado, and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is guiding those affected to local workforce centers for assistance.
Traci Marques, the Executive Director of Pikes Peak Workforce Center, shared that while the center typically sees around 100 people seeking services each day, the current layoffs have increased the demand. “Normally, we have a hundred people who walk through our door,” said Marques. “We don’t ask questions as far as why you are coming here. Really just helping them and asking what kind of services they need.”
For those recently laid off, one of the most important resources is unemployment benefits. The CDLE encourages federal workers to apply for temporary wage replacement as soon as possible, either online at ColoradoUI.gov or by calling 303-318-9000. The process of filing a claim can take four to six weeks, so CDLE urges workers to act quickly.
In addition to unemployment benefits, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center provides a variety of services aimed at helping workers transition back into the job market. Marques highlighted that the center offers services such as resume reviews, mock interviews, and workshops designed to help individuals improve their job-search skills. “We have resume experts. Someone can walk in the door and want a resume reviewed. We have staff members that can actually review the resume,” she said.
While the full extent of the layoffs’ impact remains unclear, Marques emphasized that the workforce center is prepared to assist a growing number of individuals in need of support. “We see this (layoffs) on a day-to-day basis, and for us, it’s just one of many services that we continue to offer and have available for our community,” she noted.
As the state works to assist federal workers through these challenging times, the Pikes Peak Workforce Center and other local centers remain committed to providing the necessary resources for those in need.
