About Colorado: Northwest Region
The Northwest region is famous for its skiing, recreational activities and energy resources. Steamboat Springs, also known as "Ski Town USA," is the most populous city in the Northwest and has produced more Olympians than any other U.S. city. Other attractions include Dinosaur National Monument and Browns Park National Wildlife refuge. The region attracts many tourists year-round for its resource-based recreation including hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, camping and mountain biking. Aside from tourism, abundant energy resources are economic drivers for the region and the state's largest coal deposits are located in Moffat and Rio Blanco counties.
Workforce Training and Educational Resources
The organizations and resources listed below could help you return to the job market or gain new skills to make you more qualified for jobs in the 21st century economy.
Newly Unemployed
Register with the Colorado Workforce Center closest to you. There is one located in Craig and in Steamboat Springs. Workforce Centers can direct you to employment and job training opportunities in the area.
Job Training
If you need any additional job training or if you are a veteran, Workforce Center staff will connect you with Rocky Mountain Service, Employment, & Redevelopment, or RMSER. RMSER staff will work with you to develop job training tailored to your unique skills and previous work experience. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment also offers a broad array of services and resources for job seekers.
Education
For opportunities to improve your education, the Northwest hosts two well-established institutions. Colorado Northwestern Community College and Colorado Mountain College offer two- and four-year degree programs in technical and academic fields that can make you more competitive in today's economy. Both institutions offer night classes and flexible schedules, as well staff to help determine whether you are eligible for financial aid.
Regional News
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Udall: Louisville Vestas Facility Closure the Result of Washington Gridlock
Thursday, November 1, 2012 -
Udall Welcomes FEMA Grant Assistance for Fighting Wetmore Wildfire
Wednesday, October 24, 2012 -
Udall Welcomes Colorado Springs Report on Waldo Canyon Fire Response
Tuesday, October 23, 2012City Review Follows Senate Hearing, Federal After-Action Review on Waldo Canyon Fire -
Udall: New Report on Wind Energy Growth Shows Why We Need the PTC
Friday, October 19, 2012Market Report Shows U.S. Wind Power Capacity Has Increased 1,833MW in 3rd Quarter
Regional Blog
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Medicare Open Enrollment Period
Friday, October 26, 2012Tough economic times have seen rising health care costs place a strain on our seniors, who often live on fixed incomes. In an effort to provide our aging population with peace of mind, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes provisions aimed at improving Medicare by lowering prescription drug costs and eliminating barriers to coverage.
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A Small-Business Primer to the ACA
Thursday, October 25, 2012Since I was first elected to serve, I have worked to ensure that we do everything we can to foster a healthy environment for the growth of small businesses in our state and across the country. Small businesses face unique challenges ranging from accessing the capital they need to expand to finding unique ways to serve their communities; but in the end, it comes down to people. An important factor to hiring and retaining a competitive workforce for any small business is the ability to provide reasonable and affordable health coverage for their employees - health care plans that meet their needs and provide reliable coverage.
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Thanks for joining my first Twitter Town Hall
Monday, October 22, 2012Thanks to everyone who joined my Twitter Town Hall on renewable energy. I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of Coloradans across the political spectrum on how we should pursue an all-of-the-above energy strategy that creates jobs, helps the environment and improves our energy security.
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Fall is for Wildfire Preparedness
Friday, October 19, 2012This past summer, Colorado experienced one of the most severe wildfire seasons on record. The Waldo Canyon Fire in Colorado Springs, in particular, reminded us that wildfires don't stop at city limits - and residential areas near our forests, grasslands and public lands are at just as much risk as forestlands. Furthermore, roughly 40 percent of Coloradans live in the risky areas where human development meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland and vegetative fuels, sometimes called the Wildland-Urban Interface. As we make our way through the fall months, now is the time to look ahead and do all we can to safeguard our homes and communities from the threat of future wildfires.