Conforming Workforce Development Statutes

The office of future of work (OFW) was created in the department of labor and employment (department) by executive order of the governor in 2019 for the purpose of studying unemployment assistance. The bill creates the OFW in statute and expands the duties of the OFW. The purpose of the OFW is to:

• Identify opportunities for Colorado's communities to transition effectively to emerging industries;
• Ensure the inclusion of key stakeholders and engage partnerships across public and private sectors;
• Host, organize, and convene task forces, summits, and other appropriate meetings with diverse stakeholders, designed to improve the state's understanding of the social and economic impacts of the changing nature of work;
• Explore ways that the state can prepare for current and future impacts, including through the modernization of worker benefits and protections, the development of a skilled and resilient workforce through coordination of registered apprenticeship programs, and the identification of new policy and program solutions; and
• Undertake studies, research, and factual reports related to issues of concern and importance to Colorado's future workforce.

The executive director of the department is required to submit a report to the governor, at least once per calendar year, that includes recommendations for potential policy initiatives.

In 2021, House Bill 21-1007 created the state apprenticeship agency (SAA) in the department. The bill amends Colorado statutes to enable the United States department of labor's office of apprenticeship to recognize Colorado's state apprenticeship agency and authorize the SAA to register and oversee apprenticeship programs. To conform with regulations promulgated by the United States secretary of labor under the federal "National Apprenticeship Act", the bill:

• Modifies references to apprenticeships in Colorado statutes;
• Changes the state apprenticeship council to the council for apprenticeship in the building and construction trades; and
• Changes the interagency advisory committee on apprenticeship to the council for apprenticeship in new and emerging industries.
  (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)