Work Experiences in High School

Work-Based Learning

Gaining valuable work experiences (more than job shadowing) while in high school prepares you for a top job in Colorado! Ask your school if there are opportunities to earn Concurrent Enrollment credit through an apprenticeship or internship program.

Research shows that students who have work or work-based learning opportunities in high school have better postsecondary grades and better employment and wage outcomes by age 23.

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Work-Based Learning

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Colorado's Fastest Growing Occupations

Every year, in partnership with other state agencies, the Colorado Workforce Development Council provides a report on the state of work in Colorado called the Colorado Talent Pipeline.

Find CO's Fastest Growing
Occupations - Page 12

Top 10 Essential Skills Across All Occupations

Skill	Frequency in Job Postings
Management	26%
Customer Service	24%
Sales	22%
Communications	19%
Operations	18%
Leadership	16%
Innovation	15%
Valid Driver's License	9%
Problem Solving	8%
Presentations	8%

Source: EMSI 2019.3 Data

Colorado's Key Industries

In 2011, Colorado identified 14 major industries that drive the state’s economy. In 2018, the annual average employment in these industries was 2,138,180, meaning that the majority of nonfarm payroll jobs in Colorado are encompassed in the key industries, and these jobs are growing faster than those not included in these industries.

Aerospace

Electronics

Defense &
Homeland Security

Information &
Technology

Tourism &
Outdoor Recreation

Financial
Services

Transportation &
Logistics

Bioscience

Energy &
Natural Resources

Infrastructure
Engineering

Health &
Wellness

Creative
Industries