Case Study -
COLORADO
Colorado has the highest concentration of private aerospace employment in the U.S. Nine major aerospace companies operate in the state with over 500 space-related companies and suppliers. Colorado is home to more than 30 federal laboratories and five major research universities as well as significant national security space missions and units. The aerospace industry is fueled by a robust innovation ecosystem, high-quality talent, strong community collaboration, and a cluster of national assets and resources.
O B J E C T I V E
To develop aligned workforce strategies that promote the expansion and diversification of Colorado’s aerospace workforce to possess the skills required for a growing and dynamic aerospace ecosystem.
S O L U T I O N S
Colorado is leveraging our robust and connected Aerospace community and the dynamic leadership of the Polis-Primavera administration to develop aerospace workforce strategies. The Colorado partners joining the National Space Council’s Space Workforce Coalition include the Offices of the Governor/Lt. Governor, the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, the Colorado Space Coalition, Colorado Space Business Roundtable, and the Colorado Chapter of Citizens for Space Exploration. We hope to add additional associations, education and training providers, government agencies, and aerospace businesses as this work develops.
Colorado has already invested in the development of a youth aerospace apprenticeship program and teacher externships. Our community college system is engaged in a landscape analysis to determine our highest-demand aerospace careers and training gaps. Colorado will focus on implementing these initiatives while leaning on our partners and the Space Workforce Coalition to scale the work. Colorado will work with the Space Workforce Coalition to braid local, Tribal, state, and federal workforce development efforts; identify gaps and opportunities for additional work; and collaborate on national solutions. We recognize that space is for everyone, and we will work to make that a reality.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) strives to empower all to thrive in Colorado's economy. It promotes economic growth and long-term job creation by supporting small businesses and encouraging business expansion across the state. Unique to Colorado, the Governor has a full-time manager to champion specifically the Aerospace and Defense industries.
The Colorado Space Coalition (CSC) is a group of industry stakeholders working to make Colorado a center of excellence for aerospace. CSC members promote Colorado's significant space assets as well as advancing legislation vital to industry growth and success.
Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR) is a gathering of aerospace professionals. It helps position and connect businesses within the state's thriving aerospace sector. It is committed to open-source knowledge transfer that keeps aerospace professionals well-informed, and to ensuring members unfettered access to those experienced in raising capital, both human and fiscal. CSBR members are part of an alliance that is influencing and promoting business growth in Colorado.
The Colorado Chapter of Citizens for Space Exploration promotes awareness of the benefits of America's Human Space Exploration Program and support for NASA. Part of a multi-state organization of U.S. taxpayers who support America's investment in human space exploration, the organization is made up of private citizens, small business owners, students, teachers, space and non-space business representatives, and county and municipal officials.
