Building Colorado’s Future: Why Training Newcomers for High-Demand Construction Careers Matters

Training newcomers for high-demand industries is essential to building a strong, resilient workforce—and Colorado is already seeing the benefits. As the state continues to expand its infrastructure, housing, and commercial development, the construction sector remains one of the most critical industries facing persistent labor shortages. At the same time, thousands of skilled and motivated refugees and immigrants arrive each year seeking a pathway into stable careers. Connecting these two needs creates powerful opportunities for both workers and employers.

Teach by Tech has demonstrated how intentional, community-centered training can bridge this gap. Through its Construction Pathways program, newcomers gain foundational construction knowledge, OSHA safety training, hands-on skills practice, and the confidence needed to succeed on a job site. Importantly, this training is designed for English Language Learners, ensuring participants can access technical content and apply it effectively in real workplace settings.

The results speak for themselves. Graduates have secured jobs with well-established construction com

panies, entered apprenticeship tracks, and advanced into roles offering higher wages and long-term stability. Employers consistently note that Teach by Tech trainees arrive prepared, motivated, and eager to learn precisely what high-demand fields need to sustain growth.

Teach by Tech’s work goes beyond technical training. Digital literacy and workforce readiness support ensure participants can manage workplace technology, communicate effectively, and navigate the expectations of U.S. employment. Many graduates report that this holistic model gives them the confidence not only to get a job, but to envision a future in an industry that values their contributions.

As Colorado continues to grow, training newcomers for careers in construction is not just beneficial, it is necessary. Programs like Teach by Tech show that when communities invest in accessible, culturally responsive workforce development, everyone benefits. Newcomers gain economic mobility, employers gain a reliable talent pipeline, and the state builds a more inclusive and prosperous workforce for the future.