The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on the global economy. In the US just four weeks of coronavirus-related layoffs have disrupted the 22 million jobs that the economy added after the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009. Currently, both Federal and State governments are trying to figure out the best way to move forward while supporting the people that have been affected the most through this adversity.

As part of Colorado’s efforts to support Coloradans through this difficult time and stimulate the economy, on April 20, 2020, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced the creation of Onwardco.org, a platform created by Bitwise Industries in direct coordination with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, CDLE, and the Kapor Center. In this blog, we’ll break down the services this new resource offers and who can benefit from this platform.

Career Coaches

As career coaches grapple with the influx of dislocated job seekers, they are also dealing with a lot of uncertainty around how to support their clients and the best place to find quality resources. By connecting existing Colorado resources, OnwardCO serves as a one-stop-shop that can help career coaches provide the support their clients need, without having to visit multiple sites.

Job Seekers

Although career coaching professionals are a great resource for job seekers, not everyone knows where to find a career coach and not everyone has access to one. That’s why creating a platform that was easy to navigate was critical for Colorado job seekers.

Since the start of the pandemic, thousands of Coloradans have filed for unemployment and with the stay-at-home order in place most don’t know when they’ll be able to get back to work. It can be a very unnerving time for people, that’s why OnwardCO provides displaced workers with money, food, shelter, childcare, and other life essentials. It also provides job seekers with immediate employment opportunities, by connecting them to thousands of employers that are currently hiring for roles that match the job seeker’s current skillset and can be done from home.

During their job search, if displaced workers see a need to learn new skills and gain access to better job openings, the OnwardCO site also provides them with upskilling and reskilling opportunities. In these critical moments, time is of the essence and that’s why these training opportunities include fast training solutions, such as digital workshops and short certification programs.

Job seekers can also visit our Job Seeker page for tools that can help them prepare for their next employment opportunity.

Employers

The Colorado stay-at-home order shut down many non-essential businesses in an attempt to flatten the curve on the rising number of COVID-19 patients, this order remains in effect until at least April 26, 2020. However, there are critical businesses in desperate need of workers and employers know that in these challenging times they need the right skilled workers now more than ever. By posting their job opening to OnwardCO, Colorado employers will have access to a new source of talent and make it easier for thousands of ready to work Coloradans with the skillset, they require to find them.

Overall, we hope the launch of new resources, such as OnwardCO will serve as a reminder, that you are not alone. Although we might be isolated, there is work being done to support us through these challenging times. If you are enduring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic outside of Colorado, check out OnwardUS.org. According to the website, new states will be added daily as they join the Onward coalition.