Colorado Talent Academy
Tech & Cyber Employer Collaborative Pikes Peak Region REGIONAL SNAPSHOT Priority industries from the Opportunity Now Regional Talent Summits: »
Technology
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Aerospace/ Defense
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Advanced Manufacturing
Sector Partnerships: »
Southern Colorado Healthcare
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Pikes Peak Hospitality
»
Creative Sector Partnerships
THE CHALLENGE Colorado tech employers face shortages in IT, software, data, and cyber roles. Barriers include limited, uncoordinated pipelines that fail to connect local talent to open jobs, strict security clearance requirements, and persistent diversity gaps. Employers are wary of more disconnected initiatives, making alignment and sustainability essential to maintain Colorado’s competitive edge.
LABOR MARKET INSIGHTS INDUSTRY FOCUS Tech & Cybersecurity
11% GROWTH
This collaborative will expand and sustain Colorado’s tech and cybersecurity workforce pipeline, focusing on high-demand roles such as IT Support Specialists, Software Developers, Data Analysts, and Cyber SOC Analysts.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
Tech and cybersecurity were selected because: »
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Persistent program fragmentation and duplicative outreach have created employer fatigue, but there is an opportunity to align efforts under the nationally proven Talent Pipeline Management® (TPM) framework to better connect local talent to industry needs. Colorado already has a sizeable local talent pool in tech and cyber, but employers often bypass it and recruit from out of state or offshore. Existing strong tech partnerships in the region: Cyber Leaders Roundtable, Cybersecurity First Friday, Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, Chambers, Workforce Colorado, Denver/Colorado Springs ISSA, and AFCEA Rocky Mountain Chapter & Military.
Projected in the Colorado Tech Sector by 2029
#1 most in-demand skill in tech job postings
ONLY 90/147
Computer User Support job openings filled on average monthly in the Pikes Peak region
65% MALE 78% WHITE
Current workforce demographics
★ NORTH STAR
Build a flexible, results-driven ecosystem that supports ongoing improvement in developing tech talent, helping education and training providers adapt their programs as employer needs for skilled talent change.
GOALS & ACTIVITIES This collaborative will scale the Tech Talent Partnership, which has already convened 20 employers, and apply the TPM framework to modernize hiring practices, expand upskilling opportunities, and create clear local pathways into high-demand careers. SEP–NOV 2025
Organize Employer Collaboratives Identify strong existing partnerships and build on coalitions already committed to local pipelines. NOV–DEC 2025
Engage in Demand Planning Identify current and projected hiring needs for high-demand roles. JAN 2026
Communicate Competency & Credential Requirements Identify and communicate standardized hiring requirements with providers.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES 1
2
Refine and execute an employer survey for new partners.
3
Reorient old and new business partners.
JAN 2026
Analyze Talent Flows Begin back-mapping to understand current pipelines.
Recruit 7–10 new employers into the Tech Talent Partnership coalition from the Colorado Springs region.
MAR–JUN 2026
Build Talent Supply Chains Develop preferred providers list, align curriculum development, and leverage recent legislation to meet emerging needs.
LEARN MORE coloradosucceeds.org/talentacademy
JUN 2026
Continuous Improvement Track placement, retention, and skills match.
SPONSORED BY
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH