Mesa County’s workforce development efforts have been recognized on a national stage. The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce received the Outstanding Chamber Program Award for Large Chambers from the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) for its workforce initiative, WestSlope Works. This award is given to chambers from across the western United States, making it a competitive recognition.
WestSlope Works was established in 2023 with initial funding from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The program began as part of a statewide initiative to expand work-based learning opportunities and has since grown into a broader strategy connecting employers, educators, and job seekers.
The program centers on providing structured pathways such as internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and on-the-job training. These opportunities aim to connect classroom learning with industry needs by offering real-world experience.
Employers in various sectors often face challenges finding workers with appropriate skills and experience. At the same time, many students and job seekers are not aware of local career options. WestSlope Works seeks to address both issues by bringing together businesses, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations to strengthen talent development efforts.
According to the press release: “This award is not simply a milestone for the Grand Junction Chamber. It is validation that Mesa County is leading with intention, collaboration, and measurable impact in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing communities nationwide: workforce development.”
By supporting businesses in designing relevant training experiences and helping learners gain hands-on skills, WestSlope Works aims to create a more coordinated workforce ecosystem.
The recognition from W.A.C.E., as stated in the release: “underscores something even broader. WestSlope Works has not only moved the needle for workforce development in Mesa County, it has demonstrated to the chamber industry nationwide how workforce initiatives can be developed, executed, and sustained in a way that produces measurable results.”
Chambers play an important role in uniting business leaders with education and policy stakeholders. As noted: “When they step into workforce leadership with clarity and purpose, the impact can be transformational.”
Mesa County’s approach is being highlighted as an example for other regions looking to strengthen their own workforce strategies.
To learn more about WestSlope Works or future plans for expanding work-based learning opportunities in Mesa County visit gjchamber.org/westslopeworks.
