HR 18-1006 Summary

• Designates Wednesday, March 21, 2018, as "Colorado Trades and CTE Day" to recognize the importance of skilled trades and career and technical education to the state's economy.

• Recognizes that 80% of manufacturers report moderate to severe shortages of qualified skilled production employees including machinists, operators, and technicians.

• Notes that more than 155,000 Colorado workers are employed in skilled trades with average annual construction wages of $57,581, and approximately 60,000 additional workers will be needed by 2023.

• Encourages students to pursue career and technical education paths leading to competitive salaries in fields including construction, technology, engineering, nursing, and energy sustainability.

• Directs copies of the resolution be sent to technical colleges, contractors associations, unions, and trade organizations throughout Colorado.