Work-force development important to biz

In a tight labor market, work-force development programs are gaining increased importance for companies interested in attracting and retaining quality people.

Nationally, corporations spend approximately $6 billion on training and local professionals estimate Colorado’s chunk of that pie is about $1 million annually.

Training and educational programs come in several packages and can be expensive — ranging from $100 to $5,000 per person per day — which prohibits some companies, especially smaller businesses, from offering them. However, the state of Colorado offers several free programs at the state and county level for dislocated, welfare and incumbent workers.

Through grants, community colleges,…