Job-seekers who used the Arapahoe/Douglas Works! workforce center to gain employment earned one-third more per year than those who did not, according to the center’s fifth annual economic impact report.

The publicly funded workforce center helped 15,861 people to find employment during its Program Year from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013. Of those, 12,728 individuals were still working six months later, and they earned an average of $47,600 per year. In contrast, State labor statistics show that citizens who did not use a workforce center in their job search earned an average of $35,300 per year – a difference of $12,300 and a full third less than A/D Works! customers.

“Arapahoe/Douglas Works! helps job-seekers to better prepare and market themselves for jobs through no-cost tools, counseling, events and training opportunities,” said Arapahoe County Commissioner Rod Bockenfeld. “These services really pay off when the job-seeker can stand out above other candidates and secure a higher-wage position.”

No-cost services at A/D Works! include employment workshops, career counseling, networking and hiring events, career and personality assessments, intensive job-search support, certifications, GED preparation and training.

A/D Works! determined that the 12,728 newly employed customers earned a total of $156.8 million more per year than non-customers – funds that are reinvested in the local economy in the form of increased spending on goods and services. For every $1 spent by the workforce center on its programs and operations, $13.68 was returned to the economy through these increased earnings.

“We are so proud to show our community and nation that workforce investment works,” said Joe Barela, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Division Manager. “Not only do our customers earn a higher average wage and a better opportunity for a career in growth industries, but our region’s business and industry have access to a more skilled and competitive workforce to meet their needs.”

A/D Works! published these outcomes in a report titled Economic Impact of Workforce Center Operations – July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 written by Workforce Economist Patrick Holwell. The workforce center has published studies of its economic impact and return on public investment annually since 2008 at the request of its Workforce Investment Board, a group of public and private sector leaders who guide workforce development in Arapahoe and Douglas counties. 

To learn more about Arapahoe/Douglas Works! employment services for job-seekers and business, please visit www.adworks.org or call 303-636-1160.