Colorado’s Next Generation of Technology Superstars

From Helen Young Hayes, Founder & CEO

I’m overjoyed to share an extraordinary milestone with you: ActivateWork has surpassed 500 learners! When we launched our free IT training and employment program in May 2020, I could not have imagined achieving this milestone so quickly—or with such life-changing outcomes. Our graduates have increased their incomes by an average of 92%, and over 90% are retained in employment beyond 12 months—a remarkable achievement in any industry. But numbers alone don’t capture the full story. ActivateWork alumni are saving for their children’s college education, achieving six-figure incomes, and purchasing their first homes. At ActivateWork, we are not just building careers—we are supporting Coloradans to transform their lives.

2024: A Year of Challenges and Opportunities
Amidst the backdrop of a stabilizing economy and moderating inflation, the tech industry in 2024 navigated a mix of challenges and opportunities.

Headwind: Economic uncertainty, high interest rates, and previous inflationary pressures dampened overall tech spending and hiring.

Crosswind: The surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment reshaped priorities, drawing resources from other areas of technology while emphasizing projects and recruitment in areas like generative AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Despite these shifts, overall tech hiring is up in 2024.

Tailwind: AI emerged as a powerful productivity tool, enhancing processes across job functions and across industries—including our own. AI now supports our learners’ job searches and strengthens our professional skills assessments and training.

In my full article, learn more about:

• Notable 2024 trends
• How ActivateWork is navigating these trends
• The growing IT skills shortage

Impact in Numbers

In addition to surpassing our 500th learner enrolled, we’re proud to collect and track data showing how ActivateWork helps individuals, employers, and the community achieve their full potential.

Graduate Profile

Nathan Reents
Cybersecurity Technician, Apprentice, Bank of America

Now a Cybersecurity Technician Apprentice at Bank of America, Nathan Reents graduated from ActivateWork’s IT Support and Security Fundamentals boot camp in June 2024.

Originally from Thornton, Colorado, Nathan earned his high school diploma and managed a Barnes and Noble retail store for several years. He began seeking out more lucrative career paths, learned about ActivateWork in the Colorado Sun, and decided to apply.

From tech training to job coaching, Nathan valued what he gained from ActivateWork’s program. He enjoyed the week-long Capstone project at MSU’s Cybersecurity Range and was proud to earn his CompTIA A+ certification. But the greatest impact came from career opportunities he forged with ActivateWork, explaining “this apprenticeship exists because ActivateWork worked with Bank of America to get it off the ground.”

At Bank of America, Nathan splits his day working tickets for employee tech issues and getting trained on systems and setups for general and cloud cybersecurity. “The apprenticeship has enabled me to go straight into the cybersecurity side” versus through entry-level help center roles.

Nathan reports his career trajectory has generated “massive shifts to my life,” allowing him to afford more nutritious meals and purchase holiday gifts for his family and friends.

ActivateWork Welcomes

Tara McLauchlan, Director of Learner Success

Tara is an experienced EdTech leader with more than a decade of experience in fast-paced startup environments, leading cross-functional teams, and driving impact. She brings a proven track record in technical education, having built and scaled a large coaching organization and managed boot camp-style programs that support working adult learners. Tara is a lifelong learner who believes in the importance of accessible education for all. She brings to ActivateWork her dedication to promoting job-aligned education and creating pathways for meaningful career growth, both within and beyond traditional education systems.

Outside of work, Tara enjoys hiking with her dog, finding fresh snow on the slopes, cooking new recipes, and hunting for airfare deals for her next adventure!

Tech Talent Partnership

The Tech Talent Partnership (TTP) is reshaping Colorado’s tech workforce by creating real-time, accessible pathways to the state’s most sought-after tech and cybersecurity careers. Led by a dynamic coalition of employers, educators, and innovators—and facilitated by ActivateWork—TTP aligns employer needs with educational programs to drive digital equity and shape the future of work.
In 2024, TTP launched three key pathways—IT Computer Support, Cybersecurity SOC Analyst, and Junior Software Developer—and set hiring targets for two more through 2026. The coalition is addressing the gaps between academic offerings and industry needs while leveraging apprenticeships to provide last-mile training, ensuring employers get the professional and technical skills they need. TTP employers will be able to access the $15M apprenticeship incentive tax credit approved during last year’s Colorado legislative session. Using Zal.ai, TTP is automating the alignment of education programs with employer-defined roles.

In 2025, the TTP coalition will add 15 new employer partners and expand work-based learning opportunities, creating 100+ new hires and education to employment pathways in Data Analytics and Cybersecurity – Governance, Risk and Compliance. By building agile, scalable pathways, TTP is developing a future-ready tech workforce to drive economic growth and community prosperity for Colorado.

ActivateWork News

This year, we received prestigious award nominations and national recognition. Additionally, our CEO & Founder, Helen Young Hayes, has garnered thought-provoking coverage across Colorado.