United Community Action Network (UCAN) of Metro Denver works alongside North Denver residents to expand access to education, workforce training, and economic opportunities.
Building on its existing Apprenticeship Ready Program and OSHA construction safety training, UCAN is proposing a twelve-month resident engagement and community organizing initiative focused on community participation, educational partnerships, employer relationships, and long-term program support.
The proposed initiative would prioritize underserved Denver residents, including those in the 80216 community, while bringing together residents, students, families, schools, employers, and community organizations.
UCAN's workforce development programs offer practical preparation and resources for people exploring employment and careers in construction and the skilled trades. These existing programs provide the foundation for the proposed resident engagement work.
UCAN's Apprenticeship Ready Program (ARP) provides math and trade-aptitude preparation, construction fundamentals, financial education, budgeting, confidence building, interview readiness, and career preparation.
Through its workforce relationships and community-based instruction, UCAN helps participants understand further training options and pathways into the skilled trades.
UCAN offers OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 construction safety classes that cover workplace hazards and safe work practices. Training is provided by Berta Trujillo, UCAN's Lead Trainer and an OSHA-Authorized Outreach Trainer.
Participants who successfully complete the applicable OSHA Outreach Training course receive an OSHA course completion card.
Transportation, childcare, scheduling conflicts, training costs, language access, and limited connections to employers can affect residents' ability to pursue education and employment opportunities.
UCAN proposes to work directly with residents to identify these barriers and develop practical responses. Four resident advisors representing students, program graduates, parents, and neighborhood residents would help guide the process.
Two community listening sessions would provide space for participants to share their experiences, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Workforce access depends on coordination among residents, educational institutions, training providers, employers, and community organizations.
UCAN plans to strengthen school outreach through counselor meetings, classroom presentations, family information sessions, and designated referral contacts. These activities are intended to help students and families better understand available training and career pathways.
The initiative would also seek support from contractors, construction businesses, and employers interested in providing mentorship, sponsorships, training materials, or workplace introductions. A proposed partner roundtable would allow residents to explain their priorities and participating organizations to identify specific ways they can contribute.
UCAN also intends to coordinate with apprenticeship programs, workforce centers, nonprofits, neighborhood organizations, and supportive-service providers to develop clearer referrals and access to resources. Any apprenticeship entry, credit, or placement arrangements would be described as available only after confirmation by the receiving program.
UCAN has outlined measurable targets for the proposed twelve-month initiative. These are planning goals rather than completed results or guaranteed commitments.
UCAN proposes quarterly reviews of resident participation, referrals, partnerships, and progress toward project goals. Residents would receive updates about which recommendations have been adopted, which remain pending, and who is responsible for the next steps.
At the end of the proposed twelve-month period, UCAN intends to complete a sustainability plan that draws on recurring school referrals, resident ambassadors, mentorship, employer sponsorships, donated resources, and additional funding opportunities. The aim is to support continuity in existing workforce programs while keeping future decisions connected to residents' priorities.
