In Fall 2024, Careers in Construction Colorado (CICC) partnered with Colorado Succeeds to pilot a graduate outreach initiative aimed at better understanding post-graduation pathways. With support from the Acceleration Fund, Education Strategy Group (ESG), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Colorado Succeeds helped CICC develop enhanced data collection protocols, identify effective strategies for engaging participants, and explore best practices for analyzing wage and employment outcomes to share with the broader community.
Key Findings:
- 1 in 3 graduates are pursuing construction (education and/or employment)
- 83% of graduates employed in construction are working full time
- +$2 per hour more on average than graduates in other industries
- 20% more satisfied with their careers than graduates in other industries
A key insight from our survey was the impact of student relationships. Students who had a connection with a CICC Career Navigator responded at a higher rate than those who did not. This outreach also served as an opportunity to remind graduates that we remain a resource for them well beyond high school. Notably, 1 in 5 students expressed interest in staying connected for future career development.
Graduate Testimonials
“I appreciate Careers In Construction and what they did for me, it definitely opened up many opportunities for me” – CICC Participant from Pueblo County High School
“Keira (CICC Career Navigator) was the best mentor I could have asked for, thank you so much!” – CICC Participant from Liberty High School
“I loved taking the construction course that I did. Learning how construction works from the top to bottom getting both my certifications really motivated me to get out there in the construction world, it also opened my eyes to how much there is in the world of construction and all the bits and pieces.” – CICC Participant from Poudre High School
“I really liked the course, that’s what made me start taking construction trades in college” – CICC Participant from Lamar High School
