Boecore, Pikes Peak Community College partner with state to upgrade employee skills
This year, nearly 100 Boecore employees took part in job training programs at Pikes Peak Community College. Boecore, a Colorado Springs engineering company specializing in cyber security, software solutions, system engineering, enterprise networks and mission operations, presented its employees with this opportunity after it earned the Colorado FIRST/Existing Industry grant.
The Colorado FIRST/Existing Industry grant is awarded to companies looking to locate or expand in Colorado. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade offers matching funds to companies seeking to provide competitive training skills to its employees. The grant builds partnerships between the State of Colorado, the awarded company, and a local community college.
This collaboration first began when Pikes Peak Community College reached out to Boecore. After applying for and being awarded the grant, Boecore employees participated in the training offered by PPCC. The College offered an aggressive training plan, which included programs in technical leadership, cyber, coding, and other skills.
Both partners are thrilled with the results of the training program. Kathy Boe, CEO of Boecore, noted “the feedback we received from our employees was very positive and based on that feedback we are confident the program was a success.” Additionally, PPCC praised Boecore for being an excellent partner and its employees for their dedication to the training.
The programs encouraged by the Colorado FIRST/Existing Industry grants are unique because they benefit both employees and employers. Not only does it allow employees to upgrade their skills and advance their knowledge, the program helps propel the company. Employers can increase productivity because of the training, and the grant boosts morale because it demonstrates the company’s investment and commitment to its employees.
In addition, this grant impacts the whole community. Kathy Boe noted “the Colorado Springs community and surrounding area has a huge opportunity to build on the technical and non-technical strengths that already exist in our community today.” Boecore has added 60 new employees and plans to hire an additional 40 or more employees by year end.
Because of the program, many workers in the region are upgrading their skills. This year, the Colorado FIRST/ Existing Industry grant program has $4.5 million dollars available. While the grants are competitive, PPCC serves as an excellent resource to any company interested. The College can help companies with need analysis, laying out a plan, and writing a grant, along with administering training once a company is awarded the grant.