Committee Approves Bill to Strengthen Career Pathways
HB26-1136 would streamline access to careers in public service
DENVER, CO – The Senate Education Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senators Katie Wallace, D-Longmont, and William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield, to streamline skills-based learning and higher education curriculum to better prepare students for a career in public service in Colorado’s state agencies after graduation.
“This bill would help more college students understand their options in state roles so that they have more chances to pursue these fulfilling, impactful jobs,” Wallace said. "This is about inspiring that next generation of civic leaders and allowing more Coloradans to feel a sense of purpose in assisting their communities."
“Our state is stronger because of the public servants who dedicate their careers to the betterment of their communities,” Lindstedt said. “More students and pre-professionals deserve the chance to pursue these jobs, and this legislation would give them more of those chances.”
HB26-1136 would streamline skills-based hiring programs and establish stronger partnerships between state agencies and higher education institutions to strengthen career pathways. The bill would create the Pathways to Public Service Program within the Colorado Department of Personnel to establish a base camp for Coloradans seeking a career in public service. Under the bill, state agencies would work alongside higher education and workforce readiness programs to identify curriculum and coursework that would make it easier for students to enter a career in state government after graduation.
The State of Colorado is one of the largest employers in Colorado, employing more than 122,600 people in 2023. Thirty-three percent of the state workforce is located outside of the Denver metro area, serving communities directly where individuals access state services. State employees serve in diverse skill areas that support Coloradans, including public safety, healthcare, wildlife and natural resource management and many others.
HB26-1136 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.