Colorado, in need of construction workers, is paying for training

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — Jobs in the trades are at such low levels in Colorado that the state has been training people in the field for free.

Jesus Villegas Puga, 21, is in the second year of his training. He is building a career in advanced construction technology.

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"How to cut, how to measure, how to flush, nail, all these necessary skills to make sure that you have a safe structure," said Villegas Puga.

Villegas Puga is not alone. Thirty-four additional students at Pickens Technical College are learning firsthand how to build.

"There absolutely is a shortage of construction workers in the state of Colorado specifically around home building and we believe that is the case because we have not prioritized teaching it in school," said Andrew Vidockler, Pickens Technical College assistant director.

Thanks to the state-sponsored program Career Advance Colorado , students in the construction classes were learning these skills at no cost for the first year.

"I think it's a pretty outside-the-box and unusual thing to do and we're really grateful that it was able to happen and absolutely booming. That demand is there," said Vidockler.

Colorado's Workforce Development Council advised Governor Jared Polis that Colorado is in a deficit of skilled construction workers.

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For the last year, students at Pickens Technical College Construction Technology Program paid no tuition. That was great news for Villegas Puga. He's the proud father of six-week-old Jesus Junior and wants to make sure he can provide for his son.

"I'm really grateful for this opportunity. I grew up in an immigrant family so I was with my dad working really hard to provide. I just found this opportunity to grow," said Villegas Puga.

With a salary potential of up to a quarter of a million dollars, with no debt — no doubt the sound of a radial saw is music to Villegas Puga's ears.