The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Division of Employment and Training, provides two full-service Workforce Centers in Monte Vista and Alamosa to serve the six rural counties of the San Luis Valley.

The Valley has a total annual average labor force of 21,906 workers, 20,569 employed and 1,339 unemployed. While a large number of these individuals possess skills relative to the Valley's largest agricultural industry, the school system is the largest employer.  The Workforce Center has employment applications from qualified workers representing all skills and trades, including those with professional and managerial experience.

Services available through the Workforce Center include pre-screening and interview scheduling for employers wishing to avoid the time and expense associated with handling a great number of phone calls and conducting numerous applicant interviews. A direct dollar-saving program in the form of on-the-job training reimbursement is also available. Labor market information in the form of area wage surveys, employment and unemployment statistics, and occupational characteristics of the region's labor market may also be obtained through the office.

For further information, contact South Central Workforce Center at 2079 Sherman Avenue, Monte Vista, CO 81144, (719) 852-5171.