Celebrating over 80 students and the 50+ employers at CMU Tech Jobs Day
The first Wednesday in May is National Skilled Trades Day, and CMU Tech was proud to continue celebrating students and employers in the industry that highlight the best of vocational and technical education through its annual Jobs Day, sponsored by Cat Wagner and SITECH, and event partners VanWinkle Ranch and PepsiCo. This year’s event, held at the Clifton Community Center, honored students who have secured employment in their field of study and recognized the outstanding employers who made those opportunities possible.
As the demand for skilled workers grows across the country, National Skilled Trades Day serves as a reminder of the essential role trades professionals play in their communities. From welders and machinists to medical assistants and mechanics, these careers power the economy and provide stable careers for those who pursue them. CMU Tech is at the forefront of preparing students for these high-demand fields — offering hands-on, career-focused training that leads directly to employment.
At this year’s Jobs Day celebration, over 85 students were recognized for securing jobs related to their area of study. These students represent the future of the skilled workforce in western Colorado, and their success is made possible by the commitment of over 50 local companies that partner with CMU Tech to hire graduates.
The celebration ceremony featured remarks from Vice President of CMU Tech Brigitte Sundermann, President John Marshall and local and state leadership. During remarks, Mesa County Commissioner JJ Fletcher reacknowledged the Mesa County proclamation designating May 6 as Colorado Mesa University Technical Programs Skilled Trades Day — an official recognition of the institution’s impact on local workforce development. The event also featured remarks from Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education JB Holston, who has been visiting colleges and universities across Colorado since his hire.
“Colorado Mesa is a really unique institution. It’s a four-year institution, it’s a two-year institution, it's trades-focused, it's also traditional higher ed-focused,” Holsten shared. “We don’t have other institutions like that in the state, and it’s such a critical part of the community.”
As the narrative around vocational and technical education shifts nationwide, CMU Tech’s Jobs Day is a reminder that the students, faculty and community are well-positioned to be leaders in the future of higher education. It is also a powerful reminder that investing in skilled trades means investing in the future of our communities.
“I think it’s the moment for trades. It’s critical for Colorado, the jobs that people here are going to do. Colorado can’t exist without those jobs,” Holston added.