IFMA Foundation and Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) Introduce New Facility Management Talent Development Pipeline Program (TDP)
HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA – (June 11, 2020) – Focused on raising incomes and workforce preparedness in Denver, Colorado, USA, the Facility Management Talent Development Pipeline (TDP) program was recently introduced by the IFMA Foundation and Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) to students interested in an exciting career opportunity. With more than 1,300 openings in facility management (FM) in the Denver Metropolitan area, these two organizations partnered, along with the local IFMA Denver Chapter, to collaborate on a solution to fill the looming FM talent gap.
Students currently enrolled in the Facility Management TDP represent 100% minority, 50% women and 50% veterans. Students earn a globally recognized certificate of completion in the IFMA Essentials of Facility Management (EoFM) and participate in an IgniteFM! Student Challenge, where they present a solution to a real-life industry problem in front of career professionals with the winners earning a monetary prize. Also included in the program is a paid internship in the FM field, along with a Career Connections event with local IFMA Denver Chapter members and IFMA Foundation Global Workforce Initiative (GWI) Advisors Sodexo and ABM Industries, as well as major Foundation donor A&A Maintenance, which supports the students in career advancement and opportunities.
“We are proud of the facility management graduating students and our partnership with the IFMA Foundation,” said Eric Hiraga, DEDO Executive Director. “At a time when public and private sectors are being called to drastically change and adapt, it is inspiring to see our Workforce Services team look for innovative ways to collaborate and bring concrete career opportunities for our residents. The Facility Management TDP program is not only providing a viable professional pathway but also a way to improve economic growth in our community.”
“We are honored to be partnering with Denver Economic Development and Opportunity,” said Joe Archie, IFMA Foundation Chair. “The IFMA Foundation Global Workforce Initiative and Facility Management Talent Development Pipeline programs address the triple bottom line values of Economy, Equity and Environment. This program shows how industry and government can work together to meet regional workforce needs, create innovative solutions, and meet the challenge of having enough skilled workers for a profession that requires lifelong learning as buildings become smarter and sustainability more prevalent.”
About the IFMA Foundation
Established in 1990 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation and separate entity from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), the IFMA Foundation works for the public good to promote priority research and educational opportunities for the advancement of facility management. The IFMA Foundation is supported by the generosity of the FM community including IFMA members, chapters, councils, corporate sponsors and private contributors who share the belief that education and research improve the FM profession. To learn more about the IFMA Foundation, visit foundation.ifma.org.
About IFMA
IFMA is the world’s largest and most widely recognized international association for facility management professionals, supporting 24,000 members in more than 100 countries. This diverse membership participates in focused component groups equipped to address their unique situations by region (136 chapters), industry (16 councils) and areas of interest (six communities). Together they manage more than 78 billion square feet of property and annually purchase more than US$526 billion in products and services. To join and follow IFMA’s social media outlets online, visit the association’s LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr pages. For more information, visit the IFMA press room or www.ifma.org.
About Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO)
Denver Economic Development & Opportunity is leading an inclusive and innovative economy for all Denver residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. By supporting local and global business development, workforce development programs, and stabilization efforts in Denver’s diverse neighborhoods, we are creating opportunity for everyone to make a home, get a job, and build a future. Learn more at www.denvergov.org/economicdevelopment.
