Glossary
Wherever possible, RMP works to use simple, easy to understand language. However, there are some terms that have been standardized for use across industries and sectors, and sometimes these terms can be confusing. This glossary defines these, and other key terms, used in RMP’s work.
| Key Term | What It Means |
| Critical Industries | Industries that play a critical role in ensuring community members have access to needed services that empower them to thrive. Because these industries influence the availability of individuals to engage in the labor force, they also impact economic growth across the state.Source: Colorado Workforce Development Council |
| Industry Cluster | Groups of related industries that most influence and impact the economy of a specific regionUsing clusters to describe industries provides a more robust understanding of what is driving local and regional economies because a cluster follows the entire chain of action that happens, from suppliers to end products and services.Source: U.S. Cluster Mapping Project |
| Talent Pipeline | An identified group of currently employed and potential workers to fill positions requiring various skills, knowledge, and abilitiesSource: Colorado Workforce Development Council |
| Pathway | In the education space, pathways are known as a sequence of classes that ends in some sort of graduation demonstration (for example: certification, college credit, etc.)
A pathway is considered ‘clear’ if It starts in K-12, and extends all the way through graduation, post-high school education/credentialing, skill attainment, work experience, and ultimately employment AND includes access to supports that address barriers learners are experiencing along the way. |
| Tier 1 Job | Job that pays a living hourly wage that can support a family of three with two adults – one working – and one childThese hourly wages vary based on location. Here’s what they are across the RMP region and state:
Source: Colorado Workforce Development Council and MIT Living Wage Calculator |
| Tier 2 Job | Job that pays a living hourly wage that can support an individualThese hourly wages vary based on location. Here’s what they are across the RMP region and state:
Source: Colorado Workforce Development Council and MIT Living Wage Calculator |
| Top Jobs | Jobs that have a projected high net annual openings, have above average growth rate over 10 years, and pay good wageThe Colorado Workforce Development Council uses specific criteria to define Top Jobs for the state:
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