Union Summit
Virtual Conference
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January 29, 2027
8AM - 4PM
Adult Basic Education Spend
the Day with Construction
Labor Unions
The Colorado Adult Education Coalition (CAEC) Union Summit Virtual Conference is a 100% online professional development and networking event designed to strengthen connections between adult education, unions, apprenticeship programs, employers, and industry.
Throughout the summit, participants will hear directly from union representatives, instructors, apprentices and union students, employers, and industry professionals about apprenticeship opportunities, skilled-trades careers, training expectations, workforce needs, and pathways to employment.
Dedicated union sessions will provide multiple perspectives on what it takes to prepare for, enter, and succeed in apprenticeship and union careers. The summit will also provide opportunities for collaborative conversations focused on building pathways to good jobs, strengthening partnerships between education and industry, and elevating student and apprentice voices.
SUMMIT SCHEDULE
8:00AM- 8:10AM Welcome & Overview
8:10AM-9:00AM Keynote Speaker - Wilson Matthew “Will” Betances
Electrical, Construction & Energy
Founder, Energize Us EDU
9:05AM-10:00AM LiUNA - Laborers & Contractors Local 720
Erika Rodriguez
Apprenticeship Coordinator/ Office Manager
10:05AM-11:00AM Plumbers Local Union 3
Sarah Harkssen
Plumbing Campus Lead
11:05AM-12:00PM Women's Health
Delores Bledsoe
Project Coordinator
Colorado Building and Construction Trades
12:05 -1:00PM Representative Roundtable Instructor Roundtable Student Roundtable
1:05-2:00PM Electrical IBEW Local Union 68
Travis Trujillo
Membership Development/Organizing
2:05-3:00PM
3:05-4:00PM
4:05 - 5:00PM
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Keynote: Wilson Matthew “Will” Betances
The founder and CEO of Energize Us EDU Inc., an electrical educator, speaker and host of the Work & Talk podcast. His work connects electrical apprenticeship instruction, contractor business development and skilled-trades workforce education.
Through Energize Us EDU, Will works with employers and tradespeople on technical learning, leadership and the practical challenges of running a contracting business. His work includes employer-sponsored apprenticeship instruction, BULD contractor development and The Builders Convention, bringing education, business conversations and industry collaboration together.
His 2026 speaking work includes a leadership Business Lab at RE+ Northeast, a workforce-development panel at InstallerSHOW New York, and “Education to Career Pathways in the Trades” for the Colorado Adult Education Coalition. Across these settings, he addresses how the industry can attract new talent, strengthen training and prepare people to lead.
Through Work & Talk, Will continues those conversations with contractors, educators and industry professionals. His focus is straightforward: helping the people who build our communities develop their skills, teams and businesses.
Erika Rodriguez - Apprenticeship Coordinator
Colorado Laborers & Contractors Education & Training Fund
Through my work with the LiUNA 720 Registered Apprenticeship Program,
I’ve found a purpose in helping others build skills, confidence, and a better
future for themselves and their families. I believe a career is more than just a job—it can be the beginning of a new chapter and an opportunity to build a stronger future.
My commitment to workforce development extends beyond my day-today
work. I’m proud to participate and serve on the Adams County Workforce
Development Board and the Colorado Workforce Development Council, where I have the opportunity to be part of conversations and decisions that help strengthen Colorado’s workforce and create pathways to meaningful careers.
I’m also involved with WIL (Women in Leadership) through the Hispanic Contractors of Colorado, an experience that allows me to connect with and learn from other leaders while supporting the growth and advancement of women in our communities and industries.
Giving back to my community is truly close to my heart. Whether I’m helping connect someone with a career opportunity, supporting apprenticeship programs, participating in back-to-school
events, or working alongside community and workforce leaders, I believe in being part of something bigger.
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Delores Bledsoe
Project Coordinator
Colorado Building and Construction Trades Council
Travis Trujillo
Membership Development/Organizing
IBEW Local Union 68
Sarah Harkssen
Plumbing Campus Lead
Denver Plumbers Local #3 JATC
