Rep. Gabe Evans, Acting United States Secretary of Labor, Keith Sonderling, Highlight Colorado’s Manufacturing and Skilled Workforce

September 10, 2026 Press Release DENVER, CO — Congressman Gabe Evans welcomed Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling back to Colorado’s Eighth Congressional District for two site visits and workforce roundtables highlighting the manufacturers, skilled trades, truckers, and small businesses powering Northern Colorado’s economy. The visit comes just days after the August jobs report showed the U.S. economy added 162,000 jobs—tripling expectations—while unemployment remained steady at 4.1 percent. “Hardworking Coloradans are leading America’s manufacturing comeback. The August jobs report tripled expectations, American manufacturing is growing, and right here in CO-08, businesses are ready to hire and workers are ready to work. I’m proud to partner with Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling to highlight Colorado’s entrepreneurs, skilled tradesmen and women, and frontline workforce that are the backbone of our economy and our communities. These conversations are essential to ensuring we find ways to strengthen and support our skilled workforce, and continue bringing high-paying jobs back to the United States.” –– Congressman Gabe Evans “America runs on trucking. Companies like JFW Trucking keep our supply chains moving, support local economies, and create pathways to the American Dream for hardworking Americans. I appreciated the opportunity to join Congressman Evans and the Colorado Industrial Property Owners Consortium to hear directly about what it takes to keep trucks on the road and how the Trump Administration can continue to help small businesses grow. America will need an estimated 300,000 new electricians over the next decade — and apprenticeships are how we meet that demand. Congressman Evans and I met with apprentices and IECRM leadership to discuss expanding apprenticeships to train more Americans faster and with zero debt for the jobs powering America’s Industrial Renaissance.” — Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling Congressman Gabe Evans and Sonderling began the day in Commerce City at JFW Trucking, a family-owned Colorado company with roots dating back to 1935. Following a tour of the facility, Evans and Sonderling joined members of the Industrial Property Owners Consortium (IPOC) for the first workforce roundtable of the day. The discussion brought together Colorado business and industrial leaders to talk directly with Evans and Sonderling about the challenges facing employers and what it will take to continue growing Colorado’s industrial and manufacturing economy. The second stop took Rep. Evans and Sonderling to Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM) in Northglenn, where they toured one of the country’s largest electrical apprenticeship training programs before hosting a second roundtable with apprentices, instructors, contractors, and industry leaders. IECRM trains thousands of apprentices and licensed electricians each year, helping prepare Coloradans for careers in high-demand industries—new manufacturing facilities, housing, data centers, energy infrastructure, and other major projects being built across the state. Background Colorado’s Eighth District has become an important hub for manufacturing, energy, construction, and advanced technology, while major investments across northern Colorado are creating new demand for skilled workers. Nationally, that momentum is reflected in the latest employment numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported manufacturing employment increased by 16,000 in August, including gains in machinery and fabricated metal products. Manufacturing employment has increased by 58,000 since December 2025. Acting Secretary Sonderling said that manufacturing and construction have now added jobs for three consecutive months following the release of the August report. Wednesday marked Sonderling’s second workforce-focused visit to Colorado’s Eighth District with Evans. In July 2025, Evans welcomed then- Deputy Secretary Sonderling to Aims Community College in Fort Lupton for a tour and roundtable focused on artificial intelligence, workforce training, and preparing students for the jobs of the future. A year later, Evans and Sonderling returned to CO-08 as Colorado helps lead the nation’s manufacturing comeback — this time taking the conversation directly to the businesses, workers, and apprentices building it. Issues : Economy