DENVER -- By some measures, America's unemployment level hasn't been this high in 25 years.

The unemployment report from the Labor Department in Washington shows the unemployment rate at 6.5-percent, a 14-year high.

In October, U.S. employers cut 240,000 jobs with nearly 1.2 million jobs lost in 2008.

In Denver, at the Stapleton Workforce Center, they're seeing the aftereffects. Dozens of new applicants walk through their doors weekly with one goal in mind: finding a job.

"First and foremeost, you have to be active. You have to expand whatever network you have and let people know that you're looking for work," said Arturo Ruiz, supervisor of the center. "If you're in the energy (sector), math or sciences, those are stilll very viable industries."

Ruiz said demand is clearly up at these publicly funded, free resource centers. Computers, fax machines, phones, resume and interviewing classes are all part of their arsenal.

"The people are always positive. And they have a lot of leads," said Vivian Geisland, 65. "I'm looking to get back into the airlines. I like to be outside. I want a physical job."

Cecil Mannsur has been looking for four months.

"I've got my resume out (to) a couple (of) places. And I've got a couple of responses. I have an interview today at 4:30," Mannsur said. "And everyday it's just like work. Going to work to look for work."

Both job seekers say the Workforce Center has been a valuable resource.

Staffers say they're seeing a different breed of people looking for jobs. People used to making $50,000 to $60,000 a year and who have never been unemployed are now searching for jobs.

"It's probably going to be at least six weeks that they're going to be looking for work. And it could go two to three months," Ruiz said.

On Nov. 21, Colorado's unemployment report for October will be released and the state's chief economist expects grim news. Alexandra Hall said the state will see a sharp increase in lob losses, which will finally mirror the ugly national statistics.

Colorado's jobless rate was down slightly for September. But Hall said this next report will hit hard.

Growth for the year could even be negative for the first time in five years, according to Hall. But she cautions, Colorado has consistently fared better than most states across the United States. And even when those unemployment numbers are revealed, Hall believes Colorado will still outpace most of our neighbors.