Colorado currently has over 300 apprenticeship programs, with 101 added this year, increasing the workforce by 7,000 people. The growing rate of skillful and knowledgeable workers who build and shape the foundation of this state is boosting economic growth and driving workforce development.
Growing success in apprenticeship programs has an “active, visible, and successful (…) initiative in Colorado,” said Cher Havand, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Governor Polis values and believes that Colorado’s fundamental society is built by these skillful workers; therefore, Polis passed House Bill 1246 and Senate Bill 20, targeting students seeking higher education after high school, specifically allocating 70 million dollars to encourage students to pursue degrees or certificates in labor-focused fields.
Governor Polis passed these bills to create a better economy for the future, “helping to ensure that Coloradans have the skillful workforce needed to fill in-demand jobs and [ensure] employers have the talent they need,” said Polis in a pre-recorded video played during the apprenticeship awards.
Catherine Keegan, Director of the Office of the Future of Work, founded by Governor Polis, highlights how Colorado is the first state to scale apprenticeships, emphasizing their role in fostering a “true ecosystem” that adapts to a rapidly changing economy. According to Keegan, apprenticeship programs are expanding significantly, with “35 organizations (…) helping to grow adoption of apprenticeship as industry intermediaries.”
Governor Polis also praised the initiative, stating that the widespread support for apprenticeship programs is “making Colorado a national model for workforce development and success,” said Polis during the 2024 annual apprenticeship awards, in a prerecorded video.
Helen Young Hayes, CEO of Activate Work, another prominent speaker of the 2024 apprenticeship awards, talks about how she has seen firsthand how apprenticeships deliver returns for workers and businesses alike, with entry-level salaries between $55,000 – $68,000 with lots of room for new apprentices.
Although many students either pick a four-year degree or an apprenticeship, companies, and colleges also offer opportunities to earn a four-year degree while attending an apprenticeship program. While the workload may increase, students are able to gain both the benefits of studying for a bachelor’s while accruing “real world” experience from physically working for a company.
Companies view academically inclined workers as a benefit to their company “but I feel like experience is a very big thing when it comes to working after college,” said Deigo Reyes, a student at Metropolitan State University of Denver and apprentice for Mike Ward Infiniti.
Many industries are looking for skillful workers who are not only knowledgeable but physically and mentally prepared for the workforce. For example, within the automotive industry, technicians are graded not only based on their knowledge of the subject but also their ability to problem solve, learn and use equipment, lead or work with others, and adapt to their work environment.
As new graduates migrate into the workforce, many have a challenge with finding the right fit along with the necessary skills to apply for jobs. These challenges can be mitigated with hands-on learning and mentorship available within apprenticeships. Many students still apply for or earn certificates after a four-year university to further benefit their careers.
