Apprenticeships are the Future of Work
In an economy transformed by technological advances, including automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization, the need for on-the-job learning has become critical. Apprenticeships help workers gain skills and education while earning a paycheck, and employers need a reliable workforce pipeline to ensure their long-term success.
The State Apprenticeship Agency (Apprenticeship Colorado) is designed to:
- Serve as the primary point of contact with the United States Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship concerning apprentices and registered apprenticeship programs;
- Accelerate new apprenticeship program growth and assist in promotion and development; and
- Oversee apprenticeship programs, including registration, required standards for registration, certification, quality assurance, record-keeping, compliance with federal laws and standards, and provision of administrative and technical assistance.
With oversight of registered apprenticeships in the state, Apprenticeship Colorado plays a direct role in ensuring more Coloradan workers and businesses have access to high quality apprenticeship programs that create a future-ready talent pipeline.
Learn More About Apprenticeship Legislation & Policy
About the State Apprenticeship Agency Transition
State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) Implementation
Following adoption of HB21-1007 in June of 2021, Colorado received recognition as a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) by the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship effective July 1, 2023. Recognition confers non-exclusive authority to determine whether an apprenticeship program conforms to the published standards and whether the program is eligible for registration. The process for recognition of the SAA is described in 29 CFR § 29.13 - Recognition of State Apprenticeship Agencies.
On March 23rd, 2023 Governor Polis signed SB23-051 Conforming Workforce Development Statutes. The legislation directed the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) to establish the State Apprenticeship Council (SAC) to provide professional and technical expertise and advise the SAA on registered apprenticeship standards, rules, and performance. The SAC is made up of two committees: the Committee for Apprenticeship in the Building and Construction Trades (CABCT) which advises the SAA on the building and construction trades, and the Committee for Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries (CANEI) which advises the SAA on all other industries. The SAC supports the SAA as it develops the State plan and standards in accordance with 29 CFR § 29.13.
Learn More about the State Apprenticeship Council
On April 21st, 2023 the Apprenticeship Colorado team held an Information Session for sponsors, employers, and interested stakeholders that wanted to learn more about the state's transition to a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA).
View the Apprenticeship Colorado Info Session Slides