Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a nationally-recognized credential.  

Apprenticeships can be a stepping stone to a promising career, job satisfaction, higher wage, a credential, or even a promotion. 

Apprenticeship Colorado lists basic information of all Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado on the Colorado Apprenticeship Resource Directory. This is a great place to start your career navigation and see what programs might be of interest to you.

The Apprenticeship Directory includes basic information on all Registered Apprenticeship Programs statewide, such as on-the-job learning information, credential information, related instruction information, and the website/contact information of the program to do further research.  The Directory is not a job board, but is a resource for exploration in apprenticeship opportunities.

Registered apprenticeships are high-quality work-based learning and earn-and-learn models that meet national standards for registration with Apprenticeship Colorado. 

Apprenticeship Colorado approves and monitors programs to ensure programs meet the following quality standards:

• Earn wages, with at least one guaranteed increase   
• Provide workplace experience and job-related instruction
• Provide an experienced worker/mentor in the workplace
• Meet national quality standards for registration Apprenticeship Colorado
• Results in a nationally recognized credential 
• Guarantee special protections under Equal Employment Opportunity in Apprenticeship

While all registered apprenticeships meet the same quality standards above, some may offer additional benefits, including:

• Additional industry certificates or credentials 
• Post-secondary credit or certificates
• Tuition reimbursement 

• Time Commitment: Programs may range 1-6 years, depending on the occupation. Instruction can take place during the work week, or outside of work hours. 
• Location: Research the locations of both the work and related instruction associated with your programs. Instruction may be offered by the employer or by an external provider (e.g. college). 
• Cost: Programs may charge tuition for instruction or have costs associated with supplies. Some programs pay for all of the costs associated with training, some offer tuition reimbursement. Apprentices demonstrating need can also see if they qualify for financial aid (see below). 
• Instruction Preference: Instruction may be in-person, online, or a mix. 
• College Credit: If you wish to pursue further education or career paths that require additional training, you may want to consider programs that offer college credit for the related instruction.
• Industry of Interest: Consider which industry you’d like to pursue an apprenticeship in.  Registered apprenticeships are offered in a variety of industries like:
  • IT/cybersecurity,
  • Education
  • Public sector
  • Construction/trades
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • And more!

Workforce centers can help you find an apprenticeship and identify potential resources to support your success. Financial aid may be available for qualifying apprentices for childcare, transportation, books, tuition, or other costs. Partner organizations can also be an invaluable resource for coaching, supplies, and financial aid.  Connect to an Apprenticeship Navigator for assistance accessing the below resources and supports.

• For Veterans
  • Check to see if a program is registered for GI Bill® Benefits: If your program is not registered for these benefits, you can request your program register post-hire
• For College Apprentices
  • Connect with your college’s apprenticeship staff to determine if you qualify for support for the related instruction component of college-affiliated apprenticeships. 
• For Individuals with Disabilities
  • Access resources and coaching through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• For Individuals with Financial Need
  • Search for programs that already qualify for workforce training funds
  • Learn about resources available through the Colorado Department of Human Services

Apprenticeship Colorado oversees Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the state, working with the US Department of Labor, local workforce centers, and state agencies to build and maintain registered apprenticeships. Apprenticeship Colorado also maintains the official Colorado Apprenticeship Resource Directory.

Apprenticeship Colorado maintains the Colorado Apprenticeship Resource Directory listing the details of all Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado.

Apprenticeships are for all industries.  Colorado has Registered Apprenticeship Programs in:

• Government
• Education
• Healthcare
• IT/cybersecurity
• Construction
• Transportation
• Advanced manufacturing
• Clean energy
• And more!
   

An apprenticeship is a type of employment, so as a career seeker you approach searching for apprenticeships as you would other types of jobs. Much of this information is provided within the Colorado Apprenticeship Resource Directory, on the program’s website, or through your local workforce center. 

Requirements and selection procedures vary by program, but job seekers can prepare for the search by:

• Researching programs to check for programs that are currently recruiting
• Checking with the program what their selection process is (online application, resume, hiring fair, placement test, etc.) 
• Ensuring that you meet any prerequisites of the program (e.g. drivers license, GED)
• Collecting evidence of prior learning or experience, if applicable (e.g. high school diploma, military experience) 
• Attending any required information sessions or assessments

• Contact your registered apprenticeship program Sponsor if you need a copy of your Colorado Apprenticeship Agreement or ETA 671.
• Email apprenticeship@state.co.us if you need a copy of any of your apprentice records or call (720) 204-8608. 
• Contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) if you need to access records for apprenticeships in state-licensed occupations
• Contact the Department of Corrections for records (certificate of completion, on-the-job learning or related instruction hours) associated with apprenticeships earned during incarceration: Nicole Allen, Department of Corrections, nicole.allen@state.co.us
• Contact your college if you need to access transcripts related to apprentice instruction earned at a college

Yes, anyone that may legally work in the US is eligible to participate in apprenticeship programs. 

New Americans are Coloradans who arrived to the US as immigrants or their children. This population includes: refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, victims of trafficking, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, and all other immigrants and aspiring citizens seeking opportunity, safety, and/or reunification of family.