Apprenticeship for Career Seekers

Hiring for Registered Apprenticeship Programs is led by the Employer and the Sponsor.  The application process will vary depending on the program. The hiring schedule for programs will be different.  There are some that may hire in groups and others may hire on an as-needed basis. 

Research the program on the Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Program Directory and follow the application steps in the How to Apply, Minimum Qualifications, and Selection Criteria fields.  You can also contact the Sponsor for more information. 

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

Registered Apprenticeship is a training model that combines on-the-job learning and classroom training which is referred to as “related instruction”.  

As an apprentice you are employed from day one and learning your new career pathway by actually doing it.  This is referred to as “On-the-Job Learning” (OJL).  You will also take classes during your apprenticeship with the related instruction.  

Every apprentice has an assigned mentor.  The mentor is a seasoned journeyworker that helps with the On-the-job learning as you advance through the apprenticeship.

Yes, a Registered Apprenticeship is a paid job.  As an apprentice, you will be employed from the beginning and earning a paycheck as a paid employee.  Registered Apprenticeship is different from other forms of work-based learning such as internships. You can learn more about other forms of work-based learning by reading the Work Based Learning Continuum or contacting your local workforce center.

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 

You can find a Registered Apprenticeship Program by using the Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Program Directory.  The Apprenticeship Directory is a comprehensive list of all Registered Apprenticeship Programs operating in the State of Colorado.  On the Apprenticeship Directory, you will find information for each program such as their website, how to apply, and the minimum qualifications and selection criteria.  The Apprenticeship Directory has filters that allow you to narrow down your search by industry and location.

Registered Apprenticeship is used in a wide range of industries and leads to many different career paths.  Some of these industries include Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Cybersecurity/IT, Education, Financial Services, Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Skilled Trades, and more.  

The Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Directory includes an industry filter that you can use to get a better idea of some of the opportunities out there. 
 

The cost of the Registered Apprenticeship Program is listed in the Apprenticeship Directory under the program cost field.  There are some programs that have no cost to the apprentice and there are other programs that do have a cost to the apprentice.  

If you are looking for funding to pay for any of the costs involved in the program, you can contact your local workforce center for potential funding opportunities.

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

You can research Registered Apprenticeship Programs using the Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Program Directory.  This is a comprehensive list of all Registered Apprenticeship Programs operating in the State of Colorado.  Just because a program is listed on the Directory does not mean that the program is currently hiring.  You can research the program more and contact the program Sponsor for more information.  

You can also use Connecting Colorado to supplement your search.  There are many Sponsors that use Connecting Colorado to post open opportunities.  However, there are also many Sponsors that do not use Connecting Colorado, so your first place to look should be the Apprenticeship Directory.  

Every Registered Apprenticeship Program has a component called the “Related Instruction”.  This is the classroom learning portion of the Registered Apprenticeship Program.  This could be in-person, online, or a combination of the two.  The Related Instruction could be provided by the employer, a community college, or another training provider.  

On the Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Directory, there is a section that includes information on the certificates, licenses, college credits, and other credentials that are offered by the program.  

Every Registered Apprenticeship Program results in a nationally recognized credential in the form of the certificate of completion issued at the end of the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

• 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!

There are no residency requirements for Registered Apprenticeship.  Whether a program accepts out-of-state applicants will be determined by the Employer and Sponsor.  Apprenticeship Colorado is unable to provide direct assistance to prospective apprentices that are not currently residing in the state.

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.

• 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 defined by law as a Coloradan who has arrived, and a person who will arrive, to Colorado as an immigrant or refugee, and includes 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.