This page is intended for parents & families of youth (ages 16-24) interested in exploring registered apprenticeships in Colorado.
Resources for Exploring Apprenticeship
The Apprenticeship Directory
The Colorado Apprenticeship Directory is an online database of Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) Sponsors that operate within Colorado. These program Sponsors provide training for a wide range of occupations in various industries like healthcare, education, hospitality, clean energy, and construction.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE) leverages workforce and education systems to give secondary school students in middle and high school the opportunity to figure out what they are passionate about and want to pursue after high school. CTE students have a significantly higher high school graduation rate (90%) than the national average (75%), and their earned college credits help families save thousands of dollars towards a college degree.
Opportunity Next
Opportunity Next Colorado is tailored specifically for high school graduates of Colorado's Class of 2024, this program provides scholarships through registered apprenticeships and other eligible training providers, free advising and coaching, and resources to help you navigate your next step.
Colorado Workforce Centers
Colorado Workforce Centers are a great place to connect with local career coaches or Apprenticeship Navigators to get support and receive information about local registered apprenticeship opportunities.
Apprenticeship FAQs for Parents & Families
- Registered apprenticeship is an industry-vetted, nationally recognized training model that helps new and existing employees with paid, on-the-job learning and career advancement.
- Apprenticeships provide youth with practical skills, industry connections, and a head start in their chosen field.
Apprenticeship Colorado and the US Department of Labor define a youth apprentice as someone between the ages of 16 and 24. These programs, often referred to as youth apprenticeships, combine technical classroom instruction with paid work experience.
No, apprenticeships are for youth as well! Over 30% of Coloradans participating in a Registered Apprenticeship Program are between the ages of 16-24. Check out the Apprenticeship Colorado Data Dashboard to learn more about apprentice demographics in Colorado.
- These aren’t your grandparents’ apprenticeships! Your child can apprentice in education, insurance, construction, HR, clean energy, or even in IT! Explore what occupations have registered apprenticeships in Colorado by visiting our Directory.
- The US Department of Labor has approved over 1,100 occupations for registered apprenticeships.
- Depends. While you will be paid during your apprenticeship, some programs charge for instructions and others pay for the cost of instruction. Scholarships and other funding may be available to support costs associated with a program.
- Did you know? The national average starting salary after an apprentice completes a Registered Apprenticeship Program is $80,000.
Not at all. Students who complete an apprenticeship will have a competitive resume with industry-relevant experience, little to no debt, one or more credentials, and multiple opportunities open to them including pursuing more education.
- Both are regulated and accredited or registered with government agencies.
- Apprentices and college graduates receive a recognized, portable certificate or degree.
- Registered apprenticeship programs must adhere to industry-recognized standards; many college programs do too
- Explore the Colorado Apprenticeship Directory with your student to see what potential registered apprenticeship opportunities are out there.
- Discuss the benefits of a Registered Apprenticeship Program with your student and how they compare to other pathways and opportunities. And inform yourself by reading FAQs about registered apprenticeships for career seekers.
- Connect with an Apprenticeship Navigator at your local workforce center to learn more about opportunities in your local area.
Apprenticeship Outreach Specialist Pilot Program
- What is the High School Apprenticeship Outreach Specialist Pilot Program?
The High School Apprenticeship Outreach Specialist Pilot was established by HB23-1212: Promotion of Apprenticeships and aims to increase awareness of apprenticeship among youth as a post-secondary option. The pilot is being implemented by Apprenticeship Colorado’s Access Team from fall 2023 through June 2025.
Overall, the pilot program aims to increase youth participation in apprenticeship by building awareness of registered apprenticeship opportunities among high school students as an option for after they graduate. Apprenticeship Colorado selected the following school districts to participate in the pilot:
- Weld County School District RE-3J
- Colorado Springs School District 11
- What Do Outreach Specialists Do?
Outreach Specialists help students and families understand what apprenticeship is and explore if it is a good fit for their career aspirations. The Outreach Specialists also educate school staff on how to support students to learn more about apprenticeship.
- How Do I Get in Contact with an Outreach Specialist?
Families with students who attend school in the selected districts can get in touch with our Outreach Specialists to learn more.
- Vacant, Outreach Specialist Weld County School District RE-3J
- Debbie Shackelford, Outreach Specialist Colorado Springs School District 11, debbie.shackelford@state.co.us
- How if my Student Doesn’t Attend a District with an Outreach Specialist?
Colorado Workforce Centers are a great place to connect with local career coaches or Apprenticeship Navigators to get support and receive information about local registered apprenticeship opportunities.