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Apprenticeship for Students & Youth

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This page is intended for youth and students (ages 16-24) interested in exploring registered apprenticeships in Colorado.

Apprenticeship by the Numbers

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2,500+ Youth Apprentices

 

The number of apprentices ages 16-24 in Colorado

$80K Average Starting Salary

 

The national average starting salary after an apprentice completes an apprenticeship program

1,000+ Different Occupations

 

The number of registered apprenticeship occupations approved by the US Department of Labor

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90% Employment Retention

 

The national percentage of apprentices who retain employment after apprenticeship completion
 

$300k+ Lifetime Earning Advantage

 

Apprentice graduates earn more over their lifetime compared to peers

25%+ in New & Emerging Industries

 

The percentage of apprentices in Colorado that are in new & emerging industries such as healthcare, hospitality, education, IT/cybersecurity, etc. 

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*Data taken from the US Department of Labor and the Registered Apprenticeship Partner Information Database System (RAPIDS)

Success Stories

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“Apprenticeship has helped me achieve goals that will set me up for greater success in my future by learning skills I never thought I’d ever have, [like] administering vaccines, drawing blood, and being more outspoken with and for patients. Being part of the healthcare field for the betterment of patients’ lives is something very special to me, and I cannot wait to continue doing what I do.” - Anhal Chavez, Medical Assistant Apprentice (Watch Ana’s Success Story

Explore Apprenticeship Resources for Students

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The Apprenticeship Directory

 

Explore a database of apprenticeship programs across Colorado! These programs cover a wide range of careers like healthcare, education, hospitality, clean energy, and construction.  Visit the Apprenticeship Directory!

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

 

Discover your passions early! CTE programs in middle and high school help you figure out what you love. Plus, CTE students graduate high school at a higher rate (90%) than the national average (75%), and you can earn college credits, saving your family money.  Learn more about CTE programs.

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Opportunity Next Colorado

 

If you've graduated high school in 2024, this program is made for you! Get scholarships for apprenticeships and other training, free advising, coaching, and resources to help you plan your next steps. Tap into Opportunity Next resources.

Colorado Workforce Centers

 

Connect with local career coaches and Apprenticeship Navigators! They'll support you and provide info about apprenticeship opportunities right in your community.  Find your local Workforce Center.

Apprenticeship Outreach Specialist Pilot Program

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What is the Apprenticeship Outreach Specialist Pilot Program?

Are you a high school student in Weld County School District RE-3J or Colorado Springs School District 11? Did you know that you have access to Outreach Specialists in your school district to help you explore what apprenticeship is and if it is a good fit for your career aspirations?


Discover apprenticeships as a path after high school! Established by HB23-1212: Promotion Of Apprenticeships, this pilot program runs until June 2025 and is led by the Access Team at Apprenticeship Colorado.

How Do I Get in Contact with an Outreach Specialist?

If you attend school in selected districts, you can connect 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 
What if I Don’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.