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Apprenticeship Funding Opportunities

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Close up of three young apprentices chatting with their leader
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Apprenticeship Colorado in the Office of the Future of Work (OFW) is dedicated to shaping an equitable economy of the future and ensuring that Coloradans are equipped with the necessary education, training, skills, and tools to fully participate in the labor force. Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), when they reach their maximum potential, are considered the "gold standard" of training programs- offering employers a sustainable, skills-based, talent pipeline strategy and providing job seekers modern worker protections, clear career pathways, and an inclusive work environment. Learn more about Apprenticeship Colorado and apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Colorado adminsters various  funding strategies to accelerate and diversify the Registered Apprenticeship system in Colorado by offering funds for employers and jobseekers. Learn more about each and sign up for updates below!

Funding for Employers & Sponsors

BuildUp Grants

Applications Closed

BuildUp Grants prioritize projects that provide training to apprentices at no cost throughout the entirety of their apprenticeship, remove barriers to accessing training to those that are traditionally underrepresented in the sector, and embed diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility into their RAP.

Scale-Up Grants

Applications Closed

Scale-Up Grants are competitive awards that support organizations to develop or expand a Registered Apprenticeship Program. The opportunity funds capacity-building projects for current and future Registered Apprenticeship Program employers and Sponsors.

Apprenticeship Colorado is pleased to announce the award of $699,670 to 14 organizations in June of 2023 in the second cycle of Scale-Up Grants. Organizations funded through Cycle 2 of the Scale-Up Grants are: 

  • African American Trade Association
  • Atom Physics
  • City of Loveland
  • Colorado Autism Consultants
  • Colorado Energy Office
  • Fortified Development, LLC
  • Morgan County School District
  • Mountain Roots
  • RapidAscent Inc
  • Reliance Electric
  • Shaw Solar + Energy
  • Skills Academy Vocational Center (NRAEF)
  • The Center for Development of Economic Equity
  • TIC - The Industrial Company

View a list of Cycle 1 Scale-Up Grant recipients.  To receive updates regarding future funding opportunities from Apprenticeship Colorado, please sign up for our mailing list by selecting “Funding Opportunities”. 

Other Funding for Employers
  • The Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) offers various funding opportunities for employers, job seekers, and Sponsors for registered apprenticeships and other work-based learning models.
  • The Opportunity Next Colorado scholarship program, administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), helps businesses financially support apprentices and aims to increase enrollment in Colorado-based postsecondary high-priority pathway training programs. Businesses apply for a block allocation which can then be distributed as scholarships of up to $1500 to help cover tuition, fees, books and equipment. Scholarships are restricted to Colorado Class of 2024 high school graduates for use in the 2024-25 academic year.  A student and family-facing website is now live at OpportunityNext.org and highlights the state's high-priority pathways and the Institutes of Higher Ed that have been awarded scholarship funds.
  • As part of its Behavioral Health Workforce Strategic Plan, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) is executing an ambitious plan to strengthen the behavioral health workforce in Colorado. BHA is seeking applications for Work-Based Learning Initiatives - SB 22-181. The objective of this grant is to strengthen, expand, and diversify the Colorado Behavioral Health Workforce, by increasing the number of people with appropriate training and recognized credentials, and establishing stronger connections between employers and the emerging workforce, expanding on SB22-140’s Work Based Learning Quality Expectations. For more information visit:  https://bha.colorado.gov/resources/funding-opportunities
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Funding for Careerseekers & Apprentices

Apprenticeship programs may be free or have associated tuition, fees, supplies, or other training materials. Career seekers and apprentices may find many resources available to support associated costs through local public workforce and education partners and apprenticeship intermediaries. 
 

The Apprenticeship Scholarship

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn in-demand skills while also earning a paycheck. New qualifying apprentices may receive a scholarship that can be used for tuition, fees, tools, and other training materials. The scholarship is offered through your local workforce center.


Link to Printable Apprenticeship Scholarship Flyer

Connect with a Navigator to Learn More About the Apprenticeship Scholarship

 

Please note, this scholarship is not affiliated with a higher education institution's federal, state or school financial aid package. For collegiate apprentices, please see your institution's financial aid representative for more information.

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Other Apprenticeship Funding
 

Tax Credits and Incentives

The state of Colorado offers various tax credits and incentives related to apprenticeship. Note that Apprenticeship Colorado does not administer these tax credits or incentives listed below.

  • A CollegeInvest 529 Savings Plan is a tax-free educational savings account that can be used to pay for apprenticeships. For Colorado taxpayers, contributions to any CollegeInvest savings account are eligible for a deduction from your state income tax return.  
  • The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit that incentivizes employers for hiring within targeted groups of job seekers. The WOTC can reduce employer federal tax liability by as much as $9600, when you hire talented, skilled, hard-to-place job seekers.  Read the WOTC Quick Reference Guide.
  • The Enterprise Zone Job Training Tax Credit helps businesses develop and retain a skilled workforce. Businesses located within enterprise zones can earn a state income tax credit of 12% of eligible job training costs for employees and apprentices working within the enterprise zone. 
  • The Career Development Incentive Program (CDIP) provides financial incentives for school districts and charter schools that encourage high school students, grades 9-12, to complete qualified industry credential programs, including registered apprenticeships and quality pre-apprenticeships.
  • Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Tax Incentive includes bonus credits for businesses that pay workers a prevailing wage and use Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
  • The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Standards and Requirements requires that all electricians installing, operating, or maintaining EV supply equipment have a certification from the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) or graduation or a continuing education certificate from a Registered Apprenticeship Program.  Additionally, for projects that require more than one electrician, at least one electrician must be enrolled in an electrical Registered Apprenticeship Program.
  • The Federal Bonding Program is a 6-month no cost fidelity bond for applicants who are denied coverage by commercial carriers due to their at risk background.  A fidelity bond is provided to the employer free of charge and serves as an incentive to hire a job applicant who is an ex-offender or has an at-risk background in obtaining employment.
IDEA-M 2024 Incentive Funding 

Applications Closed

Applications are now being accepted for incentive funding from Jobs for the Future’s IDEA-M project, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding supports the development of new Registered Apprenticeship programs and the expansion of existing programs in advanced manufacturing and agriculture.

Refer to the FAQ, which includes important details about the program, including how the funding can be used and the funding levels. Please note that a commitment letter from the employer/sponsor is required when the application is made. The FAQ describes what needs to be included in the commitment letter.

The deadline for applications is March 1, 2024.

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by JFF and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Awardees will be notified by April 1.

IDEA-M 2024 Incentive Funding Application (Asana Form)
IDEA-M Funding FAQ