Debbie Shackelford began her career in Financial Services, establishing successful divisions in Cash Management and Corporate Training. Driven by a passion for empowering others, she moved to the Pikes Peak Workforce Center, serving on the training team and later as Program Manager for Youth and Adult Case Managers. From 2019 to July 2023, Debbie was an Apprenticeship Consultant at the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE), where she focused on expanding Registered Apprenticeships in the Healthcare Industry.
She joined Apprenticeship Colorado in January 2024 to increase awareness of registered apprenticeships as a post-secondary option through a grant pilot. As of July 2025, she continues with Apprenticeship Colorado as the Youth Engagement Specialist, a role supported by the Future Ready Apprenticeship Center of Excellence USDOL Cooperative Agreement.
Debbie is committed to helping individuals achieve their career goals and has volunteered with various nonprofits, including Special Olympics Colorado and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.