Apprenticeship for School Districts

This page is intended for staff and employees of school districts in Colorado who would like to learn more about registered apprenticeship, how they can connect with partners to build a Registered Apprenticeship Program, and more.

Why Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) are an industry-recognized training model that have credibility within the national apprenticeship system because they are registered and overseen by Apprenticeship Colorado.

 

RAPs allow school districts to tap into resources and build meaningful industry partnerships in their community while giving students a competitive edge in their future careers. RAPs allow youth to work in a relevant field, earn a paycheck, and get the education they need.

 

Benefits of RAPs for Students:

• Career stability and growth. Apprenticeships allow students to start their careers today and earn while they learn.
• Mentorship and support. Apprentices are paired with an experienced mentor that provides one-on-one support.
• Little to no debt. Students who complete an apprenticeship will have a competitive resume with industry-relevant experience, little or no debt, one or more credentials, and multiple career and education opportunities open to them. 

Learn more about the Benefits of Registered Apprenticeship for Your Students.

What Roles Exist in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)?

1. Sponsor
2. Employer 
3. Related Instruction Provider
4. Partners

What Do These Roles Look Like at the District Level?

Colorado school districts can engage with Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in several valuable ways and serve in one or multiple roles. 

1. Sponsor: As a RAP Sponsor, your district can take the lead in developing and administering RAPs. This role involves:

   1. Designing programs with strong industry input

   2. Managing program administration

   3. Ensuring compliance with RAP requirements

2. Employer: As an employer partner, your district can address staffing needs by:

   1. Creating your own program where you serve as both sponsor and employer OR

   2. Joining existing apprenticeship programs as an employer AND

   3. Using RAPs as an innovative solution for hard-to-fill positions

3. Related Instruction (RI) Provider: RI Providers support apprenticeship education by:

   1. Aligning your existing courses with RAP requirements

   2. Aligning Career & Technical Education (CTE) programming

   3. Providing classroom instruction that complements on-the-job training

4. Partner: Many districts strategically partner with RAPs to connect students with opportunities by:

   1. Building relationships with established RAP programs

   2. Creating pathways for students to enter apprenticeships

   3. Collaborating with local workforce initiatives

How Do I Help My Students Connect to Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities?

• The Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Program Directory includes information for all Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in Colorado and is a great place to start to understand what apprenticeships opportunities are in your area. Check out the Apprenticeship Directory Desk Aid to learn more about how to use the directory.
• Print our Registered Apprenticeships for Schools Poster and post it in your schools to raise awareness of RAPs as a career pathway for your students.
• Equal Employment Opportunity Partners: Programs that have a consistent need for talent require a clear way to recruit and comply with Equal Employment Opportunity. Districts that partner with programs can be named on a Sponsor’s Affirmative Action Plan as a trusted recruitment source for diverse talent. View our current EEO Partners and learn how to become an EEO partner.

For the Purposes of CDIP, How Do I Know if an Apprenticeship is Registered?

The Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Program Directory includes information for all Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado. The RAPIDS Program Number included in the Directory listing should be included during Career Development Incentive Program (CDIP) Reporting. For more information about CDIP, please refer to the Department of Education’s website. 

How Can My District Connect with Partners and Employers to Build a Registered Apprenticeship Program?

Although employers have the option to deliver all instruction internally, many partner with a community college, technical school, K12 district (ages 16+), four-year institution, or another training provider to offer the instructional component of the program. Interested in letting employers/programs know that you want to partner to provide related instruction?  

Connect with the Apprenticeship Colorado Team

How Can Our District Engage with Apprenticeship Colorado?

1. Apprenticeship Colorado can facilitate connections with partners and employers. Connect with the Apprenticeship Colorado Team.
2. Attend and tune in to training opportunities provided by Apprenticeship Colorado.