Apprenticeship Funding Opportunities

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

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”. 

Accelerate Apprenticeship Grants

Applications Closed

The Accelerate Apprenticeship Grant application is now closed for applications due to the exhaustion of funds. Any applicants that were placed on the waitlist have been notified that funding is no longer available and the waitlist has been eliminated. 

Accelerate Apprenticeship Grants are funds of up to $7,500 to encourage employer adoption of registered apprenticeship in the state of Colorado. 

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. Learn more about accessing Work-based Learning Funding in Colorado.
• The Work-based Learning Incentive (WBLI) Program provides funding to help with the start-up costs of developing work-based learning programs, including training dollars that could be used in partnership with institutions of higher education or other training providers.  This program is administered by the CDLE’s Workforce Development Programs.
• The Skill Advance Colorado Job Training Grant administered by the Office of Economic Development and International Trade helps businesses and nonprofits create customized job training for employees.

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.

Other Apprenticeship Funding

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.
 

Tax Credits and Incentives

• 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.