(DENVER) – Colorado will be the first state in the country to launch an innovative strategy to accelerate high quality apprenticeship programs as a result of HB21-1007: State Apprenticeship Agency. Apprenticeship Colorado, within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)'s Office of the Future of Work, is recognizing Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries for their contributions to our dynamic Registered Apprenticeship system as a strategy to accelerate the growth of high-quality job opportunities in the state and to attract new talent to in-demand occupations. Once recognized, Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries will be uniquely positioned to support and accelerate Registered Apprenticeship expansion in Colorado and will be eligible for competitive funding opportunities and other benefits.
“Apprenticeship works best when partners come together to support employers to launch and sustain programs. A wide scale system of quality apprenticeship intermediaries creates the opportunity to enhance our system while prioritizing what matters - jobseekers and employers," said Denise Miller, Director of Apprenticeship Colorado. "As the State Apprenticeship Agency, we are excited to coordinate this strategy to focus on the high quality training needs and resources to accelerate adoption of this training model.”
What is a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary?
Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries are organizations operating in Colorado that play a crucial role in expanding or enhancing our state’s Registered Apprenticeship System through their support of jobseekers, apprentices, employers, and sponsors.
Organizations can apply for recognition in one or both of the following categories:
- Industry Apprenticeship Intermediaries focus on addressing employer needs through apprenticeship by providing services such as designing and delivering curriculum, reducing administrative burden through tools, offering professional development, and providing financial support and other resources to support the growth and sustainability of apprenticeship programs.
- Talent Apprenticeship Intermediaries focus on career seeker and apprentice needs, especially those facing employment barriers, by ensuring they are aware of apprenticeship programs, have the resources and referrals to enroll in the program, and the support necessary to complete their program and understand their career pathway.
Both public and private entities are encouraged to apply. Examples of eligible applicants include, but are not limited to:
- Multi-Employer Apprenticeship Sponsors
- An Economic Development organization
- An Apprenticeship Training Committee
- A Local Workforce Board
- A Local School District or BOCES
- An Industry or Trade Association
- A Community College or other institution of education
- A Nonprofit Organization
- A State Agency
- Entities that represent a group of business partners
- Organizations that provide services, tools or staffing to apprenticeship programs
Why Should Your Organization Consider Applying?
Recognition as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary provides several benefits, including:
- Statewide recognition for supporting apprenticeship expansion
- Eligibility for competitive funding opportunities
- Increased visibility to attract new customers
- Invitations to exclusive training and events provided by the Apprenticeship Colorado team
How Do Organizations Apply to Be a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary?
Register here to attend a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries Virtual Town Hall on January 9, 2024 from Noon - 1 p.m. to learn more about the eligibility and application process. Please submit your questions in advance using this Questions and Comments Form.
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