(DENVER) — Apprenticeship Colorado announced today that the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries application is now available. Recognizing Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries aims to accelerate high-quality apprenticeship programs in Colorado and to attract new talent to in-demand occupations as a result of HB21-1007: State Apprenticeship Agency. 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.
This is the second consecutive year that Colorado has officially recognized intermediaries to support and accelerate the expansion of the state’s Registered Apprenticeship System. In July 2024, Apprenticeship Colorado recognized 35 organizations as the first round of Qualified Registered Apprenticeship Intermediaries. Organizations currently recognized as Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries do not need to reapply this year.
"Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries are vital partners in expanding access to Registered Apprenticeships across Colorado,” said Denise Miller, State Director of Apprenticeship Colorado. “Their unique ability to connect employers with talent and provide crucial support services is essential for building a skilled workforce and creating pathways to economic opportunity for Coloradans."
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 career seekers, apprentices, employers, and/or 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, connecting employers to apprenticeship programs, reducing administrative burden through tools or acting as the sponsor, offering professional development, and providing financial support and other resources to support the growth and sustainability of Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
- Talent Apprenticeship Intermediaries focus on career seeker and/or apprentice needs, especially those facing employment barriers, by ensuring that 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 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 Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (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
- Increased visibility to attract new customers
- Invitations to exclusive events and training opportunities
- Possible eligibility for funding opportunities
How do organizations apply to be a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary?
The application is now live on the Apprenticeship Colorado website. The last day to apply is June 13, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to review the application and website, then contact apprenticeship@state.co.us if they have questions.
Register for the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries Q&A Webinar on June 2, 2025 from 10 - 11 a.m. to learn more about the eligibility and application process.
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