Press Release: State Labor Department Highlights Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning During Final Week of Workforce Development Month

(DENVER) — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)’s celebration of Workforce Development Month is focusing the final week of the month on apprenticeships and work-based learning. Celebrated nationwide, Workforce Development Month brings attention to the critical role workforce development services play in the state’s commitment to support an environment where workers and employers can thrive.

Governor Polis and several state agencies are committed to expanding access to work-based learning opportunities that will ultimately grow Colorado’s workforce. Apprenticeship Colorado housed within CDLE’s Office of the Future of Work, now officially a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), is dedicated to the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across the state. Apprenticeship Colorado is also gearing up for Apprenticeship Month in November, asking the public and partners to submit nominations for the 2023 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards by Saturday, Sept. 30. 

During the final week of Workforce Development Month, CDLE will be sharing apprenticeship and work-based learning resources for both employers and workers across its social media platforms including but not limited to:

• Small Business Apprenticeship Support grant: provides financial incentives of up to $50,000 in grant funding to small businesses to expand administrative support for launching new or expanding existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs). Applications are now due no later than Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
• Apprenticeship Directory: a list of Registered Apprenticeship Programs that operate within and across the state of Colorado covering a wide range of occupations in various industries.
• Work-Based Learning Incentive (WBLI): 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. 

More resources are listed on the Workforce Development Month website along with a calendar of workforce development events happening across the state. Among the events happening during the next week:

• September 26 from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m
  • 2023 Workforce Symposium, A Time of Growth in Greely 
    This premier event brings together industry leaders, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs to explore cutting-edge strategies and best practices in driving business growth through dynamic leadership and building a skilled workforce
    Tickets: $49 per person
    Purchase tickets here.
    AIMS Community College Welcome Center
    4901 West 20th St. 
    Greeley, CO 80634
     
• September 27 at 9:00 a.m.
  • Breaking Barriers: Employing People with Disabilities
    Discover the resources and services available to employers for hiring this talented and dedicated workforce.
     
• September 27 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Autumn Job Fair At Otero College
    Otero College
    Rizzuto Banquet Room
    2001 San Juan Avenue,
    La Junta, CO 81050
     
• September 27 at 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Core Civic Hiring Event
    Core Civic will be hosting a hiring event at the La Junta Workforce Center. CoreCivic operates safe facilities that provide education and effective reentry programming to help individuals make positive changes, so they can return to the community successfully.
    308 Santa Fe Avenue
    ​​​​​​​La Junta, CO 81010
     
• September 27 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Workforce Boulder County Workforce Center Open House!
    St. Vrain Community Hub
    515 Coffman Street 
    Longmont, CO 80501
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• September 27 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Workforce Boulder County Workforce Center Open House!
    St. Vrain Community Hub
    515 Coffman Street 
    ​​​​​​​Longmont, CO 80501
     
• Wednesday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
  • State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event
    The State of Colorado Government Careers Informational Event offers Coloradans the opportunity to connect with State of Colorado agencies who are hiring. Attendees will be able to meet virtually with representatives from the participating agencies who will explain the various roles in their agency, minimum qualifications, provide valuable tips on how to apply, and more. Visit the State’s Career Website to browse the various opportunities. Veterans and their spouses have early access starting at 10 a.m. This is a virtual event. Job Seekers can register here.