November is Apprenticeship Month

During the entire month of November, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), Office of the Future of Work (OFOW), and its partners across the state celebrate Colorado Apprenticeship Month, which raises awareness of the benefits of registered apprenticeship programs to both employers and workers throughout the state. The month-long celebration brings together business leaders, jobseekers, community partners, education institutions, and other partners to highlight registered apprenticeships and accelerate the adoption of the high-quality training model and talent development strategy.

“Apprenticeships are essential to the evolution of Colorado’s future workforce and will enhance the State’s competitive edge by empowering our businesses–and our people–with the talent and skills our economy needs to thrive and innovate,” said Joe Barela, executive director of CDLE. “Apprenticeships can be a stepping stone to a higher wage, a promotion or a credential. They not only benefit the participants, but equip businesses with a more engaged, more committed workforce in today’s increasingly tight labor market.”

Apprenticeship Month comes after the signing of HB21-1007 which creates a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) in CDLE, housed in the Office of Future of Work (OFOW).  The SAA  will serve as the primary point of contact with the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship; accelerate the adoption, promotion, and development of registered apprenticeship programs; provide support; and be responsible for programs’ compliance with state and federal laws and standards. 

“Apprenticeships are a critical tool to prepare Colorado’s workers and businesses for the future of work, and we are excited to celebrate this powerful model throughout the month of November especially as we prepare to launch our State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) next July,” said Katherine Keegan, director of the OFOW. 

Learn more about Registered Apprenticeships