Apprenticeship programs in Colorado provide a valuable pathway for individuals seeking to gain hands-on experience and earn while they learn. These programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, enabling participants to build skills in a specific trade or profession. Colorado supports a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across industries like construction, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and education. The state actively promotes apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy to meet the needs of both employers and workers.

Registered vs. Unregistered Apprenticeship Programs

A distinction in the world of apprenticeships lies between Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and unregistered apprenticeships. Registered programs are formally recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. They must meet specific standards for program structure, wages, mentorship, and educational components, and they often result in a nationally recognized credential. On the other hand, unregistered apprenticeships are often privately developed by employers or industry groups and may not follow a standardized framework. While they do not carry the official endorsement of the federal or state government, they can still provide meaningful training and career pathways. Both types are valid; the choice depends on an employer and the needs of the apprentice. Registered programs often offer more structure, substance, regulation and recognition, while unregistered ones can be more flexible and tailored.

Apprenticeship Opportunities in Colorado’s Major Cities

Colorado’s biggest cities—Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Lakewood—serve as major hubs for apprenticeship opportunities. In Denver and Colorado Springs especially, there is strong demand in areas like healthcare (nursing, medical assisting), construction trades (electrical, plumbing, carpentry), advanced manufacturing, and IT (cybersecurity, software development). Many employers in these cities are working with community colleges and workforce centers to create or expand apprenticeship pathways.

Pre-Apprenticeships, Youth Apprenticeships, and Degree Apprenticeship Programs

Pre-apprenticeship programs serve as pathway to full apprenticeships. These programs provide foundational skills and expose participants to industry knowledge, workplace expectations, and technical basics. They are especially helpful for individuals who may not yet meet entry requirements for full apprenticeships or who are exploring various career options.
Youth apprenticeships, often designed for high school juniors and seniors, integrate academic learning with practical experience. Students spend part of their time in school and part in paid employment, gaining a head start on career pathways while completing high school.
Degree apprenticeship programs combine apprenticeship training with academic coursework that leads to an associate or bachelor’s degree. These programs are gaining popularity as a way to merge college education with real-world experience, minimizing student debt and improving employability.

Apprenticeships vs. Internships

While apprenticeships and internships both offer hands-on learning, they are fundamentally different in structure and purpose. Apprenticeships are long-term (often 1–4 years), paid positions that include a formal training plan and lead to a recognized credential or even a degree. Apprentices are typically employed from day one and progress through structured skill development. Internships, by contrast, are usually short-term, may be unpaid or lightly compensated, and often lack a formal training component. Internships are more exploratory, while apprenticeships are designed to result in direct entry into a specific occupation.

Together, these programs create a diverse ecosystem of career development options in Colorado, giving people multiple ways to enter and grow within high-demand industries.