Colorado Apprenticeship Programs

Colorado Apprenticeship Programs

Colorado Apprenticeship Programs

Colorado Apprenticeship Resource Guide

Find Registered Apprenticeships, apprenticeship sponsors, community-college programs, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, workforce assistance, regional resources, and other earn-and-learn opportunities across Colorado.

What Is an Apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is an earn-and-learn approach that combines paid work with training for an occupation.

You learn by doing the job while earning a paycheck.

Depending on the employer and program, the training may be highly structured—or it may be more informal and employer-designed.

The details vary.

That is why it is important to understand what type of apprenticeship you are considering.

🟦 Registered Apprenticeship

A Registered Apprenticeship is a specific, formally approved type of apprenticeship.

Unlike the broader use of the word apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship follows defined standards and is reviewed and registered by an authorized government apprenticeship agency.

A Registered Apprenticeship includes:

  • Paid employment — you are employed and earn wages while training.
  • Structured On-the-Job Learning — the program establishes what you will learn in the workplace.
  • Approved Related Instruction — technical or classroom learning follows an established curriculum connected with the occupation.
  • Experienced mentoring — you learn under the guidance of skilled, experienced workers.
  • Defined pay progression — the program establishes starting pay and increases tied to increasing skills or progress.
  • Defined training requirements — the program establishes the time, competencies, or combination of requirements needed for completion.
  • Government review and registration — the program's standards are reviewed and registered by an authorized state or federal apprenticeship agency.
  • Recognized completion credential — successful completion leads to a nationally recognized apprenticeship credential.

The key distinction is simple:

  • An apprenticeship can be employer-designed.
  • A Registered Apprenticeship must meet defined standards.

🟩 Employer / Unregistered Apprenticeship

Some employers offer apprenticeships that are not Registered Apprenticeships.

These can still be excellent paid career pathways.

They may provide:

  • Structured workplace training
  • Mentoring
  • Wage increases
  • Technical or classroom instruction
  • Industry credentials
  • College credit
  • Advancement into skilled employment

These features vary by employer and program.

Before accepting an employer apprenticeship, ask:

  • How is the training organized?
  • Who will train and mentor me?
  • How long does the program last?
  • What skills will I learn?
  • How does my pay increase?
  • Is technical or classroom instruction included?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • What job will I be qualified for when I finish?

Why Registered Apprenticeship Gets Special Attention

Both Registered and employer-designed apprenticeships can provide valuable paid career training.

Registered Apprenticeship receives special attention because the program has been formally reviewed and registered and must follow established apprenticeship standards.

That gives you greater clarity about:

  • What you will learn
  • How you will be trained
  • Who will mentor you
  • How your wages will progress
  • What completion requires
  • What credential you will earn

Colorado Registered Apprenticeship reaches both traditional and emerging industries.

Career areas include:

  • Building and construction
  • Healthcare
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Information technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Financial services
  • Government
  • Other skilled and professional occupations

That is why this guide begins with Registered Apprenticeship programs, sponsors, colleges, and official resources.

Other employer apprenticeships and paid earn-and-learn pathways are covered later in the guide.

How This Guide Is Organized

Use the sections that match what you need.

  • 🟦 Registered Apprenticeship — Apprenticeship Colorado, sponsors, Apprenticeship.com, Apprenticeship.gov, and ways to find programs and opportunities.
  • 🟪 Community College & College-Connected Apprenticeship — Colorado colleges providing Related Instruction, technical education, college credit, certificates, and degrees.
  • 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship — high-school and young-adult pathways, CTE, employer connections, and resources for students, parents, and counselors.
  • 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship — quality preparation programs designed to connect participants with Registered Apprenticeship and skilled employment.
  • 👷 Sponsors & Industry Programs — employers, unions, industry organizations, intermediaries, and established apprenticeship programs.
  • 🏛️ Government & Public-Sector Resources — state and local government, transportation, utilities, water/wastewater, education, and other public employers.
  • 📍 Regional & Local Resources — Denver, Northern Colorado, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Western Slope, mountain communities, and other regions.
  • 🟥 Specialized Resources — veterans, transitioning service members, people with disabilities, women in nontraditional careers, reentry, opportunity youth, and other groups.
  • 🟩 Beyond Registered Apprenticeship — employer/unregistered apprenticeship, OJT, paid Work-Based Learning, co-op, employer-paid training, and trainee programs.

For definitions of WBL, OJT, RTI, co-op, pre-apprenticeship, and other workforce terms, see the Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary on the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides page.

What the Colored Squares Mean

  • 🟦 Registered Apprenticeship
  • 🟪 College & Education-Connected Apprenticeship
  • 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship
  • 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship
  • 🟩 Other Paid Earn-and-Learn
  • 🟥 Military & Specialized Career Resources
  • ⬛ Search, Workforce & Discovery Resources

Other symbols identify industries or resource types such as construction, healthcare, education, government, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities.

=== END COLORADO — PART 1A ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 1B ===

🟩 Best Places to Start

Use several resources rather than relying on one database.

🟦 Apprenticeship Colorado

Apprenticeship Colorado is Colorado's State Apprenticeship Agency.

It is housed within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment's Office of the Future of Work.

Apprenticeship Colorado is responsible for:

  • Registering Registered Apprenticeship programs
  • Overseeing registered programs
  • Providing technical assistance to apprenticeship sponsors
  • Supporting apprenticeship expansion
  • Connecting apprenticeship with Colorado's workforce and education systems
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship Colorado — Explore Colorado Registered Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 Colorado Department of Labor and Employment — Office of the Future of Work — Explore Apprenticeship & Future of Work Resources

Use Colorado's official apprenticeship resources to identify:

  • Registered Apprenticeship programs
  • Sponsors
  • Career pathways
  • Apprenticeship resources
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • Employer resources

⬛ Apprenticeship.com

Use Apprenticeship.com as an additional apprenticeship and earn-and-learn discovery resource.

If Registered Apprenticeship status matters, verify the program through Apprenticeship Colorado or another authoritative state or federal source.

🟦 Apprenticeship.gov

Use:

  • Job Finder to search current opportunities.
  • Partner Finder to identify sponsors even when they are not currently recruiting.

⬛ Connecting Colorado

Connecting Colorado is the state's public employment and workforce system.

Search:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Maintenance trainee
  • Operator trainee
  • Helper
  • Paid training
  • Co-op
  • Development program

⬛ Colorado Workforce Centers

Colorado Workforce Centers can help career seekers investigate employment and training resources.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Current apprentice recruiting
  • WIOA
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Youth programs
  • Employer recruiting
  • Supportive services

Search More Than “Apprentice”

An employer may have an earn-and-learn pathway without using apprentice in the job title.

Also search:

  • Trainee
  • Technician trainee
  • Maintenance trainee
  • Operator trainee
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Healthcare trainee
  • IT trainee
  • Paid training
  • Development program

No Opening Today?

A Registered Apprenticeship can exist even when the sponsor is not currently recruiting.

If you find a program that interests you:

  • Identify the sponsor.
  • Visit the sponsor's website.
  • Look for application periods.
  • Search Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder.
  • Contact the education or training provider.
  • Ask a Colorado Workforce Center about the sponsor.
  • Join an interest list when available.
  • Ask when applications reopen.

The goal is to identify both current openings and established programs that may recruit later.

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=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 1C ===

🟪 Colorado Community College & College-Connected Apprenticeship

Colorado's community colleges are important partners in the state's apprenticeship system.

Depending on the program, a college may:

  • Provide Related Instruction
  • Partner with apprenticeship employers
  • Serve as an apprenticeship intermediary
  • Sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship
  • Award college credit
  • Provide certificates or degree pathways
  • Connect apprenticeship with Career and Technical Education
  • Support Work-Based Learning

An important distinction:

The employer or apprenticeship sponsor generally provides the paid apprenticeship job.

Do not assume that enrolling in a college program automatically makes you an apprentice.

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors work with this college?
  • Which employers are hiring apprentices?
  • Do I apply to the employer, sponsor, or college first?
  • Does the college provide Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship training earn college credit?
  • Can apprenticeship lead toward a certificate or degree?
  • Who pays for the education?

🟪 Colorado Community College System

The Colorado Community College System — CCCS — supports apprenticeship across its colleges.

CCCS colleges have long served as Related Instruction providers and increasingly also serve as:

  • Apprenticeship intermediaries
  • Program sponsors
  • Employer partners
  • Workforce-development partners

Apprentices may be able to:

  • Earn wages while training
  • Earn college credit
  • Earn industry credentials
  • Apply apprenticeship learning toward college certificates or degrees

🟪 Colorado Community Colleges to Research

CCCS includes colleges serving regions throughout Colorado.

Use the college serving your area as a potential apprenticeship and employer-connection resource.

  • 🟪 Arapahoe Community College
  • 🟪 Community College of Aurora
  • 🟪 Community College of Denver
  • 🟪 Colorado Northwestern Community College
  • 🟪 Front Range Community College
  • 🟪 Lamar Community College
  • 🟪 Morgan Community College
  • 🟪 Northeastern Junior College
  • 🟪 Otero College
  • 🟪 Pueblo Community College
  • 🟪 Pikes Peak State College
  • 🟪 Red Rocks Community College
  • 🟪 Trinidad State College
  • 🟪 CCCS Programs by College — Explore Colleges & Programs

Not every college should be assumed to operate a current Registered Apprenticeship in every occupation.

Ask each college directly about current sponsors and employers.

🟪 Healthcare Apprenticeship

Colorado community colleges have helped develop Registered Apprenticeship pathways in healthcare.

Healthcare apprenticeship development has included occupations such as:

  • Medical assistant
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Sterile processing technician
  • Surgical technologist
  • Medical laboratory technician
  • Patient care technician
  • Nurse aide
  • Medical coder
  • Licensed practical nurse
  • Other healthcare occupations
  • 🟪 CCCS Healthcare Apprenticeship Resources — Explore Healthcare Apprenticeship

The original CO-HELPS grant ended in 2024, so do not assume every grant-funded pathway is currently recruiting.

Instead, use the resource to identify occupations and participating colleges, then verify current apprenticeship availability.

🟪 Information Technology & Cybersecurity Apprenticeship

Colorado community colleges have also developed Registered Apprenticeship pathways in IT and cybersecurity.

Colleges involved in apprenticeship expansion have included:

  • Arapahoe Community College
  • Community College of Denver
  • Front Range Community College
  • Pueblo Community College
  • 🟪 Colorado Community College System Apprenticeships — Explore Current Apprenticeship Resources

Recommended searches:

  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Help-desk technician
  • Network technician
  • Software apprentice
  • Computer-support specialist

🟪 Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College has substantial experience providing education for healthcare apprenticeship.

Ask about current apprenticeship pathways in:

  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Other employer-connected occupations

🟪 College Credit for Apprenticeship

Colorado is developing stronger connections between apprenticeship and college credit.

Depending on the program, apprentices may be able to receive college credit for:

  • Related Instruction
  • On-the-Job Learning
  • Prior occupational learning
  • Industry credentials

Ask:

  • Does my apprenticeship earn college credit?
  • Can apprenticeship learning count toward an associate degree?
  • Is Credit for Prior Learning available?
  • Can apprenticeship credentials reduce the number of courses I need?
  • Can I continue toward a higher credential after apprenticeship?

Questions to Ask a Colorado College

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors do you currently work with?
  • Which employers are hiring apprentices?
  • Which occupations are supported?
  • Does the college provide Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
  • Does the college sponsor any Registered Apprenticeships?
  • Is pre-apprenticeship available?
  • Are paid Work-Based Learning opportunities available?
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=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 1D ===

🟨 Colorado Youth Apprenticeship

Colorado has developed strong connections among high schools, Career and Technical Education, community colleges, employers, and apprenticeship.

Young people may be able to begin apprenticeship preparation—or in some programs apprenticeship itself—before completing high school.

Start with:

🟨 High School to Apprenticeship

Colorado is working to align high-school CTE with Registered Apprenticeship.

Depending on the program, students may be able to combine:

  • Career and Technical Education
  • Concurrent enrollment
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Paid employment
  • Apprenticeship
  • College credit

Some apprenticeship pathways can begin during the junior or senior year of high school.

Ask your school:

  • Which apprenticeship employers participate?
  • Is the opportunity paid?
  • Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Can CTE coursework count toward apprenticeship?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Which community college participates?
  • What happens after graduation?

🟨 Colorado Career & Technical Education

Colorado CTE helps middle- and high-school students explore careers and develop workplace skills.

CTE pathways can provide:

  • Hands-on career education
  • Career exploration
  • Work experience
  • Employer connections
  • College credit
  • Apprenticeship preparation

Many programs can include paid employment, apprenticeship, or other Work-Based Learning opportunities.

🟨 CareerWise Colorado

CareerWise Colorado has been an important youth-apprenticeship intermediary and employer-connection resource in Colorado.

Career seekers should investigate current CareerWise pathways together with Apprenticeship Colorado and local education partners.

Ask:

  • Which employers are currently hiring youth apprentices?
  • Which occupations are available?
  • Is the program a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • How many hours will I work?
  • How is school coordinated with employment?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • What credential will I earn?

🟨 For Parents & Counselors

Parents and counselors can help students distinguish among:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • CTE
  • Concurrent enrollment
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Community-college technical education

Ask:

  • Is the student an employee?
  • Is the opportunity paid?
  • Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Which employer participates?
  • What occupational skills will the student learn?
  • What credential can the student earn?
  • Can the student earn college credit?
  • What happens after completion?

🟧 Colorado Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship prepares participants to enter and succeed in apprenticeship.

It is not Registered Apprenticeship.

A pre-apprenticeship may provide:

  • Career exploration
  • Occupational preparation
  • Hands-on technical training
  • Safety training
  • Workplace readiness
  • Industry credentials
  • Employer connections
  • Connections with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors

Pre-apprenticeship may be:

  • Paid
  • Stipend-supported
  • Unpaid

Before enrolling, ask:

  • Is the program free?
  • Is there a wage or stipend?
  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors participate?
  • What occupation does the program prepare me for?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Does completion provide advanced standing or preferred entry?
  • What paid opportunity can follow?

🟧 Evaluate Where Pre-Apprenticeship Leads

A strong pathway should provide a clear bridge:

  • Career preparation
  • Occupational skills
  • Employer or sponsor connections
  • Application assistance
  • Entry into paid apprenticeship or employment

Do not evaluate pre-apprenticeship only by the training it provides.

Evaluate where participants go next.

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=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 2A ===

👷 Colorado Apprenticeship Sponsors & Industry Programs

Finding a Registered Apprenticeship is not only about finding a current job posting.

A sponsor may operate an established apprenticeship even when it is not currently recruiting.

Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can include:

  • Individual employers
  • Groups of employers
  • Unions
  • Joint labor-management organizations
  • Industry associations
  • Community colleges
  • Public agencies
  • Apprenticeship intermediaries
  • Other approved organizations

Use:

When you identify a sponsor, ask:

  • Which occupations do you train?
  • When do applications open?
  • How often do you recruit?
  • What geographic area do you serve?
  • What are the entry requirements?
  • Is testing required?
  • Where is Related Instruction provided?
  • What is the starting wage?
  • How does wage progression work?

👷 Construction & Skilled-Trades Apprenticeship

Construction remains one of Colorado's major Registered Apprenticeship sectors.

Search:

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • Pipefitter apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Sheet-metal apprentice
  • Ironworker apprentice
  • Operating engineer apprentice
  • Construction craft laborer
  • Cement mason apprentice

Use:

👷 Union & Joint Apprenticeship Programs

Union and joint labor-management programs are an important route into Colorado construction careers.

Search for apprenticeship in:

  • Electrical
  • Plumbing and pipe trades
  • Sheet metal
  • Carpentry
  • Operating engineering
  • Ironwork
  • Laborers
  • Other building trades

Before applying, confirm:

  • Registered Apprenticeship status
  • Application period
  • Geographic jurisdiction
  • Starting wage
  • Wage progression
  • Related Instruction
  • Training location
  • Testing requirements
  • Fees

🏭 Advanced Manufacturing

Colorado apprenticeship also includes manufacturing and industrial occupations.

Recommended searches:

  • Manufacturing technician apprentice
  • Industrial maintenance apprentice
  • Mechatronics apprentice
  • CNC machinist apprentice
  • Automation technician
  • Robotics technician
  • Electronics technician
  • Maintenance mechanic apprentice

Search apprenticeship resources together with direct employer career sites.

💻 Information Technology & Cybersecurity

Colorado has been a national leader in expanding apprenticeship into technology occupations.

Recommended searches:

  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Software developer apprentice
  • Help-desk technician
  • Network technician
  • Data analyst apprentice
  • Computer-support specialist
  • Cloud technician

Use:

  • Apprenticeship Colorado
  • Apprenticeship.gov
  • Apprenticeship.com
  • Connecting Colorado
  • Community-college resources
  • Employer career sites

🏥 Healthcare

Colorado healthcare apprenticeship can provide pathways into occupations such as:

  • Medical assistant
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Sterile processing technician
  • Surgical technologist
  • Medical laboratory technician
  • Patient care technician
  • Nurse aide
  • Medical coder
  • Licensed practical nurse
  • Other healthcare occupations

Ask:

  • Is the program currently a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Which employer provides the paid job?
  • Who is the sponsor?
  • Which college provides instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship earn college credit?

👩‍🏫 Education

Colorado apprenticeship is expanding into education occupations.

Search:

  • Teacher apprentice
  • Paraeducator apprentice
  • Early-childhood educator apprentice
  • Child-development apprentice
  • Education apprentice

Check:

  • School districts
  • Community colleges
  • Apprenticeship Colorado
  • Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
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=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 2B ===

🚚 Transportation & Automotive

Colorado's transportation economy creates apprenticeship and paid-training pathways in:

  • Automotive repair
  • Diesel technology
  • Fleet maintenance
  • Transit
  • Trucking
  • Heavy equipment
  • Logistics
  • Aviation

Recommended searches:

  • Automotive technician apprentice
  • Diesel technician apprentice
  • Fleet mechanic apprentice
  • Transit mechanic apprentice
  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Transportation technician
  • Aviation maintenance apprentice
  • Driver trainee

Use:

✈️ Aerospace & Aviation

Colorado's aerospace and aviation sector creates technical career opportunities along the Front Range and elsewhere in the state.

Search:

  • Aerospace technician
  • Aircraft mechanic
  • Aviation maintenance technician
  • Electronics technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Engineering technician
  • Avionics technician

An employer-paid aviation or aerospace training program is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Verify the specific program.

⚡ Energy & Utilities

Colorado's energy and utility sectors create career pathways in:

  • Electrical
  • Linework
  • Power generation
  • Renewable energy
  • Utility maintenance
  • Instrumentation
  • Building electrification

Recommended searches:

  • Lineworker apprentice
  • Utility apprentice
  • Electrical technician
  • Substation technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Plant operator trainee
  • Solar technician
  • Wind technician
  • Maintenance technician

Some utility programs may be Registered Apprenticeships.

Others may be employer-designed apprenticeships or trainee programs.

🚰 Water & Wastewater

Colorado communities need trained water and wastewater workers.

Search:

  • Water treatment operator trainee
  • Wastewater treatment operator trainee
  • Water distribution operator
  • Utility technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Electrical technician
  • Maintenance technician

Check:

  • Cities
  • Towns
  • Water districts
  • Sanitation districts
  • Public utilities
  • Public works departments

Ask:

  • Is the position paid?
  • Is training provided?
  • Does the employer pay for certification?
  • Is there a structured wage progression?
  • Is the position part of a Registered Apprenticeship?

🏛️ Colorado Government & Public-Sector Careers

Government and public employers can provide Registered Apprenticeship, trainee positions, technical careers, and other paid career-development opportunities.

Search:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Operator
  • Maintenance
  • Equipment operator
  • Public works
  • Transportation
  • IT
  • Utilities
  • Water/wastewater

A public-sector trainee position is not automatically a Registered Apprenticeship.

🏛️ State of Colorado Careers

Search career areas such as:

  • Transportation
  • Information technology
  • Skilled maintenance
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare
  • Natural resources
  • Facilities
  • Equipment operation

🚧 Colorado Department of Transportation

Recommended searches:

  • Transportation maintenance
  • Equipment operator
  • Engineering technician
  • Mechanic
  • Electrical
  • Maintenance
  • Trainee

🏙️ Local Government

Colorado's cities, counties, special districts, and public agencies employ large technical workforces.

Search:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Maintenance
  • Utility
  • Water
  • Wastewater
  • Fleet
  • Facilities
  • IT
  • Public works

Public employers may provide excellent paid career pathways even when they are not Registered Apprenticeships.

=== END COLORADO — PART 2B ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 2C ===

🟥 Veterans & Transitioning Service Members

Veterans and transitioning service members can combine Colorado workforce resources with military apprenticeship, SkillBridge, GI Bill, and industry-specific transition programs.

🟥 Colorado Workforce Services for Veterans

Colorado Workforce Centers provide employment and training assistance for veterans and eligible spouses.

Veterans should ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Employer connections
  • Priority workforce services
  • Career counseling
  • Job-search assistance

🟥 DoD SkillBridge

Eligible transitioning service members can participate in approved civilian employment and training experiences.

Colorado career areas to investigate include:

  • Aerospace
  • Aviation
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Skilled trades
  • Information technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Transportation
  • Logistics
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities

🟥 USMAP Military Apprenticeship

  • 🟥 United Services Military Apprenticeship Program — USMAP — Explore USMAP

USMAP allows eligible service members to complete apprenticeship requirements while performing qualifying military occupational work.

USMAP and SkillBridge serve different purposes:

  • USMAP — apprenticeship while performing qualifying military work.
  • SkillBridge — approved civilian career experience during military transition.

🟥 GI Bill Benefits for Apprenticeship & OJT

Eligible veterans and other beneficiaries may be able to use GI Bill benefits while completing an approved apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training program.

Ask:

  • Is this program approved for VA education benefits?
  • Can military experience receive credit?
  • Can previous training provide advanced standing?
  • What benefits may be available while I earn apprenticeship wages?

🟥 Helmets to Hardhats

Veterans and transitioning service members interested in construction should investigate Helmets to Hardhats.

🟥 People With Disabilities

The Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation helps eligible people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, advance in, and maintain employment.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Occupational training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Career counseling
  • Postsecondary education
  • Employer connections
  • Assistive technology
  • Workplace accommodations
  • Job placement

🟥 Students & Youth With Disabilities

Students and families should ask about:

  • Pre-employment transition services
  • Career exploration
  • Work-Based Learning
  • Occupational training
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Apprenticeship
  • Postsecondary education
  • Paid employment

Ask whether apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship can be incorporated into the student's employment plan.

🟥 Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Careers

Women interested in occupations where women have historically been underrepresented should investigate:

  • Construction
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC
  • Welding
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Automotive
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Aerospace
  • Information technology

Resources:

Colorado may also have locally funded women-in-trades and pre-apprenticeship programs.

Verify current recruiting and funding directly.

=== END COLORADO — PART 2C ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 2D ===

🟥 Reentry & Justice-Impacted Career Seekers

A previous conviction does not automatically make every apprenticeship or skilled occupation unavailable.

Requirements vary by:

  • Employer
  • Occupation
  • Licensing requirements
  • Worksite
  • Apprenticeship sponsor

Start with:

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • WIOA
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Employer connections
  • Supportive services

If an occupation requires a professional license, check the licensing requirements separately.

🟥 Opportunity Youth

Young adults who are not currently connected to school or employment should investigate:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • WIOA youth programs
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Community-college education
  • Employer-paid training

Start with:

🟥 Career Changers & Dislocated Workers

Apprenticeship is not only for people entering the workforce for the first time.

Adults changing careers or workers affected by layoffs should investigate:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • WIOA-funded training
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Community-college career education
  • Employer-paid training

Resources:

🟥 Rural & Mountain Communities

Colorado career seekers outside the Front Range may need to search across a wider geographic area.

Use:

  • Apprenticeship Colorado
  • Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
  • Apprenticeship.com
  • Connecting Colorado
  • Colorado Workforce Centers
  • Community colleges
  • Local governments
  • Utilities
  • Healthcare systems
  • Regional employers

Ask:

  • Where does the paid employment occur?
  • Where is Related Instruction provided?
  • Can instruction be completed online?
  • Is travel required?
  • Does the sponsor serve multiple counties?
  • Are transportation or other supportive services available?

How Specialized Resources Fit Into Your Search

Specialized programs should supplement—not replace—the main apprenticeship search.

Use both:

Main search resources

  • Apprenticeship Colorado
  • Apprenticeship.com
  • Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
  • Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
  • Connecting Colorado
  • Apprenticeship sponsors
  • Employer career sites

Specialized resources

  • Veterans services
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Youth workforce programs
  • Reentry resources
  • WIOA
  • Other population-specific assistance

A specialized program may help with preparation, training costs, supportive services, or employer connections.

The paid apprenticeship job still comes from the employer or apprenticeship sponsor.

=== END COLORADO — PART 2D ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 3A ===

📍 Colorado Regional & Local Resources

Colorado's apprenticeship opportunities and major industries vary by region.

Use statewide apprenticeship resources together with local workforce centers, community colleges, public employers, utilities, apprenticeship sponsors, unions, and employer career sites.

Each regional section includes:

  • Priority industries
  • Recommended occupations to search
  • Direct local resources

The occupation lists are search recommendations, not claims that a current apprenticeship opening exists.

📍 Denver & Central Metro

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Information technology
  • Financial services
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Government
  • Education

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Transit mechanic
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Teacher apprentice

Direct Local Resources

Search healthcare systems, construction sponsors, technology employers, manufacturers, utilities, transit agencies, and government employers directly.

📍 Aurora

Priority Industries

  • Healthcare
  • Aerospace
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Information technology
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Public sector

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Aerospace technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Electrician apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Automotive technician
  • Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

📍 Boulder & Broomfield

Priority Industries

  • Technology
  • Aerospace
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Renewable energy
  • Utilities
  • Scientific and technical services

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Software apprentice
  • Aerospace technician
  • Electronics technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Mechatronics technician
  • Electrician apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Solar technician
  • Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

📍 Northern Colorado — Fort Collins, Loveland & Greeley

Priority Industries

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Agriculture and food production
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Technology

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Manufacturing technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Mechatronics technician
  • CNC machinist
  • Electrician apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Agricultural equipment technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • IT technician

Direct Local Resources

=== END COLORADO — PART 3A ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 3B ===

📍 Colorado Springs & Pikes Peak Region

Priority Industries

  • Defense
  • Aerospace
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information technology
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Transportation
  • Utilities

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • IT apprentice
  • Aerospace technician
  • Electronics technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Electrician apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Automotive technician
  • Utility technician

Direct Local Resources

The region's military presence also makes SkillBridge and veteran apprenticeship resources particularly important.

📍 Pueblo & Southern Colorado

Priority Industries

  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Steel and industrial production
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Renewable energy
  • Public sector

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Electrician apprentice
  • Welder
  • Machinist
  • Mechatronics technician
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Diesel technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Solar technician

Direct Local Resources

📍 Grand Junction & Western Slope

Priority Industries

  • Healthcare
  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Utilities
  • Public sector

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant apprentice
  • Electrician apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Agricultural equipment technician

Direct Local Resources

📍 Eastern Plains

Priority Industries

  • Agriculture
  • Food production
  • Transportation
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Public sector

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Agricultural equipment technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Electrician apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Utility technician
  • Lineworker
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Transportation technician

Direct Local Resources

=== END COLORADO — PART 3B ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 3C ===

📍 Mountain Communities & Resort Regions

Colorado's mountain communities have workforce needs that differ from the Front Range.

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Skilled trades
  • Hospitality
  • Healthcare
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Building operations
  • Public-sector employment
  • Outdoor and recreation services

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Building maintenance technician
  • Facilities technician
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Medical assistant
  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Hospitality trainee

Direct Resources

Search:

  • Resort employers
  • Healthcare systems
  • Contractors
  • Utilities
  • Municipal governments
  • Special districts
  • Transportation employers

Housing can be a significant issue in mountain communities.

Before accepting an apprenticeship or trainee position, ask:

  • Is employee housing available?
  • Is housing assistance available?
  • Where is Related Instruction provided?
  • Is travel required for classroom training?
  • What is the work schedule?
  • Is transportation provided between worksites?

📍 Southwest Colorado

Priority Industries

  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Utilities
  • Transportation
  • Public-sector employment
  • Skilled trades
  • Energy

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Electrician apprentice
  • Carpenter apprentice
  • Plumber apprentice
  • HVAC apprentice
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Maintenance technician
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Diesel technician
  • Equipment operator
  • Hospitality trainee

Direct Resources

Search regional healthcare systems, utilities, local governments, contractors, transportation employers, and hospitality employers directly.

📍 Northwest Colorado

Priority Industries

  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Heavy equipment
  • Transportation
  • Healthcare
  • Utilities
  • Public sector
  • Industrial maintenance

Recommended Occupations to Search

  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Electrician apprentice
  • Welder
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Healthcare apprentice
  • Utility technician
  • Water/wastewater operator
  • Equipment operator

Direct Resources

📍 Rural Colorado

Do not assume apprenticeship exists only along the Front Range.

If you live in a smaller community:

  • 🟦 Search Apprenticeship Colorado.
  • 🟦 Search Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder.
  • ⬛ Search Apprenticeship.com.
  • ⬛ Search Connecting Colorado.
  • ⬛ Contact the nearest Colorado Workforce Center.
  • 🟪 Contact the nearest community or technical college.
  • 👷 Search union and industry apprenticeship sponsors.
  • 🏛️ Search county and municipal government.
  • 🚰 Search water and wastewater districts.
  • ⚡ Search utilities and electric cooperatives.
  • 🏥 Search hospitals and healthcare systems.
  • 🌾 Search agriculture and food-production employers.
  • 🏭 Search manufacturers.
  • 🚚 Search transportation employers.

Expand into neighboring counties when commuting is realistic.

Ask whether:

  • Related Instruction is available online.
  • Training requires travel.
  • The sponsor serves multiple counties.
  • Transportation assistance is available.
  • Temporary housing is needed.
  • Supportive services can help with training costs.

Colorado Regional Search Checklist

For the region where you want to work, check:

  • 🟦 Apprenticeship Colorado
  • ⬛ Apprenticeship.com
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship.gov Partner Finder
  • ⬛ Connecting Colorado
  • ⬛ Colorado Workforce Centers
  • 🟪 Community college
  • 🟨 Youth apprenticeship and CTE
  • 🟧 Pre-apprenticeship
  • 👷 Union and apprenticeship sponsors
  • 🏛️ State and local government
  • 🚰 Water/wastewater systems
  • ⚡ Utilities
  • 🏥 Healthcare employers
  • 🏭 Manufacturers
  • 💻 Technology employers
  • ✈️ Aerospace and aviation employers
  • 🌾 Agriculture and food-production employers
  • 🚚 Transportation employers
  • 🏢 Employer career sites

How to Search an Occupation Locally

Take an occupation from the regional lists and search several variations.

For example:

  • Industrial maintenance apprentice
  • Industrial maintenance trainee
  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Industrial maintenance paid training

Then add:

  • Your city
  • Your county
  • Your region
  • Colorado

The same career pathway may appear under several different job titles.

=== END COLORADO — PART 3C ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 4A ===

🟩 Beyond Registered Apprenticeship

Registered Apprenticeship should be one of the first places you look for paid career training.

But it is not the only way to earn while learning.

If a Registered Apprenticeship is not available in the occupation or community you want, investigate:

  • Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op / Cooperative Education
  • Employer-paid technical training
  • Technician trainee programs
  • Operator trainee programs
  • Maintenance trainee programs
  • Employer academies
  • Career-development programs

These can be excellent career pathways.

They simply should not be assumed to provide the same structure or credential as Registered Apprenticeship.

🟩 Employer / Unregistered Apprenticeship

Some Colorado employers may offer paid programs they describe as apprenticeships even when the program is not a Registered Apprenticeship.

An employer apprenticeship may provide:

  • Paid employment
  • Structured workplace training
  • Mentoring
  • Technical instruction
  • Wage increases
  • Industry credentials
  • College credit
  • Advancement into skilled employment

These features vary.

Before accepting an employer apprenticeship, ask:

  • Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • If so, who registers the program?
  • How is training structured?
  • Who provides mentoring?
  • What is the starting wage?
  • How does pay progress?
  • Is technical instruction included?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • What position does successful completion lead to?

Unregistered does not automatically mean low quality.

It means you should evaluate the program based on what it actually provides.

🟩 Colorado On-the-Job Training

On-the-Job Training — OJT — can provide another route into paid employment.

Start with:

In a workforce OJT arrangement, an employer hires and trains a worker while the workforce system may help support eligible training costs.

The participant earns wages while learning the job.

OJT is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

Ask:

  • Is there a Registered Apprenticeship in this occupation?
  • If not, is OJT available?
  • Which employers participate?
  • Am I eligible?
  • What job does the training lead to?

🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning

Paid Work-Based Learning can provide career experience even when a full apprenticeship is not available.

Depending on the program, Work-Based Learning may involve:

  • Paid workplace experience
  • Employer-connected education
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Community-college programs
  • Youth workforce programs
  • Occupational training

Ask:

  • Is this paid?
  • Will I be an employee?
  • What occupational skills will I learn?
  • How long does the experience last?
  • Can I earn an industry credential?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Can it lead to permanent employment?
  • Can it lead to Registered Apprenticeship?

🟩 Co-op / Cooperative Education

Colorado colleges and employers may offer cooperative education or other structured employment connected with education.

Ask:

  • Which employers participate?
  • Are the positions paid?
  • Which academic programs participate?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Can co-op lead to permanent employment?
  • Does the employer also operate a Registered Apprenticeship?

Co-op is not automatically Registered Apprenticeship.

🟩 Employer-Paid Training & Trainee Programs

Do not search only for apprentice.

Colorado employers may recruit using titles such as:

  • Manufacturing technician trainee
  • Maintenance trainee
  • Operator trainee
  • Process technician
  • Engineering technician trainee
  • Automotive technician trainee
  • Diesel technician trainee
  • Utility trainee
  • Healthcare trainee
  • IT trainee
  • Development program
  • Academy

Search through:

How to Compare Paid Training Opportunities

For any opportunity, determine:

  • Is it paid?
  • Will I be an employee?
  • Is training structured?
  • Will I have an experienced mentor?
  • Does pay increase as my skills develop?
  • Is technical instruction included?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Will I earn an industry credential?
  • Is there a permanent-employment pathway?
  • Is it a Registered Apprenticeship?

A strong employer-paid training program can be an excellent career pathway even when it is not Registered Apprenticeship.

The important thing is knowing what the program actually provides.

=== END COLORADO — PART 4A ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 4B ===

💰 Free & Funded Career Training

If you cannot find the apprenticeship you want immediately, do not assume your only alternative is paying substantial tuition for training.

Colorado workforce and education programs may help eligible career seekers obtain occupational training or prepare for paid employment.

Training is not automatically apprenticeship.

The goal is to determine whether training can help you move toward:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Paid employment
  • A skilled occupation
  • An industry credential
  • Career advancement

💰 Colorado Workforce Center Training Assistance

Start with your local Colorado Workforce Center.

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • WIOA-funded training
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Occupational training
  • Supportive services
  • Employer-connected training

Eligibility and available funding vary.

💰 WIOA Training Assistance

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — WIOA — can help eligible career seekers obtain employment and training services.

Ask:

  • Am I eligible for WIOA assistance?
  • Can WIOA support this training?
  • Is there a Registered Apprenticeship in this occupation?
  • Can apprenticeship-related training costs be supported?
  • Is On-the-Job Training available?
  • Are supportive services available?
  • Is the training provider eligible for workforce funding?

Investigate assistance before assuming you must pay the full cost yourself.

💰 Colorado Community College Training

Colorado community colleges provide career and technical education connected with regional employers.

Ask your local college about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Related Instruction
  • Employer-paid education
  • Financial aid
  • Workforce funding
  • Short-term credentials
  • Technical certificates
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op
  • Employer partnerships

Some programs may be supported by temporary state or federal grants.

Verify current funding rather than assuming an earlier grant is still available.

💰 Employer-Paid Education

Colorado employers may pay some or all of the education connected with:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Technical training
  • Industry certification
  • College coursework
  • Tuition assistance
  • Career-development programs

Ask:

  • Do you pay for Related Instruction?
  • Is tuition reimbursed?
  • Are books included?
  • Are tools included?
  • Are certification or licensing fees covered?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Is there an employment commitment after employer-funded training?

🟧 Before Paying for Pre-Apprenticeship

Before paying tuition for pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship-readiness training, ask:

  • Is the program free?
  • Is grant funding available?
  • Is there a wage or stipend?
  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors recognize the program?
  • Which employers recruit participants?
  • What credential will I earn?
  • Does completion provide preferred consideration or advanced standing?
  • What paid opportunity follows?

Be cautious about paying substantial tuition solely for the possibility of later applying to an apprenticeship.

🟩 Supportive Services

Eligible workforce-program participants may be able to receive assistance addressing barriers to employment or training.

Depending on the program and available funding, assistance may include:

  • Transportation
  • Child care
  • Tools
  • Work clothing
  • Testing fees
  • Training expenses
  • Other employment-related needs

Ask your local Colorado Workforce Center what assistance is currently available.

💰 Compare Training Before You Pay

Before paying for career training, compare:

Registered Apprenticeship — paid employment plus structured training.

Employer-Paid Training — the employer pays you and provides or pays for training.

Workforce-Funded Training — a workforce program may pay qualifying training costs.

Community College Training — financial aid, grants, employer assistance, or workforce funding may reduce your cost.

Self-Paid Training — you pay the cost yourself.

Self-paid training may be appropriate in some situations, but investigate the other options first.

=== END COLORADO — PART 4B ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 4C ===

Your Colorado Apprenticeship Search Plan

You do not need to search every resource at once.

Use this sequence to build a focused apprenticeship search.

Step 1 — Choose the Career First

Start with two or three occupations you actually want to investigate.

Ask:

  • What kind of work interests me?
  • Which occupations are strong in my region?
  • Do I prefer hands-on, technical, healthcare, technology, education, transportation, or another type of work?
  • How far am I willing to commute?
  • What education or credentials do I already have?

Then search apprenticeship pathways into those occupations.

Step 2 — Start With Apprenticeship Colorado

Use Colorado's official apprenticeship resources to understand the state's system and identify Registered Apprenticeship pathways.

Step 3 — Search Apprenticeship.com

Search by:

  • Occupation
  • Industry
  • Colorado
  • City or region

Use Apprenticeship.com alongside official state and federal resources.

Step 4 — Search Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder

Look for current apprentice openings.

If nothing appears, continue searching.

Step 5 — Find Sponsors

A sponsor may operate an established apprenticeship even when there is no current vacancy.

Research:

  • Sponsor website
  • Occupations
  • Application periods
  • Entry requirements
  • Geographic area
  • Recruiting schedule
  • Training location

Step 6 — Search Connecting Colorado

Do not search only apprentice.

Also try:

  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Maintenance trainee
  • Operator trainee
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Healthcare trainee
  • IT trainee
  • Paid training
  • Development program

Step 7 — Contact a Colorado Workforce Center

Ask about:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Current apprentice recruiting
  • WIOA
  • On-the-Job Training
  • Occupational training
  • Youth programs
  • Employer recruiting
  • Supportive services

Step 8 — Contact a Community College

Ask:

  • Which Registered Apprenticeship sponsors work with this college?
  • Which employers are hiring apprentices?
  • Does the college provide Related Instruction?
  • Can apprenticeship earn college credit?
  • Does the college sponsor apprenticeships?
  • Is pre-apprenticeship available?
  • Are paid Work-Based Learning opportunities available?
  • Is workforce funding available?

Step 9 — Search Employers Directly

Search employer career sites for:

  • Apprentice
  • Trainee
  • Technician
  • Maintenance
  • Operator
  • Academy
  • Development program
  • Paid training

Important Colorado industries include:

  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Information technology
  • Cybersecurity
  • Aerospace
  • Transportation
  • Energy
  • Utilities
  • Education
  • Government

Step 10 — Search Public Employers

Include:

  • State of Colorado
  • Counties
  • Cities
  • CDOT
  • Transit agencies
  • Utilities
  • Water/wastewater districts
  • Public works
  • School districts
  • Public colleges

Search both:

apprentice and trainee

Step 11 — If Nothing Is Open

Do not stop at the first unsuccessful search.

Identify the sponsor and find out when applications reopen.

Meanwhile, investigate:

  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • OJT
  • Paid Work-Based Learning
  • Co-op
  • Employer-paid training
  • Community-college technical education

Then continue checking the apprenticeship programs you want.

Questions to Ask Before Accepting an Apprenticeship

Ask:

  • Is this a Registered Apprenticeship?
  • Who is the sponsor?
  • What occupation am I being trained for?
  • What is the starting wage?
  • How does wage progression work?
  • How is On-the-Job Learning structured?
  • Who will mentor me?
  • Who provides Related Instruction?
  • Who pays for the instruction?
  • How long does the program take?
  • Can I earn college credit?
  • Do I have to purchase tools?
  • Are there fees?
  • What employee benefits are included?
  • What credential will I receive?
  • What happens after completion?

A strong program should be able to explain the pathway clearly.

=== END COLORADO — PART 4C ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 4D ===

Related Apprenticeship Resource Guides

Use the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides for additional help understanding, finding, comparing, and preparing for apprenticeship and other earn-and-learn pathways.

  • 🟦 Complete Guide to Apprenticeships
  • 🟦 How to Find an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 How to Prepare for an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 How to Compare Apprenticeship Programs
  • 🟦 How to Evaluate an Apprenticeship
  • 🟦 Apprenticeship Pay & Progressive Wages
  • 🟪 College & Degree Apprenticeships
  • 🟪 College and Apprenticeship — How You Can Do Both
  • 🟨 Youth Apprenticeship Guide
  • 🟧 Pre-Apprenticeship Guide
  • 🟩 Paid Work-Based Learning Guide
  • 🟩 On-the-Job Training Guide
  • 🟩 Co-op / Cooperative Education Guide
  • 🟩 Employer Apprenticeships & Paid Training Programs
  • 🟥 Military & Veteran Apprenticeship Guide
  • 🟥 Apprenticeships for People With Disabilities
  • 🟥 Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Careers
  • 🟥 Apprenticeship & Reentry
  • 🟥 Apprenticeships for Career Changers
  • ⬛ Parents' Guide to Apprenticeship
  • ⬛ School Counselor's Guide to Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary

For definitions of apprenticeship and workforce terminology, see the Apprenticeship & Earn-and-Learn Glossary on the Apprenticeship.com Resource Guides page.

The glossary explains terms such as:

  • Registered Apprenticeship
  • Employer / unregistered apprenticeship
  • Apprenticeship sponsor
  • Related Instruction / RTI
  • On-the-Job Learning
  • On-the-Job Training / OJT
  • Work-Based Learning / WBL
  • Pre-apprenticeship
  • Youth apprenticeship
  • Co-op
  • Progressive wages
  • WIOA
  • American Job Center

Colorado Career Areas to Explore

Use Colorado-specific resources together with the Apprenticeship.com career guides.

👷 Construction & Skilled Trades

Search:

  • Electrician
  • Carpenter
  • Plumber
  • Pipefitter
  • HVAC technician
  • Sheet-metal worker
  • Operating engineer
  • Ironworker

🏭 Advanced Manufacturing

Search:

  • Industrial maintenance technician
  • Manufacturing technician
  • Mechatronics technician
  • CNC machinist
  • Automation technician
  • Robotics technician
  • Electronics technician

🏥 Healthcare

Search:

  • Medical assistant
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Sterile processing technician
  • Surgical technologist
  • Patient care technician
  • Nurse aide
  • Healthcare apprentice

💻 Information Technology & Cybersecurity

Search:

  • IT apprentice
  • Cybersecurity apprentice
  • Software developer apprentice
  • Network technician
  • Data analyst apprentice
  • Computer-support specialist

✈️ Aerospace & Aviation

Search:

  • Aircraft mechanic
  • Aviation maintenance technician
  • Aerospace technician
  • Avionics technician
  • Electronics technician
  • Manufacturing technician

🚚 Transportation

Search:

  • Automotive technician
  • Diesel technician
  • Transit mechanic
  • Fleet mechanic
  • Heavy-equipment technician
  • Transportation technician

⚡ Energy & Utilities

Search:

  • Lineworker
  • Utility technician
  • Electrical technician
  • Substation technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Wind technician
  • Solar technician

🚰 Water & Wastewater

Search:

  • Water treatment operator trainee
  • Wastewater treatment operator trainee
  • Water distribution operator
  • Utility technician
  • Instrumentation technician
  • Maintenance technician

👩‍🏫 Education

Search:

  • Teacher apprentice
  • Paraeducator apprentice
  • Early-childhood educator apprentice
  • Child-development apprentice

Employers Interested in Registered Apprenticeship

This guide is primarily for career seekers, but Colorado employers can use Registered Apprenticeship to develop skilled workers.

Resources:

Employers can investigate assistance with:

  • Identifying apprenticeable occupations
  • Developing apprenticeship standards
  • Structuring On-the-Job Learning
  • Developing Related Instruction
  • Finding education partners
  • Registering a program
  • Recruiting apprentices
  • Expanding an existing program

Funding and incentives change, so verify current availability and eligibility.

=== END COLORADO — PART 4D ===
=== BEGIN COLORADO — PART 4E ===

Start Your Colorado Apprenticeship Search

You do not need to know the name of every apprenticeship program in Colorado.

You need to know:

  • What career you want to investigate
  • Where to search
  • Which sponsors operate programs
  • Which employers participate
  • Which colleges and training providers are involved
  • Which local resources can help
  • What questions to ask

Start with Colorado's official Registered Apprenticeship resources.

Then use:

If the apprenticeship you want is not recruiting today, identify the sponsor and find out when it recruits next.

If Registered Apprenticeship is not available in the career or community you want, investigate other paid earn-and-learn pathways without confusing them with Registered Apprenticeship.

The goal is not simply to find training.

The goal is to find a pathway toward:

  • A paycheck
  • Marketable skills
  • Real work experience
  • Credentials
  • Career advancement

Important Information & Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general educational, career-exploration, and informational purposes.

Apprenticeship programs, employers, sponsors, application periods, eligibility requirements, wages, benefits, training requirements, college-credit arrangements, funding, and other program details can change.

Always confirm current information directly with the apprenticeship sponsor, employer, college, training provider, workforce agency, government agency, or other organization responsible for the program before applying, enrolling, paying fees, purchasing tools, changing employment, relocating, or making financial or career decisions.

Registered Apprenticeship Status

The word apprenticeship does not necessarily mean that a program is a Registered Apprenticeship.

Unless a program is specifically identified as a Registered Apprenticeship through an authoritative state or federal source, verify its registration status with the appropriate apprenticeship authority.

An employer or unregistered apprenticeship may still provide valuable paid training, but its structure, mentoring, wage progression, instruction, credentials, and other features may differ from Registered Apprenticeship.

Program Availability

A program or organization appearing in this guide does not mean that it is currently accepting applications or hiring apprentices.

Recruiting periods and available positions change.

Being listed does not guarantee:

  • Current availability
  • Eligibility
  • Admission
  • Selection
  • Employment
  • Funding
  • College credit
  • Successful completion

Contact the program, sponsor, employer, or education provider for current requirements.

Pre-Apprenticeship

Pre-apprenticeship is not the same as Registered Apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship may be:

  • Paid
  • Stipend-supported
  • Unpaid

Before enrolling, confirm:

  • Program cost
  • Wages or stipends
  • Credentials earned
  • Employer participation
  • Connections with Registered Apprenticeship
  • Whether completion provides advanced standing or preferred entry
  • What paid opportunity may follow

Be cautious about paying substantial tuition solely for the opportunity to later apply for an apprenticeship.

External Links

This guide includes links to government agencies, colleges, training organizations, employers, apprenticeship sponsors, workforce organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other third-party resources.

Links are provided for informational and research purposes.

Apprenticeship.com does not control third-party websites and is not responsible for their content, accuracy, availability, security, privacy practices, application processes, program changes, or services.

A link or listing does not necessarily constitute an endorsement, recommendation, partnership, sponsorship, or guarantee by Apprenticeship.com.

External websites may change or remove pages without notice.

If you find a broken or outdated link, please report it so the resource can be reviewed.

No Legal, Financial, or Professional Advice

Nothing in this guide constitutes legal, financial, tax, educational, licensing, employment, or other professional advice.

Laws, licensing requirements, employment requirements, apprenticeship standards, and individual circumstances vary.

For advice concerning your specific circumstances, consult the appropriate qualified professional, government agency, apprenticeship sponsor, employer, college, licensing authority, or workforce organization.

Verify Before You Decide

Before making an important career, education, employment, or financial decision:

  • Verify the information with the organization responsible for the program.
  • Confirm that applications are currently being accepted.
  • Confirm wages, benefits, costs, and training requirements.
  • Confirm whether the apprenticeship is registered.
  • Confirm any college-credit or credential claims.
  • Confirm eligibility for grants, scholarships, workforce funding, or veterans benefits.

Programs, links, funding, and other information can change after the verification date.

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