Expanding Access, Elevating Opportunity to Apprenticeships

The April installment of our Professional Learning Series, “Apprenticeships for All” brought together leaders from across Colorado’s education and workforce landscape to explore how apprenticeships can better support learners on their path to high-value careers.

A huge thanks to our panelists for sharing their work to expand high-quality apprenticeships and their insights on what it takes to ensure all learners can access and succeed in them:

And a very special thanks to Daesha Ottem for sharing her insights as an apprentice and now a project engineer at Greiner Electric!

Discussion Highlights

Apprenticeship as a Path to a Degree
Kevin Riebau shared the impact of HB25-1221, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis. The law will allow EGTC to award Associate of Applied Science degrees to registered apprentices. This advancement creates stronger connections between hands-on learning and long-term career advancement. With more than 11% annual growth in apprentice enrollment, Kevin noted that interest in apprenticeships is higher than ever. EGTC’s offerings include registered apprenticeships in carpentry, electrical work, and voice-data tech—with new programs underway for school food specialists, HVACR, water operations and other high-value careers.

Supports That Help Apprentices Succeed

Panelists emphasized that apprenticeships are most effective when learners are supported every step of the way. Supports that can support learners in completing include:

Flexible scheduling
Mentorship and coaching
Career navigation
Assistance with childcare, transportation, and housing

Challenges that Remain

Daesha emphasized the need for clearer up-front information about possible career pathways and available supports. She also shared her experiences revealing gaps in continuity across programs, highlighting the need for collaboration across education and industry to support the success of apprentices.

The Attainment Network’s Role
We continue to:

Partner with education and industry to expand access to high-quality apprenticeships
Offer technical assistance and guidance for establishing high-quality apprenticeship programs or pursuing continuous improvement of existing programs
Elevate strategies that center learner success

Resources

You can view the PowerPoint slides from the session here, and watch the full recording here.

Check out some great resources available to those looking to start or improve apprenticeship programs in Colorado:

🔹 State of Colorado Apprenticeship Resources
🔹 The Attainment Network – Apprenticeship Toolkit
🔹 Emily Griffith Technical College – Apprenticeship Programs

< Older Post

RECENT ARTICLES

The Attainment Network Team is Hitting the Road This Spring – Let’s Connect!

April 17, 2025

Spring is in full swing, and The Attainment Network team is excited to be out and about across Colorado this April and May! We’re looking forward to learning alongside educators, employers, and community partners as we strengthen connections across the education-to-workforce landscape. Here’s where you can find us: Friday, April 18 – Cybersecurity K12 Summit, Colorado Springs Michelle will be diving into conversations about preparing students for careers in cybersecurity and advanced technology fields. Wednesday, April 23 – 2025 Talent Summit and 2nd Annual NOCO Sector Academy, Loveland Libby, Michelle, Katherine, and Rana will be facilitating conversations with key sector partnerships. Tuesday, April 29 -- Jeffco Business and Education Summit Rana and Michelle are excited to help connect local industry and business members to Jeffco Career and Technical Education programs. Wednesday, April 30 – Emily Griffith Foundation’s Celebration of Women in Trades, Denver Michelle is excited to support EGF and honor the women making an impact in trades. Monday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 6 – National Student Readiness Network (NSRN) Convening, Atlanta Rana and Michelle will be attending and connecting with national partners focused on student success and postsecondary readiness. Wednesday, May 7 – Colorado Business Roundtable Future of Work Event, “Looking Around Corners,” Denver Rana will be joining conversations about workforce innovation and the evolving needs of Colorado’s economy. Wednesday, May 7 - San Luis Valley Entrepreneurship and Innovation Expo 2025, “The Future of Healthcare,” Alamosa Ashley will join conversations about youth workforce innovation projects and expanding the future of healthcare in the San Luis Valley. Thursday, May 8 – Career Cluster Modernization Convening, Colorado Springs Libby will participate in this gathering to help shape the future of career and technical education clusters in Colorado. Friday, May 16 – Southwest Opportunity Now Talent Summit, Durango Rana, Ashley, Libby, and Katherine will head to Durango to collaborate with rural partners advancing inclusive career pathways. Thursday, May 22 – Friday, May 23 – Bloomberg Convening on Career and Technical Education, New York Rana will attend this national convening to share Colorado’s efforts and learn from CTE leaders across the country. These events reflect the vibrant work happening across the education-to-workforce landscape, and we’re honored to be part of it. Are you planning to attend any of these events? We’d love to connect! Reach out or stop by and say hello!