Katherine Keegan & Denise Miller on Apprenticeships and the Future of Work
November 3, 2023
At the 2023 Colorado Pathways Conference Katherine Keegan, Director of the State’s Office of the Future of Work and Denise Miller, Director at Apprenticeship Colorado explored the future of work trends, how they will affect Colorado and explained how apprenticeship programs can prepare learners for this future.
Future of work trends that are and will impact Colorado and the United States include:
- Globalization and market forces leading to increased interconnectedness.
- Technological advances and their impact on both job function and relevance
- Demographic shifts, including an aging workforce and diversifying younger generations.
- The need for digital skills and literacy in every industry.
With these dramatic and disruptive shifts on the horizon, learners and workers need an efficient and effective education and skills training model to access new types of work and higher paying jobs. Apprenticeships offer a compelling model, incorporating paid work, relevant on-the-job learning and training, and critical relationships with employers. As apprenticeship is recognized as an important workforce development strategy both inside and beyond the skilled trades, there are opportunities to enhance both scope and reach so more and more diverse learners’ and workers can participate and reap its benefits:
- Public Awareness and Marketing: Promoting apprenticeships through marketing materials and outreach efforts is crucial. Schools, career counselors, navigators, employers, community organizations and workforce development agencies can play a significant role in spreading awareness about apprenticeship opportunities.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration with educators, employers, government agencies, and community organizations is essential in developing accessible and ubiquitous apprenticeships. Engaging with stakeholders can lead to innovative solutions and increased program participation.
- Employer ROI: Supporting employers in developing apprenticeship programs and talent pipeline requires clear ROI for apprenticeship development and easy to access information and support.
- Educating Families: Families may have traditional views of career paths and may not fully understand the potential for apprenticeships that lead to well-paying jobs. Schools, community organizations, and apprenticeship programs can work together to dispel myths about apprenticeships and highlight their benefits in terms of career advancement and earning potential.
- Apprenticeships Across Age Groups: Apprenticeships are not limited to younger individuals just starting their careers. Middle-age and middle skill learners and workers can benefit from apprenticeships to switch careers or gain new skills. Some apprenticeships are designed for those with prior experience or education.
- Navigators and Outreach Specialists: Piloting programs like navigators or outreach specialists can help bridge the gap between apprenticeship programs and potential participants; working with schools, workforce centers, employers and other stakeholders. Navigators can serve multiple stakeholders connecting resources and information.
- Transportation Issues: Access to transportation can be a barrier for youth and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in apprenticeship programs. This can limit the number of learners and workers who can take advantage of such opportunities. Finding local solutions, such as partnering with transportation providers or offering transportation assistance, could help mitigate this issue.
- Customized Solutions: Each region and program may face unique challenges related to apprenticeships. Tailoring solutions to specific local needs and constraints can be an effective approach. This might involve leveraging local grants, creating supportive services, and collaborating with community organizations.
Despite these challenges, apprenticeship is a powerful model which creates opportunities to catapult learners into meaningful careers while simultaneously providing distinct value to employers. To find out more about State initiatives on apprenticeships visit the websites below.
The Office of the Future of Work
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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: Kevin Riebau of Emily Griffith Technical College Londell Jackson of Apprenticeship Colorado Cori Gerlitz of the Construction Industry Training Council Bill Bicket of Greiner Electric 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
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!
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