Professional Learning Series

January 29, 2025

CREATING COMMUNITY AND ADVANCING LEARNING

Join us throughout 2025 for an inspiring series of virtual sessions focused on the critical issues shaping Colorado’s education-to-career systems. From data systems to credit transferability, apprenticeships, and beyond, we’ll bring together leaders and key practitioners in communities throughout the state to explore innovative practices, share actionable insights, and foster connections that advance our collective impact. Let’s come together to build a stronger community and elevate our work to the next level. 


In one-hour virtual sessions, you’ll hear from our partners all over Colorado engaging in innovative practices to strengthen education to career systems.  

Credit Transfer: Building Efficient Pathways to Success 

Thursday, March 6  

12  – 1 p.m. 

Navigating credit transfers between institutions can be a frustrating and costly barrier for learners, sometimes delaying degree completion or causing learners to abandon their education altogether. Addressing these challenges is essential for building efficient pathways to success for all learners. 

In this session, The Attainment Network along with leaders from Aims Community College and Front Range Community College will examine the current state of credit transfer, and learners with Young Invincibles will share their firsthand experiences and perspectives. Together, we’ll explore innovative solutions and practical recommendations to make credit transfer smoother and more accessible for all learners. 

Apprenticeships for All: Driving Excellence and Expanding Opportunity 

Thursday, April 17  

12 – 1 p.m. 

Apprenticeships are a powerful strategy for driving organizational excellence and community impact. By designing programs that welcome talent from all backgrounds, employers can build dynamic, future-ready teams equipped to meet future challenges. 

Join The Attainment Network, Emily Griffith Technical College and Apprenticeship Colorado to learn more about the current state of apprenticeships in Colorado. Discover how employer-designed models for continuous improvement can drive success and expand opportunities for learners and organizations alike. 

San Luis Valley Partnership: A case study in employer engagement in rural education-to-career success  

Thursday, September 25 

12 - 1 p.m. 

Discover how the San Luis Valley Partnership is transforming rural education-to-career systems through collaboration and innovation. This unique partnership brings together four healthcare industry leaders, two higher education institutions, 14 school districts, and five community organizations to create career pathways that address the region’s pressing healthcare workforce needs. 

Participants will gain insights into how employers have reimagined their roles and are actively investing in and co-designing critical healthcare pathways. Learn from their experiences and explore strategies for building impactful partnerships in your own community. 

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RECENT ARTICLES

April 22, 2025
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
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!
April 9, 2025
Elevating insights from learners and earners