By Andy Bixler
Yesterday, the Senate passed Senator Jessie Danielson’s, D-Wheat Ridge, bill to seamlessly connect apprenticeship programs with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and high school and technical education (CTE) programs.
SB24-104 would require the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and the CCCS to align high school CTE programs with registered apprenticeships, which includes things like working with apprenticeship sponsors on including credit for CTE programs completed. There are currently over 300,000 high school and community college students enrolled in CTE programs, and this would help more of these students progress into paid apprenticeships with concrete career pathways. Programs and occupations would focus on areas of workforce shortages, such as infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, or health care.
“Currently, there is a gap between technical education and apprentice programs across the state,” said Danielson. “This bill bridges that gap by connecting students with quality apprenticeships that will give them the opportunity to earn as they learn.”
While Colorado has made progress in advancing registered apprenticeships over the last several years, according to CDLE, apprenticeships make up only 0.1 percent of the state’s workforce. Reports show that students benefit from experiential learning opportunities, leading to higher grades, greater engagement, and stronger career-readiness.
The bill now moves to the House for further consideration. Follow its progress here.
Andy Bixler is Colorado Senate Majority Communications Director.
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