The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) today announced a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and the selection of CareerWise as the national intermediary for the newly established Future Ready Apprenticeship Center. This significant partnership, operating under a cooperative agreement with the USDOL, will serve as a national hub to expand and enhance Registered Apprenticeship (RA) opportunities for youth nationwide.

The Center, spearheaded by CDLE’s Apprenticeship Colorado, will leverage Colorado’s proven leadership in advancing apprenticeships for youth and CareerWise’s expertise in managing national networks, providing implementation support, fostering industry partnerships and driving impact research.

“Colorado has a long-standing commitment to building a robust talent pipeline through Registered Apprenticeships, especially for our young people. We are thrilled USDOL has recognized that commitment and is making a considerable investment in our efforts to ensure youth apprenticeships are fully integrated in both career and technical education and post-secondary education.” said Joe Barela, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. “Partnering with a national leader in youth apprenticeship like CareerWise will allow us to provide critical resources and strategies to states and communities across the country, ultimately connecting more young Americans to these invaluable earn-while-you-learn opportunities.”

“The Future Ready Apprenticeship Center, supported by the U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with CDLE and Apprenticeship Colorado, represents a significant investment in the future of our workforce. With almost $9 million in funding, we are expanding access to high-quality apprenticeships that equip young people with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in today’s economy. This initiative strengthens industry talent pipelines while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation.” said Noel Ginsburg, Founder and CEO of CareerWise. 

This collaborative effort between CDLE, CareerWise and the USDOL is poised to create a lasting national infrastructure that will transform how young people access and succeed in Registered Apprenticeship programs, fostering a skilled workforce for an evolving economy.  

The center will work on seven main goals:

1. Promote Apprenticeships for Youth: Create an online hub with resources, training, and a nationwide campaign to raise awareness.
2. Set Clear Models: Develop guidelines for apprenticeships for youth at high schools, colleges, and for out-of-school youth.
3. Help States Build Systems: Support a select consortium of states with system plans to expand apprenticeship for young people and link education and apprenticeship.
4. Align Education and Training: Connect apprenticeships with schools and careers, especially Career and Technical Education (CTE).
5. Clarify and Reduce Risks: Address questions about legal issues, workers’ compensation, and wages.
6. Engage Employers and Partners: Bring together businesses, schools, and organizations to create more opportunities.
7. Use Data and Research: Improve tracking of program success and share what works.

States and industry leaders can learn more by reaching out to cheryl.scott@careerwiseusa.org. 

About the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment:

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s (CDLE) vision is to create a working economy that elevates all of Colorado. In pursuit of this vision, the 1,900-person state agency’s seven divisions and four offices help the state’s employers and workers prosper: employers benefit from CDLE’s work to improve Colorado’s talent pipeline, its recruitment assistance, its economic updates, and more. The agency helps workers with and without disabilities pursue their career goals through job training, job search assistance, and career counseling. CDLE works to help workers, employers, and communities thrive by ensuring fair labor practices, providing unemployment and paid family and medical leave insurance, and protecting Colorado communities through consumer protection and safety programs. 

Find CDLE online at cdle.colorado.gov and on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Apprenticeship Colorado:

Apprenticeship Colorado is the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA),  housed within Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, that is responsible for oversight and registration of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado. Colorado was recognized by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship as an SAA effective July 1, 2023.

About CareerWise:

CareerWise is a nationally recognized leader in apprenticeship, working to build a national system of RA opportunities for youth that addresses workforce needs and provides students with pathways to careers and further education. Founded in 2016 and launching its first cohort in 2017, CareerWise has seen more than 2,660 apprentices hired by more than 366 employers.

Find CareerWise online at www.careerwiseusa.org and on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The Future Ready Apprenticeship Center is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor. The project is 100% funded by $12.5 million of federal funds. Of those funds, $8.8 million will be subawarded to CareerWise.