At CoorsTek in Golden, Colorado, closing the skills gap in advanced manufacturing requires more than machines, it takes people with the right skills, mindset, and mentorship. A Colorado Opportunity Now grant gave CoorsTek the resources to expand its Academy, creating a dedicated training center and launching its first youth apprenticeship program in CNC machining through CareerWise.

“Our goal with the grant was to build a training center that’s sustainable and valuable not just for CoorsTek, but for the broader manufacturing community,” says Elizabeth Pittman, Program Manager in Workforce Development. “CNC machining is a critical skill across the industry, and we wanted to make sure students could get hands-on experience in a real-world setting.”

High school apprentices gain practical experience operating, setting up, and programming CNC machines, while also learning workplace professionalism and teamwork. “Apprentices bring energy and enthusiasm to the team,” Pittman says. “And our mentors love sharing their knowledge and seeing students grow. It’s a mutually beneficial experience.”

While training apprentices requires upfront investment covering instruction, mentorship, and related training; Pittman notes the long-term payoff is substantial. “Apprentices are more likely to stay with the company, and we can shape them both technically and culturally from the start. We’re building the next generation of machinists who can adapt to automation and future technologies.”

Partnerships have been key to the program’s success. CareerWise sponsors the apprenticeship program, provides guidance on best practices, and connects CoorsTek with other manufacturers to share insights. Additionally, the NextGen Manufacturing Collective, co-convened by CoorsTek and CareerWise, brings together more than a dozen Front Range manufacturers to identify critical skills gaps and align training priorities across the industry.

With the first cohort already underway and plans to expand nationally and globally, CoorsTek is proving that youth apprenticeships are more than an entry-level program. They’re an investment in people, community, and the future of manufacturing.