In 2016, CareerWise was founded in Colorado to address both the skilled-worker shortage and the unrealistic expectation that our nation’s schools must prepare students for today’s in-demand jobs without the involvement of industry. Youth apprenticeship is strengthening the economy by cultivating a skilled workforce that’s prepared to meet the challenges of the Future of Work, and exponentially expanding the choices available to young people—our future workforce. Today there are hundreds of productive apprentices in the workplace, contributing to the bottom line of their employers and creating more opportunity for more young people as they chart new paths to career success.
It took a sizable staff, significant financial investment, and a number of years to launch the first CareerWise system in Colorado. But based on CareerWise’s tools, technologies and procedures established in the pilot program, new communities can launch a program for a fraction of the cost in a matter of months. CareerWise can consult with your community, providing technical assistance and insights to help connect you to the youth apprenticeship movement.
In fact, that’s how Ascend in Indianapolis developed their youth apprenticeship program, and Horizons Education Alliance in Elkhart, CityWorks in Washington D.C. and CareerWise New York City launched their respective CareerWise affiliate programs.
Founded in 2016 and launching it first cohort in 2017, CareerWise has seen more than 1400 apprentices hired by more than 120 employers.
Business leaders, educational innovators, public officials and other leaders in workforce and innovation from more than 35 states around the country have visited CareerWise in Colorado to learn about our revolutionary adaptation of the time-tested model of apprenticeship, and its ability to simultaneously solve problems in our labor markets, our educational system, and our economic opportunities.
We forge pathways to meaningful careers through bold advocacy, innovative apprenticeships and industry led partnerships, creating a dynamic talent ecosystem that connects ambition to opportunity and empowers young people.
A nation where every young person has pathways to their American Dream.
1461 students have been hired by more than 250 employers across the United States
There are 929 active youth apprentices in the CareerWise system
37 percent of those apprentices have completed the program, but many others have gone on to further education or employment outcomes.
19 percent of apprentices have matriculated to higher education.
47 percent of completers are offered and accept full-time positions with the training company, and 13 percent of all placed apprentices (completers and non-completers) leave for other employment opportunities.
7 percent of all placed apprentices pursue both education and accept employment opportunities at the same time.