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Colorado partners in national apprenticeship expansion effort
ColoradoBiz Staff //May 1, 2026//
In Brief:
- Future Ready Apprenticeship Center powers Apprenticeship America
- Colorado Department of Labor supports national apprenticeship effort
- Ten states receive $200,000 each for apprenticeship expansion
- Gov. Jared Polis highlights apprenticeships for good-paying jobs
DENVER — A Colorado-based workforce initiative is helping lead a national push to expand apprenticeships, even as the state itself was not among those selected for a new multi-state cohort.
The Future Ready Apprenticeship Center, powered by CareerWise and supported by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, announced May 1 the launch of “Apprenticeship America,” a program aimed at helping states build registered apprenticeship systems for young workers.
Ten states were selected for the cohort, each receiving consulting support and $200,000 in implementation funding to expand apprenticeship programs and address workforce shortages in sectors such as manufacturing, health care and technology.
Colorado is serving as a partner in the effort, drawing on its existing apprenticeship model to help guide participating states.
“Apprenticeships give Coloradans useful hands-on skills and training that lead to good-paying jobs,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
State labor officials said Colorado’s experience positions it to help shape a broader national system connecting education and employment.
“Colorado has long served as the national leader for workforce innovation,” said Joe Barela, executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
The program comes as employers nationwide face ongoing labor shortages and shifting skill requirements tied to advances in artificial intelligence. Organizers say expanding youth apprenticeships can help create pathways into high-demand careers while addressing gaps between education and workforce needs.
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