Business in Colorado - May 2021
Blazing the Career Path
Staff Writer 2021-06-02 08:30:37
Modern apprenticeship programs benefit both students and businesses
Today, the newest workforce members are graduating from their educational institutions but may be lacking real-world experience, while businesses are having difficulty recruiting employees with the appropriate competencies for specific skills-based positions. Several organizations throughout Colorado are bridging this gap between education and industry by developing and implementing modern apprenticeship programs that offset the cost of training for employers while providing students with an invaluable opportunity to hone skills in an applied-learning environment.
CareerWise Colorado is one model that cultivates skilled workers for a number of industries, from manufacturing and information technology to health care and hospitality. Participating high school students gain nationally recognized certification, the opportunity to earn college credits and real-life work experience through their apprenticeship track. The Vail Valley Partnership is the facilitator of this program in Eagle County, handling business recruiting, student engagement and working with the school district. “One of the biggest challenges we have in our mountain communities is that we have a hard time retaining workforce—because of our cost of living, the seasonality and career pathways,” says Chris Romer, president and CEO of Vail Valley Partnership. “This program is designed to help both businesses and students by growing our own workforce.” CareerWise apprentices in Eagle County have worked at community financial institutions, health care facilities, construction companies and nonprofit organizations, as well as other industries and small businesses.
Meanwhile, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce created a streamlined pathway between medical assistants and regional health care providers with its apprenticeship program. As one of the: winners of 2020 Colorado Apprenticeship Award, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce—in collaboration with Front Range Community College, Boulder Community Health and Boulder Medical Center—created and implemented a successful intermediary model for health care providers to access skilled workers. “It made sense to create one collaborative model that [health care businesses] could all quickly access to meet training and hiring needs,” says Corine Waldau, Senior Director of Economic Vitality at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.
This learn-as-you-earn medical assistant program benefits students by providing on-site practical training, as well as inclusion in a network where large and small health care providers are looking to fill positions.
Beyond the benefits to students and businesses, these collaborative models also strengthen communities by creating employment opportunities, increasing resident retention and supporting a diverse range of industries.
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