Modern apprenticeship programs benefit both students and businesses BY STAFF WRITER A recruiting team at work BLAZING THE CAREER PATH 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 28 Business in Colorado Magazine 2021 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 ANDREY POPOV/ADOBE STOCK
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