Nov. 11, 2020 - On Tuesday, Nov. 10, the Business Experiential Learning (BEL) Commission hosted the 2020 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards. Almost 200 people attended this virtual event honoring the individuals and organizations dedicated to the advancement of apprenticeships in Colorado.
The winners included apprentices, mentors, programs, employers, and partnerships that have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to increasing apprenticeships and expanding access to apprenticeship programs.
In recognition of the important role apprenticeships play in the state’s economy, earlier this month Governor Jared Polis proclaimed November as Colorado Apprenticeship Month. This awards event is one of the high points of Apprenticeship Month. In addition, Colorado joins with states across the nation to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, recognizing the key role that these opportunities play in our economy and in our labor force.
Congratulations to the 2020 Colorado Apprenticeship Award Winners.
Apprenticeship Programs - (Video)
- Veterinary Technology Registered Apprenticeship Program
- Courtesy Electric Co.
- The Master’s Apprentice (a pre-apprenticeship program)
Mentors - (Video)
- Leressie Ashley from Pinnacol Assurance
- Dylan Reitenbach from Solar Installation Workforce Programs and GRID Alternatives
- Michelle Brown from RK Mechanical
Partnerships - (Video)
- Workforce Boulder County, Front Range Community College, Boulder Medical Center, Boulder Community Health, and Boulder Chamber
- Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Community Association Institute, Arapahoe Community College, and A/D Works!
- Western Colorado Area Health Education Center and Mesa County Workforce Center
Employers - (Video)
- RK Mechanical
- ClayDean Electric
- Pilatus Business Aircraft LTD
Apprentices - (Video)
- Garrett Calkins from Intertech Medical
- Brandon Henry from Western Colorado Area Health Education Center
- Shekina Francis from Colorado Sheet Metal Workers JATC
The event included leadership from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, CareerWise Colorado, the Colorado Department of Higher Education, the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Colorado Community College System, and the Colorado Workforce Development Council. View the full event recording. View the full press release.
Learn more
For more information about youth apprenticeships, visit the CareerWise website.
For more information about registered apprenticeships, visit the CDLE website.
For more information about the Colorado Collegiate Apprenticeship Program, visit the website.
For more information about the CO HELPS Healthcare Apprenticeship Program, visit the CCCS website.
The vision of the Business Experiential-Learning (BEL) Commission is to integrate experiential learning opportunities into Colorado's talent development network. Learn more about the BEL Commission’s work and priorities.