Written By Stimulus Consultant Kim Fleming
Anyone who has traveled to and around Colorado can attest to the booming growth the state has experienced over the past decade, evidenced by the multitude of construction cranes and infrastructure projects. Job shortages persist in infrastructure and technical service occupations to support these projects, and workers in traditional trades are approaching retirement age. Luckily, Gen Z is stepping up to fill the need for these critical occupations that keep Colorado thriving.
The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted a shift to skilled trades for the generation at the start of their careers in the article How Gen Z Is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation. This was an encouraging, and somewhat surprising, bit of news to me, a Millennial. I recall exactly one time during my K-12 education when a career in the trades was mentioned. I bet many others in my generation can relate.
Earning a four-year degree seemed to be the only path to becoming a successful, financially-secure adult. It is great to see that Gen Z and the generations behind them are more aware of the different career paths to success and are supported and encouraged along the way.
In Colorado, the average age of an apprentice in the building and construction trades dropped from 33 years in 2019 to 29 years in 2024, with 24-percent of apprentices within 17-24 years of age.* Many Gen Zers are enrolled in registered apprenticeships in traditional trade occupations such as electrician, plumber, and welder, but did you know that Colorado also offers registered apprenticeships for medical assistant, certified nurse assistant, arborist, and cosmetologist?
Colorado remains committed to investing in registered apprenticeships, with the passage of House Bill 24-1439 providing a tax credit for employers who hire apprentices. Additionally, using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF,) the Small Business Apprenticeship Grant awarded up to $50,000 for businesses statewide to develop or expand registered apprenticeship programs (RAP.) Some of these programs will introduce apprenticeships in new fields, broadening industry and career pathways that are available to Coloradans through RAPs.
Even better, registered apprenticeships are not the only path for job-seekers to upskill and earn credentials. Through SLFRF, also known as Stimulus funds, the Trade Association Training Grant and the Reskilling, Upskilling, and Next-skilling (RUN) programs have provided funding for organizations and workforce areas to develop and implement shorter-term vocational training.
Grant recipients offer training and certification in industries such as construction and manufacturing, but some work with learners in sectors not typically associated with trades such as healthcare, hospitality, and tech. Discover the impact of the Trade Association Training Grants and RUN programs across Colorado. For more information on registered apprenticeships and opportunities for employers and job seekers, visit Apprenticeship Colorado.
Colorado’s regional sector partnerships also offer valuable connections to employers and education providers, supporting apprenticeships, work-based learning programs, job quality, and other forward-thinking workforce solutions. Contact the listed conveners to find out how you can get involved.