Press Release: State Labor Department Highlights Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning During Final Week of Workforce Development Month

(DENVER) - The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE)'s celebration of Workforce Development Month is focusing the final week of the month on apprenticeships and work-based learning. Celebrated nationwide, Workforce Development Month brings attention to the critical role workforce development services play in the state's commitment to support an environment where workers and employers can thrive.

Apprenticeship Colorado housed within CDLE's Office of the Future of Work, now officially a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), is dedicated to the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) across the state. This past July, Apprenticeship Colorado announced the first Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries, organizations dedicated to supporting and accelerating registered apprenticeships. Apprenticeship Colorado is also gearing up for Apprenticeship Month in November, asking the public and partners to submit nominations for the 2024 Colorado Apprenticeship Awards by Monday, Sept. 30.

During the final week of Workforce Development Month, CDLE will be drawing attention to the many apprenticeship and work-based learning resources available to employers, so they can improve their hiring, recruiting and retention; and to job seekers, so they can explore careers and earn while they learn.

New this year, CDLE is recognizing employers and workforce centers each week of Workforce Development Month with an Excellence in Workforce Award. The final Excellence in Workforce Awards go to Lockheed Martin and the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Team. The Lockheed Martin Advanced Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Program (AMTAP) stands as a beacon of excellence in workforce development. Started back in 2018, AMTAP has flourished into a statewide workforce collaborative, offering opportunities to job seekers across Colorado. The program was launched in partnership with the Jefferson County Business & Workforce Team and has since opened up to include other local areas, such as Adams, A/D Works! and Denver. AMTAP has successfully hired workforce customers from nine of the ten workforce areas in the state.

Visit the Workforce Development Month website to explore more testimonials, a variety of apprenticeship and work-based learning resources, along with a calendar of events happening across the state. Among the events happening during the final week of Workforce Development Month:

• Monday, September 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.
  Pave the Way to Your Next Job
  Hosted by Greeley Workforce Center, this in-person event helps job seekers prepare to succeed in their job search. Attendees will learn the best ways to find job information, market your work skills, create effective resumes, write outstanding applications and prepare for successful interviews.
  Location: Greeley Workforce Center
  315 N 11th Avenue, Building B
  Greeley, CO 80631
  Attendees must sign up through Connecting Colorado or call 970-400-6791.
  
• Tuesday, September 24 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  The 2024 Northern Colorado Workforce Symposium
  An annual event designed for industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to discuss the future of the workforce, the 2024 Workforce Symposium is presented each year through a partnership by the Employment Services of Weld County and Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development and promises insightful discussions, networking opportunities and workshops to help attendees navigate the ever-changing workforce landscape.
  Location: Aims Community College Welcome Center
  4901 W 20th St.
  Greeley, CO 80634
  Learn more and purchase tickets in advance.
  
• Tuesday, September 24 at 9 - 11 a.m.
  Green Trades
  Green trades are roles that contribute directly to preserving or restoring environmental quality. They span various industries, from renewable energy and green building trades to electric vehicle maintenance and environmental conservation. Those interested in exploring jobs within green trades in Boulder County are encouraged to attend and learn more from the Office of Sustainability, Climate Adaptation, and Resiliency and become part of Boulder's green economy.
  Location: Boulder County Southeast County Community Hub
  1755 S Public Rd.
  Lafayette, CO 80026
  
• Tuesday, September 24 at 1 - 4 p.m.
  55+ Job Fair
  The Longmont Senior Center will host Workforce Boulder County and a variety of Longmont employers looking to hire. There will also be free workshops focusing on hiring skills and resume reviews for those 55 and older, but everyone is welcome to attend.
  Location: Longmont Community Center
  910 Longs Peak Ave
  Lafayette, CO 80501
  
• Wednesday, September 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  Salida Workforce Center Open House
  The Salida Workforce Center and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) are co-hosting this Open House at their new location. This FREE event is open to everyone and provides a valuable opportunity for job seekers, employers, and community members to explore the resources available.
  Location: Salida Workforce Center
  7405 West Highway 50
  Salida, CO 81201
  
• Wednesday, September 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  Frisco Workforce Center Open House
  The Frisco Workforce Center and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) are co-hosting this Open House at their new location. This FREE event is open to everyone, providing valuable resources for job seekers, employers, and community partners.
  Location: Frisco Workforce Center
  360 Peak One Drive, Suite 370
  Frisco, CO 80443
  
• Thursday, September 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Harvest Connections
  Local community based organizations and service providers are invited to network and discuss resources they provide.
  Location: Rio Grande Farm Park
  6935 CO-17
  Alamosa, CO 81101
  
• Friday, September 27 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  Doctors Care Information Session
  This virtual information session will help individuals who may have lost employer sponsored health care coverage or who do not have employer sponsored health care coverage to understand their insurance options, tax credits for private plans, or obtain health insurance financial assistance.
  Register for the event with A/D Works! online.

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