Colorado Department of Education named qualified apprenticeship intermediary during Workforce Development Month

Melissa York Commissioner | Colorado Department of Education

The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has been formally recognized as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary by Apprenticeship Colorado, part of the Office of the Future of Work at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). This announcement coincides with September's designation as Workforce Development Month, which highlights efforts to build a skilled workforce in the state.

With this new status, CDE will play a leadership role in expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), connecting students and educators to career pathways that are in high demand. The department is now listed on the State Apprenticeship Agency’s website, making it more visible to sponsors, employers, and job seekers. This listing may also lead to future funding opportunities for apprenticeship initiatives.

“Expanding teacher apprenticeships is critical to ensuring every Colorado student has a great educator in their classroom,” said Susana Córdova, Colorado Education Commissioner. “This recognition allows CDE to support districts in developing apprenticeship models that strengthen the teacher pipeline and provide aspiring educators with high-quality, hands-on pathways into the profession.”

CDE joins other organizations that support career seekers, apprentices, employers, and sponsors through the expansion of apprenticeship programs. These intermediaries are important for connecting learners with careers that are needed in today’s job market and helping businesses develop a skilled workforce.

“Apprenticeships are a powerful way to create career pathways for Coloradans while meeting the workforce needs of Colorado employers,” said Denise Miller, Director of Apprenticeship Colorado at CDLE. “We are proud to recognize CDE among the 12 new Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries that will strengthen and expand apprenticeship opportunities across our state.”

Workforce Development Month is observed each September to highlight partnerships and strategies aimed at strengthening Colorado’s economy. During this month, CDLE and its partners host events and share resources for employers, educators, and job seekers who contribute to building the state’s workforce.

In 2024, 35 organizations were first recognized as Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries under HB21-1007: State Apprenticeship Agency. This year, an additional 12 organizations—including CDE—received recognition alongside agencies such as the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and the Colorado Energy Office.

Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries fall into two categories: Industry Apprenticeship Intermediaries assist employers by reducing administrative barriers when implementing apprenticeships; Talent Apprenticeship Intermediaries help job seekers—especially those facing employment challenges—by connecting them with needed opportunities and resources.

The CDLE operates seven divisions and four offices with about 1,900 employees. The agency supports both employers and workers through recruitment assistance, economic updates, training programs, job search help, counseling services, unemployment insurance administration, paid family leave insurance management, consumer protection efforts, and workplace safety initiatives. More information can be found at https://cdle.colorado.gov/.

The CDE serves all 178 school districts across Colorado with a focus on improving student outcomes by supporting access to quality education environments statewide.