Press Release: Apprenticeship Colorado Hosts the Eighth Annual Apprenticeship Awards

(DENVER) - Apprenticeship Colorado within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) honored 14 individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing apprenticeships at the eighth annual Colorado Apprenticeship Awards held on April 21, 2026 at the History Colorado Center. The event brought together workforce development and apprenticeship partners from across the state, totaling over 150 attendees.

A special message from Governor Polis started off the evening, congratulating all the winners who were honored at the awards ceremony.

"This year's awardees showcase the innovation, dedication, and handwork necessary to strengthen Colorado's economy and create industry-driven talent development pipelines." says Kelly Folks, Director of the Division of Employment & Training at CDLE. "Thank you to all of the partners and individuals across the state who have contributed towards an incredible and strong Registered Apprenticeship ecosystem."

The Apprenticeship Awards took place during Colorado Apprenticeship Month and ahead of National Apprenticeship Week April 26 through May 2, 2026. During the month of April, Apprenticeship Colorado raises awareness about the profound impact of apprenticeship, including strengthening local economies, increasing business productivity, and uplifting communities.

"Colorado's apprenticeship system is uplifted by the strong commitment and collaboration of organizations and individuals towards building high quality programs and increasing access." said Melissa English, Interim Director of Apprenticeship Colorado, during the Awards. "Tonight we honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of apprentices, mentors, programs, employers, champions, and partners."

Apprenticeship Colorado is the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) that is responsible for oversight and registration of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado. The agency's commitment to collaborating with partners and individuals has continued to grow the apprenticeship system across the state. Apprenticeship Colorado registered over 100 new programs in 2025.

Award winners include apprentices, mentors, programs, employers, champions, and partners that have demonstrated a remarkable commitment towards Registered Apprenticeship. They highlight the strength and diversity of Colorado's apprenticeship system.

Apprentice Winners:

• Brian Marquez, Work Options and National Restaurant Association
• Byron Coca Montes, Denver Public Schools and CareerWise Colorado
• Dylan Palmer Merritt, Encore Electric and Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Southern Chapter
• Melanie A. Kerrigan, Garfield Re16 School District, Colorado Mountain College, and CareerWise Colorado Teacher Degree Apprenticeship Program
• Zachary Alire-Hyde, Western Colorado Area Health Education Center

Mentor Winners:

• James MacChlerie, ActivateWork and Bank of America
• Mike Mason, Colorado Sheet Metal Local #9

Program Winners:

• Chef Ann Foundation
• Early Connections Learning Centers

Employer Winners:

• Community Partnership for Child Development
• Intermountain Health St. Mary's Regional Hospital

Champion Winners:

• Jordan D. Renken, Energy Outreach Colorado
• Paul Lingo, Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM)

Partner Winners:

You can hear from this year's 2026 Apprenticeship Award winners in Apprenticeship Colorado's YouTube series.

The Apprenticeship Awards were made possible through sponsorship by CareerWise and the Rocky Mountain Workforce Development Association. View the Governor's Apprenticeship Month Proclamation. And visit Apprenticeship Colorado's website to explore more about Registered Apprenticeship.

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