Press Release: Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries Application Now Open

(DENVER) - Apprenticeship Colorado announced today that the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries application for recognition is officially open. This initiative is a critical step to accelerate high-quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs across the state, attract new talent to in-demand occupations, and implement the provisions of HB21-1007: State Apprenticeship Agency.

Once recognized, Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries are uniquely positioned to support and accelerate Registered Apprenticeship expansion in Colorado. This marks the third consecutive year that Colorado has officially recognized intermediaries to strengthen its statewide Registered Apprenticeship System.

"Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries are essential partners and growth catalysts that will help us ensure our Registered Apprenticeship System in Colorado remains robust, innovative, and accessible to more Coloradans and businesses in our great state," said Melissa English, Interim State Director of Apprenticeship Colorado.

In 2025, 43 organizations were recognized as Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries. Organizations recognized as intermediaries in 2024 must reapply as status covers a two-year period.

"As a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is dedicated to collaborating with our partners to design systems and structures that truly support the growth of our early childhood workforce," said Kathleen Sparrow, CDEC Early Childhood Workforce Scholarship Specialist. "By working together to make these pathways more accessible, we can help ensure that every Early Childhood Education (ECE) professional, across all 64 counties, has the opportunity to advance their career while providing the high-quality care that Colorado children and families rely on."

What is a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary?

Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries are organizations operating in Colorado that play a crucial role in expanding or enhancing our state's Registered Apprenticeship System through their support of career seekers, apprentices, employers, and Sponsors. These organizations provide specialized, apprenticeship-related services and have demonstrated expertise and experience in Registered Apprenticeship.

Organizations can apply for recognition in one or both of the following categories:

• Industry Apprenticeship Intermediaries provide customized support related to Registered Apprenticeship for industry partners, sponsors and employers and focus on growing the apprenticeship system in Colorado through increased employer adoption and industry diversification.
• Talent Apprenticeship Intermediaries provide customized support related to Registered Apprenticeship for career seekers and apprentices and focus on growing the apprenticeship system in Colorado through career seeker access and support, including for populations that are underrepresented in apprenticeship.

Both public and private entities are encouraged to apply. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Multi-Employer Apprenticeship Sponsors
• An economic development organization
• An apprenticeship training committee
• A local workforce board
• A local school district or Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)
• An industry or trade association
• A community college or other institution of education
• A nonprofit organization
• A state agency
• Entities that represent a group of business partners
• Organizations that provide services, tools, or staffing to apprenticeship programs

Why should your organization consider applying?

Recognition as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary provides several benefits, including:

• Enhanced credibility and trust: Recognition can validate the quality of intermediary services for supporting apprenticeship expansion, which can increase confidence with partners and stakeholders.
• Official promotion and referrals: Information of each recognized organization will be featured in public communications by Apprenticeship Colorado for the purposes of sharing information, increasing visibility to promote services, and attracting new customers.
• Networking and collaboration opportunities: Recognized organizations receive invitations to exclusive events, networking, and training opportunities to facilitate potential collaboration and apprenticeship expansion.
• Digital Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary badge: Recognized organizations receive a digital badge that they can post on their website.

How do organizations apply to be a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary?

The application is now live on the Apprenticeship Colorado website. The last day to apply is June 19, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the application and website, then contact [email protected] if they have questions.

Register for the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries Q&A Webinar on June 4, 2026 from 10 - 11 a.m. to learn more about the eligibility and application process.

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