Press Release: The Colorado Department of Labor & Employment and the Department of Education Celebrate Workforce Development Month, Highlight CDE Recognition as a Qualified[...]

DENVER - The Colorado Department of Education joins the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment in recognizing September as Workforce Development Month, celebrating the state's ongoing commitment to building a strong, skilled workforce that meets the needs of employers and provides opportunities for all Coloradans.

As part of this month's recognition, CDE was recently formally designated as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary by Apprenticeship Colorado, housed within the Office of Future of Work at CDLE. This designation recognizes CDE's leadership role in helping expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) that connect Colorado students and educators with high-demand career pathways. CDE is now publicly listed on the State Apprenticeship Agency's website, a resource promoted to sponsors, employers, and career seekers, which opens the door to future competitive funding opportunities.

"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 a cohort of organizations uniquely positioned to support career seekers, apprentices, employers, and sponsors through apprenticeship expansion. These intermediaries play a crucial role in connecting learners to in-demand careers while supporting businesses in developing 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."

About Workforce Development Month
Workforce Development Month is observed every September to highlight innovative workforce strategies and partnerships that strengthen Colorado's economy. Throughout the month, CDLE and its partners host events, share resources, and celebrate employers, educators, and career seekers who are advancing Colorado's workforce.

About Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries
In 2024, 35 organizations were first recognized as Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries under HB21-1007: State Apprenticeship Agency. This year, 12 additional organizations earned recognition, including CDE, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Colorado Energy Office, and several education, industry, and workforce partners.

Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries are recognized in two categories:

• Industry Apprenticeship Intermediaries - support employers by reducing administrative barriers and helping implement apprenticeships.
• Talent Apprenticeship Intermediaries - support career seekers, particularly those facing employment barriers, by connecting them to opportunities and resources needed to succeed.

About The Colorado Department of Department of Education
The Colorado Department of Education's vision is to create equitable educational environments where all students and staff in Colorado thrive. Our role is to improve student outcomes and ensure students and families across Colorado have access to high-quality schools by serving, guiding, and elevating our state's 178 school districts and BOCES.