Representatives from the Community College of Denver (CCD) and Front Range Community College (FRCC) earned coveted Apprenticeship Awards for their outstanding accomplishments scaling “earn while you learn” training programs.     

Hosted by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), the annual Apprenticeship Awards event takes place during Colorado Apprenticeship Month in November and recognizes the critical role apprenticeships play in strengthening Colorado’s workforce development pipeline and economy. 

Fida Obeidi (left), dean of Community College of Denver’s Center for Health & Natural Sciences, celebrates with Dr. Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

“Registered apprenticeship programs have been a proven model for workforce development and career development since their inception in 1937,” said Joe Barela, executive director of CDLE. “93% of apprentices retain employment after completing a program, and the average starting wage is $77,000. Our goal is that in the years to come, we’ll have even more people participating through work-based learning.”  

Across its 13 colleges, the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is creating thousands of apprenticeship positions to close skills gaps in many high-growth industries. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training and classroom instruction while paying learners a living wage—a model that has been proven to boost employee morale and retention, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.  

“The Community College of Denver is ever evolving new apprenticeships and partnerships to accelerate our students’ learning journey,” she said. “We are excited to create more opportunities for our students in the future.”

Chris Heuston, director of healthcare apprenticeships with Front Range Community College (FRCC), was recognized as one of three Apprenticeship Champions for her work establishing several successful apprenticeship programs.  

Chris Heuston, director of healthcare apprenticeships with Front Range Community College, was recognized for her work establishing several successful apprenticeship programs.

Apprenticeships not only develop talent for businesses but also improve career prospects for employees. Former apprentices earn about $300,000 more over their lifetime compared to their peers, according to national data. 

When I started in this role in 2020, FRCC had no apprenticeship programs. Our strong employer partnerships allowed us to build apprenticeship pathways, and we now have trained over 300 apprentices in a variety of occupations.” – Chris Heuston, director of healthcare apprenticeships with Front Range Community College (FRCC)

CCCS colleges are also helping to diversify fields that have been historically white and male. Among Front Range apprentices, 80% are women and 40% identify as Latinx, Heuston noted.  

“All of these components—enrollment, equity, and employment—are the main reason why Front Range has leaned in and embraced apprenticeships for here and for the future,” she said.  

To learn more about CCCS apprenticeships, visit https://cccs.edu/new-students/cccs-colleges/apprenticeship/ 

To see Front Range’s acceptance of their Champion Award, watch the video below.