Four Community Colleges will implement expanded apprenticeship programs in IT fields
September 27, 2021 (Denver, CO) – The Colorado Community College System (CCCS), the state’s largest system of higher education and workforce development, today announced the four colleges to lead the CO-TECH apprenticeship program, made possible by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The initiative, which is focused on making high-wage, high-demand information technology (IT) occupations accessible to 1,600 adults statewide, regardless of previous education, will be led by Arapahoe Community College, Community College of Denver, Front Range Community College, and Pueblo Community College. The four colleges each received subgrants to partner with employers in expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in IT and Cybersecurity careers.
“With our long-standing commitment to driving workforce development across the state, CCCS is pleased to partner with these innovative colleges to expand opportunities for Coloradans to access information technology apprenticeship programs,” said Michael Macklin, associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and workforce development at the Colorado Community College System. “These new apprenticeship programs will make it easier for businesses to partner with community colleges to quickly start and hire apprentices, tapping into the existing pipeline of community college students.“
Each college has its own approach to the work:
In addition to the four colleges listed above, the program builds on and extends the existing cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship at Red Rocks Community College.
Colorado employers interested in building an IT or Cybersecurity apprenticeship program and individuals interested in the apprenticeship program can find more information by visiting Colorado Community College System CO-TECH (https://www.cccs.edu/co-tech/).
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About Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and over 35 locations across Colorado. The System’s open-access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy, and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college www.cccs.edu.