The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) are observing September as Workforce Development Month, focusing on efforts to strengthen the state’s workforce and provide opportunities for residents.
This year, CDE was formally recognized as a Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary by Apprenticeship Colorado, which operates within CDLE’s Office of the Future of Work. The designation highlights CDE’s role in expanding Registered Apprenticeship Programs that link students and educators with careers in high demand. As a result, CDE is now listed on the State Apprenticeship Agency’s website, which serves as a resource for sponsors, employers, and job seekers. This listing also makes CDE eligible for future competitive funding.
“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 other organizations recognized as intermediaries supporting career seekers, apprentices, employers, and sponsors through apprenticeship expansion. These groups help connect learners to jobs that are in demand while assisting businesses in building skilled teams.
“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.”
Workforce Development Month takes place each September to highlight strategies and partnerships aimed at strengthening Colorado’s economy. During this month, CDLE and its partners organize events and share resources with employers, educators, and job seekers who contribute to advancing the state’s workforce.
In 2024, 35 organizations were first named Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries under HB21-1007: State Apprenticeship Agency. This year saw 12 more organizations receive recognition—including CDE—alongside agencies such as the Colorado Department of Early Childhood and the Colorado Energy Office.
Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries fall into two categories: those supporting employers by reducing administrative barriers for implementing apprenticeships (Industry Apprenticeship Intermediaries), and those connecting job seekers—especially those facing employment challenges—to opportunities (Talent Apprenticeship Intermediaries).
The CDLE works with both employers and workers across seven divisions and four offices statewide. Its services include improving talent pipelines for businesses; providing training, job search assistance, and counseling for workers; ensuring fair labor practices; administering unemployment insurance; offering paid family leave programs; and running consumer protection initiatives. More information about CDLE can be found at https://cdle.colorado.gov/.
The mission of the Colorado Department of Education is to improve student outcomes by serving all school districts statewide. The department aims to ensure access to quality education environments so that students and staff thrive.
