Partner with NCIC for a Registered Apprenticeship

 

Employers benefit from offering registered apprenticeships because it builds a loyal, highly skilled pipeline of workers tailored specifically to the company's operational needs while immediately increasing productivity. Registered programs follow strict, industry-vetted standards to ensure quality and protect the worker. Northwest Colorado Innovation Center (NCIC) serves as a sponsor of registered apprenticeship to take the compliance and paperwork off the employers' hands. We can support some of the training and recruitment costs. 

Workforce Training Tailored to Your Needs

 

Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) are designed to align with an employer's unique business goals and needs.  Employers will work with NCIC to customize a training program called a work process schedule (WPS), which guides the skills, tasks, and milestones that an apprentice must achieve. Once the WPS is registered with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), NCIC will coordinate related training providers, paperwork, and compliance with CDLE. 

Key Benefits

• Fills Skill Gaps: Training workers from scratch ensures they learn the exact methods, software, and machinery your business uses. 
• Reduces Turnover: Apprentices feel valued, leading to high loyalty and a much higher retention rate than traditional hires.
• Increases Productivity: Having apprentices handle foundational tasks allows your senior workers to focus on high-level, complex projects. 
• Lowers Recruiting Costs: Developing talent internally reduces the need for costly and continuous hiring cycles. 
• Diversifies the Workforce: Structured programs attract a wider variety of applicants, including career-changers and diverse local talent. 

Financial Advantages

• Great Return on Your Investment: Studies consistently show that for every dollar spent on an apprentice, employers get a significant return in productivity and efficiency.
• Tax Credits: Many local, state, and federal governments offer tax incentives or grants to offset training costs.
• Graduated Wages: Wages start lower and scale up only as the apprentice becomes more skilled and valuable to the company. 

Company Culture Impact

• Strengthens Leadership: Tasking senior employees with mentoring sharpens their own leadership and communication skills.
• Preserves Knowledge: Older, experienced workers can pass down critical knowledge and organizational culture before they retire. 

Contact NCIC to help you establish your apprenticeship: Email workforce@northwestcolorado.org

Earn As You Learn in Northwest Colorado

 

Apprenticeships in Northwest Colorado combine paid, hands-on work with training, helping you gain or transfer skills into a new career path while earning a quality wage. Programs are built with local employers and lead to nationally recognized credentials.

What is an Apprenticeship?

 

From day one, you work in the field to build real skills and get paid while you learn.  An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines paid on-the-job experience, mentorship, and classroom instruction. It allows individuals to learn a highly skilled trade or profession—such as plumbing, carpentry, HVAC, aviation maintenance or even accounting—while earning a wage and avoiding student debt.  Less classroom. More real-world experience.

Who can become an apprentice?

 

Anyone who is ready to get started building their future.

• Experienced adult workers ready for a change and wish to build on their skills

• Postsecondary students or youths interested in hands-on and real-world training

• Individuals looking to have career mobility and an opportunity for higher-paying jobs

If you’re ready to work and move forward, this is for you.  Sign up today to become an apprentice.

What can I expect as an apprentice?

 

An apprentice can expect a rigorous blend of paid employment, hands-on learning, and technical schooling. 

Day-to-Day Realities

• On-the-Job Training: You spend roughly 80% of your time working under direct supervision of a mentor
• Mentorship: A journey-level worker or senior professional guides your daily tasks.
• Technical Instruction: You attend night, weekend, or block classes for theoretical learning.
• Graduated Wages: Your pay increases automatically as you hit specific skill milestones.

How to become an Apprentice:

 

Sign up today through our forms and we will contact you, discuss your skills, needs and dreams and place you with an employer.

Questions:

• Are apprenticeships paid?

Yes. Apprentices are paid from day one. You earn a paycheck while you build skills, with regular increases as you progress. As you gain skills and experience, your wage will also increase. 

• Do I need experience?

No. Some people start with no experience, others bring skills from previous work. Either way, you’ll learn on the job and build from where you are

• How long does it take?

  It depends on the trade and the role. Most apprenticeships are designed as step-by-step career paths, where you build skills and increase pay along the way—not wait years to see progress.

• Can my business participate?

Yes. We’re working with local employers to build apprenticeship opportunities that fit their workforce needs. If you’re looking to train, hire, and retain skilled workers, you can be part of this.

• What industries are included?

  Right now, the focus is on construction and skilled trades, with more industries coming soon. 

Still have questions? Reach out to us at workforce@northwestcolorado.org