Larimer County Offers Free Monthly Sessions to Help Businesses Explore Apprenticeship Programs
Larimer County businesses can learn how to develop or join registered apprenticeship programs through free monthly information sessions continuing through December, county officials announced October 14.
The virtual sessions take place on the second Thursday of each month, with upcoming sessions scheduled for November 13 and December 11. Nancy Murray, an apprenticeship consultant with the Colorado Apprenticeship Hub, will present the sessions via Zoom.
The hour-long presentations cover benefits of apprenticeships for businesses, methods for determining whether a registered apprenticeship program fits an organization's needs, steps to develop or connect with existing programs, and available support resources.
Programs Span Multiple Industries
Registered apprenticeship programs in Colorado operate across manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, business and information technology sectors, according to the Colorado State Apprenticeship Agency. The programs combine structured on-the-job training with related classroom instruction and result in nationally recognized credentials.
The Colorado Apprenticeship Hub works in partnership with the Colorado Workforce System and the State Apprenticeship Agency to support development and implementation of registered apprenticeships across the state at no cost to participating employers.
Colorado established the State Apprenticeship Agency in 2021 through House Bill 21-1007 and received federal recognition in July 2023, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The agency registers and oversees apprenticeship programs, issues certificates, ensures compliance with state and federal standards, and maintains a directory of approved programs.
Significant Tax Credits Available
Colorado businesses participating in registered apprenticeship programs can claim substantial state tax credits under legislation enacted in 2024. House Bill 24-1439 provides refundable Colorado income tax credits of up to $12,600 per apprentice for up to 10 apprentices annually, totaling potential credits of $126,000 per income tax year through 2034, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
Employers must participate in qualifying registered apprenticeship programs for at least six months per apprentice and employ apprentices in designated "new and emerging" occupations to claim the credits. Building and construction trades are excluded from the specific tax credit program.
Additional funding supports program sponsors through grants of up to $3,500 per active apprentice annually for program and training costs, plus $1,000 completion bonuses and $9.98 per training hour per apprentice from Colorado's scaling grants, according to the Urban Institute.
Regional Economic Development Focus
The apprenticeship information sessions align with broader workforce development initiatives in Northern Colorado. Greeley selected five agriculture and energy technology startups for its Fall 2025 accelerator program in October, while the city hosted a free employee ownership workshop for local businesses in late October as part of economic development strategies.
Governor Jared Polis launched a statewide survey in October seeking input on post-high school education and training experiences to improve alignment between education programs and skills required for higher-paying jobs.
Registered apprenticeship programs typically require one to four years of combined on-the-job training and related instruction, with specific duration and curriculum detailed in each program's state-approved standards. The Colorado State Apprenticeship Agency tracks program registration, compliance and outcomes through the RAPIDS data system.
Colorado reported over 400 active registered apprenticeship program sponsors statewide as of 2025, with participation rising following tax credit implementation, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Northern Colorado has experienced above-average apprenticeship program growth, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing and information technology sectors.
Businesses interested in scheduling one-on-one consultations can contact Nancy Murray at [email protected]. Registration information for the monthly sessions is available through the Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development office at [email protected].