A registered apprenticeship might be the right choice for you or your program.

Registered Apprenticeship Programs are state-approved career training models that combine paid work experience, structured mentorship, supplemental education, and wage increases to give career seekers a unique opportunity to learn as they go.

For early childhood professionals in Colorado, an apprenticeship typically looks like:

  • Paid employment in a licensed care and education setting.

  • Participation in job-related instruction, which may include college courses, CDA prep classes, or professional development training.

  • Engagement with an experienced mentor in the workplace.

  • The apprentice earns their CDA, or a college-level credential or certificate.

UPCOMING EVENT: FEBRUARY 17, 2027

Building Your ECE Workforce through Apprenticeships is a webinar for early learning program directors and owners to learn how registered apprenticeships can help build a skilled workforce, create career pathways, and strengthen retention.

Learn more about apprenticeships:

    • Offer meaningful career advancement opportunities that attract talented staff.

    • Grow mentors, coaches, and future leaders from within your program.

    • Reduce turnover by investing in employee growth and career pathways.

    • Develop a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet your program’s needs.

    • Access existing RAP infrastructure, technical assistance, and funding.

    • Earn a paycheck while you learn and practice new skills in a licensed setting.

    • Receive wage increases as your skills increase.

    • Complete coursework toward a credential, certificate, or degree.

    • Build your knowledge through job-related training.

    • Receive guidance and support from an experienced early childhood professional.

  • Yes! Click here for a list of all current early childhood education apprenticeship programs in Colorado.

  • Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) can be sponsored by individual employers or third-party entities. Third-party sponsors administer apprenticeships with participation from several employers, and those entities may look like:

    • Higher education institution

    • Nonprofits

    • Government agencies

    • Professional associations and coalitions

    • Training providers

    Colorado’s early learning RAPs are sponsored by a mix of licensed centers, school districts, colleges, and apprenticeship organizations.

  • I prefer to talk to someone local.
    Contact your community’s Early Childhood Council.

    I have specific questions about starting a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
    Contact the Apprenticeship Colorado team.

    I have general questions about apprenticeships, need support connecting with a program in my region, or I need help understanding what an apprenticeship could look like for my program.
    Contact Enola Garland at ECCLA.

Questions? Please contact:

Enola Garland
Associate Program Director
enola@ecclacolorado.org