CareerWise Eagle County

Apprenticeship Program: Tomorrow's Talent Today

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CareerWise in Eagle County

CareerWise coordinates apprenticeships among businesses, students, and educators that create opportunities for long-term impact. Today, the burden of educating the newest members of Colorado’s workforce falls directly on our schools; therefore, this is something that needs to change and should be a joint effort.

CareerWise apprenticeships in Eagle County breaks down financial barriers, creating a highly-skilled workforce that meets the complex demands of Colorado mountain resort companies, and provides multiple options for the student upon successful completion of the program. A robust, business-led apprenticeship program that meets the needs of all students will put Colorado schools and businesses on a path towards success.

CareerWise is a non-profit organization focused on developing a robust apprenticeship program that addresses the needs of businesses and students. By serving as an intermediary working with businesses, educators, and students, we are creating a program that provides all involved with numerous benefits. Students completing the apprenticeship will gain real-world skills and credentials that provide them with options to enter the workplace in a high-paying job or continue their education. In this program, businesses play a large role in building their own skilled and loyal workforce.

Click here to view our 2024 CareerWise Eagle County Impact Report.

Vail Valley Partnership, in collaboration with Eagle County Schools, Colorado Mountain College, and YouthPower365, is happy to bring CareerWise to Eagle County. To learn more or to participate, explore our website and contact Erik Williams at 970.477.4000.

CareerWise in the News & Media

READ: VAIL DAILY (December 6, 2022)
More than ‘just a job:’ Eagle County companies combat the talent deficit with high school apprenticeships

All around the valley, companies are filling critical staff positions by hiring high school students through the CareerWise Colorado youth apprenticeship program. This innovative program, designed to emulate successful apprenticeship models used in Switzerland and other parts of Europe, gives students the option to begin working and training for compensation at a local company while simultaneously completing their high school degree.


READ: VAIL DAILY (June 1, 2022)
Eagle County students’ workplace learning experiences catch the attention of Sen. Hickenlooper

Sen. John Hickenlooper joined a variety of Eagle County students, business representatives and community leaders and students urged the senator to grow apprenticeships and other workplace-learning programs.


READ: VAIL DAILY (October 20, 2021)
Vail area businesses look to hire high school students through apprenticeship program

CareerWise Eagle County hosted a luncheon attended by representatives from over 50 local businesses. The presentation included information on three work-based learning opportunities in Eagle County: job shadowing, CareerX Internships and CareerWise Apprenticeships.


WATCH: GOOD MORNING AMERICA (Companies investing in new talent with apprenticeships

CareerWise was part of a Good Morning America Segment about apprenticeships. One of Pinnacol Assurance’s first project coordinator apprentices, Byonce, was spotlighted in the episode.


WATCH: PBS NEWS HOUR (August 29, 2017)
Colorado Apprenticeship Program video from PBS

Some high school students in Colorado may get prime jobs even before they get their diplomas. That’s because CareerWise, the nation’s first statewide youth apprenticeship program, links students to industries and addresses manufacturers’ demand for skills, while offering employment, academic credit and support for college. Hari Sreenivasan reports as part of our Rethinking College series.