ColoradoBiz Staff //April 14, 2025//
Deposit Photos
Deposit Photos
ColoradoBiz Staff //April 14, 2025//
DENVER, April 14, 2025 — The State of Colorado approved an Associate of Applied Science Degree for Apprentices (Apprenticeship Degree) to be offered at Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) in Denver. The Apprenticeship Degree allows registered apprentices the opportunity to earn a degree from the college while “earning and learning” on the job. Emily Griffith is leading the nation in the expansion of registered apprenticeship as a viable higher education opportunity.
“Technical colleges in Colorado function as workforce education specialists, yet have never before had the ability to provide an associate degree,” said Randy Johnson, executive director of Emily Griffith. “This groundbreaking degree elevates apprenticeship and the workforce.”
“This is good legislation that benefits all parties and aligns with State of Colorado education and workforce goals around achievement of seamless career pathways and talent development for strategic industries,” said Marilyn Akers Stansbury, CEO, Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM).
Students can now begin their career in an apprenticeship program while earning a college degree at the same time. “This new apprenticeship degree offers a seamless career pathway for upward mobility,” said Dan Hendricks, training director at Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee (DJEATC). “Now, you don’t have to divide your attention. And, when you’re looking to move up, this degree proves how valuable you are. You can have it all.”
“Apprenticeships are a great way for Coloradans to gain skills to fill in-demand jobs and earn money while doing it,” said Governor Jared Polis. “In Colorado, we are committed to making our workforce even stronger, and ensuring Coloradans have the skills to get good jobs and businesses have the talent needed to drive our economy forward. This new credential can help connect more Coloradans to needed skills that lead to good-paying jobs. I appreciate the work of the sponsors on this legislation and look forward to seeing Coloradans take advantage of it.”
Most registered apprenticeship programs take two to five years to complete. As the largest apprenticeship training provider in Colorado, Emily Griffith Technical College serves over 5,300 registered apprentices annually.