Colorado 's labour and employment department has partnered with non - profit organisation Skills Colorado to develop an apprenticeship initiative based on a successful Swiss model . The state apprenticeship program allows K-12 students to work part - time with firms in the information technology , finance , business operations and advanced manufacturing sectors , earning at least the minimum wage and earning college credits . The organization convenes conversations with business and education to define apprenticeship competencies and figure out how to monitor and assess students' progress. The state hopes the scheme will not only allow students to stay in education but also close a skills gap , which has left tens of thousands of job openings unfilled .
Colorado 's labour and employment department has partnered with non - profit organisation Skills Colorado to develop an apprenticeship initiative based on a successful Swiss model . The state apprenticeship program allows K-12 students to work part - time with firms in the information technology , finance , business operations and advanced manufacturing sectors , earning at least the minimum wage and earning college credits . The state hopes the scheme will not only allow students to stay in education but also close a skills gap , which has left tens of thousands of job openings unfilled .