Apprenticeships are helping solve the childcare crisis

Staffing shortages in early childhood education are a major barrier for working families and local businesses. That’s why the Mesa County Workforce Center is proud to partner with CMU Tech on apprenticeship programs that create a direct pipeline of trained, job-ready educators.

Through CMU Tech’s Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program, students gain hands-on experience in real classrooms while completing their studies. This model helps remove financial barriers for students and fills urgent staffing gaps for local employers. Apprenticeship programs like this don’t just benefit childcare. CMU Tech offers opportunities across multiple industries that help strengthen the western Colorado workforce.

The Career Development Program (CDP) at the Workforce Center helps make this possible by reimbursing up to 75% of apprentices' wages for eligible participants and businesses. Assistance is also available to employers to guide them through the process of creating and implementing a registered apprenticeship. Apprentices benefit from CDP through financial assistance for classroom assistance, apprenticeship fees and supportive service.

Learn more about how we can support your business on our webpage.