Senate Passes Danielson-Bridges Bill to Increase Awareness of Apprenticeships and Vocational Training
April 17, 2019
Denver, CO – The Colorado State Senate today voted 18-to-16 with 1 excused to pass SB19-171, Apprenticeships and Vocational Technical Training, a bill sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson (D-Wheat Ridge) and Jeff Bridges (D-Greenwood Village) to increase awareness of apprenticeship and vocational technical training programs in Colorado. The bill now moves to the Colorado House of Representatives for consideration.
“If we’re going to ensure that every Coloradan has a fair shot at success, we need to make sure there are multiple paths to good-paying jobs and a secure financial future,” said Senator Danielson. “Apprenticeships and vocational programs are strong pathways, but too few Coloradans know about these options. This legislation will make sure that Coloradans learn about the careers these apprenticeships may lead to, providing great jobs and financial security without a college degree.”
“We need to give every Coloradan a strong start to a career,” said Senator Bridges. “Every kid is different, and every kid deserves to know all the options out there that can lead to a great career and the opportunity to earn a good life. That is exactly what this bill does.”
SB19-171 will create Colorado’s first apprenticeship directory with detailed information on every apprenticeship program in Colorado. Directory information will include the application process, requirements for enrollment, earn-while-you-learn opportunities, costs, and expected salary upon completion.
Thousands of Coloradans already receive similar information about educational opportunities available at colleges and universities, and this bill would simply increase access to such information on lesser-known apprenticeship and vocational programs. The Department of Labor and Employment would be required to promote the availability of the directory to further increase access to these programs.
For more information on SB19-171, please visit https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-171.
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