Hinrichsen & Sullivan’s Bill to Bolster Workforce, Support Apprenticeship Programs Clears Committee

SB23-051 codifies duties of the Office of the Future of Work, signaling ongoing commitment to supporting Colorado’s workforce

DENVER, CO – Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Tom Sullivan’s, D-Centennial, bill to support Colorado’s changing workforce and formalize state run apprenticeship programs passed the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology committee today.

SB23-051 codifies the current duties of the Office of the Future of Work (OFW), which serves as a central point of contact for efforts to respond to the changing nature of work, and helps ensure Coloradans are equipped with the necessary education, training, skills, and tools to fully participate in the labor force.

Additionally, the bill aligns state statute with federal requirements, allowing Colorado's State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) to seek federal authorization from the Department of Labor to register and oversee state run apprenticeship programs.

“The Office of the Future of Work is doing critical work to create a more equitable economy and support Coloradans entering the workforce,” Hinrichsen said. “The workforce investments we make today will uplift Colorado’s economy and ensure hardworking Coloradans from Palisade to Pueblo can thrive for years to come.”

“Apprenticeships offer incredible opportunities for folks to gain real world, hands-on experience,” said Sullivan. “This important bill will ensure the State Apprenticeship Agency is able to do its job and match willing and able Coloradans to work opportunities that will build a future-ready talent pipeline.”

The bill comes two years after HB21-1007, which established the SAA, and four years after the OFW was established via executive order.

SB23-051 now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.