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Pathfinder Apprenticeship

What is an Apprenticeship?  An apprenticeship is an employer-driven experiential learning comprised of the following elements:

  • Paid on-the-job training (you are a paid employee of the business!)
  • Related classroom instruction that increases the student/employee's skill level and wages, and
  • Industry-recognized credential(s) or certificate(s)

Youth vs. Adult Apprenticeships:

  • Youth apprenticeships allow in-school students, age 16+, to work part-time and attend school part-time.  Duries and learning experiences have been modified for youth, in compliance with youth labor laws.  Most of these apprenticeships are 2000 hours of work/144 hours of related training.
  • Adult apprenticeships are typically found in the skilled trades and require applicants to be high school graduates who are age 18+.

CareerWise Colorado Apprenticeships:  Periodically, youth apprenticeships will be posted in Xello that are part of the CareerWise Colorado Youth Apprenticeship program.  These apprenticeships may have additional requirements, benefits, and possibly college credit opportunities. They also require applicants to create a profile and application in their Hiring Hub. Visit CareerWise for more information and check Xello for CareerWise apprenticeship postings. 

Apprenticeship Requirements/Prerequisites: These are typical general requirements to participate in an Apprenticeship.  Businesses may have additional requirements depending on their industry or the specific position.

  • Juniors or Seniors (apply as a sophomore or junior), must be age 16 by the start of apprenticeship
  • On-track for on-time graduation from high school and can accommodate an apprenticeship in your schedule
  • Strong attendance and positive behavior
  • Must provide own transportation
  • Employer makes final hiring decisions and may have additional requirements such as a drug screen, background check, immunizations, etc.

Credits and Scheduling:

  • CTE/Applied Arts Credit
    • Students will receive a letter grade A-F for each semester.  Minimal coursework requirements (training agreement, timesheet, periodic check-ins, site visit, self-evaluation) will be communicated by the WBL Specialist and managed in Google Classroom.
  • Credits:  Apprentices earn 1.5 credits per semester.  Minimum of 195 hours at worksite per semester.  Apprentices work approximately 12-16 hours/week during year 1, 20-24 hours/week during year 2 (if still in school), and work full time during year 3.  Students may work more hours during breaks and summer.
  • Time length:  Dept. of Labor Registered Apprenticeships are a minimum of 2000 hours of on-the-job paid training and 144 hours of related training. 2 or 3 years in length, depending on industry and credential.  Depending if you start the apprenticeship as a junior or senior, you may have 1-2 "gap years" as you complete the apprenticeship.
  • Hours: Apprentices typically work approximately 12-16 hours/week during year 1, and 20-24 hours/week during year 2.  Students may work more hours during breaks and summer.
  • Schedule:  Morning or afternoon schedule or block days schedule, depending on business needs or student schedule constraints.  Students work part time and attend school part time. 

Apprenticeship Application Process:

  1. Request/Apply for the Opportunity in Xello.  Locate the opportunity you are interested in and hit the Request button and complete the application form if provided.  The WBL Specialist will connect with you about the opportunity, your eligibility, and provide you with application information and resume/interview support.
  2. Eligibility Check:  WBL Specialist will complete an eligibility check with your counselor and let you know when you're approved to apply or proceed to interview.  
  3. Interview: Students apply for an apprenticeship like they would a job, interview with the business and hopefully receive a job offer!  Apprenticeships can be competitive.
  4. Register for Course and Next Steps:  Once hired by the employer for an apprenticeship, students will then meet with their counselor to register for apprenticeship as part of their course schedule. The Work-Based Learning Specialist will connect with you to establish check-ins and coursework requirements.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact your school's Work-Based Learning Specialist:

  • MVHS/TVHS/BHS - Rick Bowles rick.bowles@tsd.org
  • LHS/FHS/TCC - Miranda Kantor miranda.kantor@tsd.org

Apprenticeship process updated June 2026.