District 6 apprenticeship earns national registration
A Greeley-Evans School District 6 apprenticeship program has become the first in the state of Colorado to become a Registered Apprenticeship Program through the United States Department of Labor.
The District 6 Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Vestas Blades America in Windsor has been selected as a National Registered Apprenticeship, becoming the first of its kind in Colorado.
“We are proud to have the first nationally registered apprenticeship program in the state of Colorado,” said Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “We are working hard in District 6 to give our students a variety of opportunities to explore careers before they graduate. We are providing training and certifications that will allow many of our students to directly enter the workforce when they graduate. It’s good for our students and it’s good for our local employers.”
“We commend Weld County School District 6 for choosing the registered apprenticeship method of training as a means of increasing the skill level of employees,” said Cynthia S. McLain, state director of the U. S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship. “Thank you for all your hard work in bringing this program to registration.”
In addition, students in the apprenticeship program can earn credits in science while on the job. Pending approval of the District Curriculum Council, apprentices will have the opportunity to earn science elective credit while pursuing their career pathway.
Vestas currently hosts 26 District 6 apprentices. These students are mentored and training while earning a paycheck. They are also given the opportunity to advance to other manufacturing positions.