CORRECTION: The Colorado Springs School District 11 And Local Industry Leaders To Host Largest Apprenticeship Career Fair At Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus -10/28/24

The Colorado Springs School District 11 (D11) and local industry leaders are committed to reshaping the future workforce through the power of apprenticeships, which offer students a pathway to high-quality careers while fueling the local economy and addressing critical workforce shortages. D11 is thrilled to invite media members to attend the Apprenticeship Career Fair on TUESDAY, October 29, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus on Afton Way in Colorado Springs. Hosted by D11’s Work-Based Learning & Peak Experiences in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and The Office of the Future of Work: Apprenticeship Colorado, the event will connect over 300 high school students with top employers across the region, demonstrating the significant economic and educational impact of “earn while you learn” apprenticeships.

Media Opportunities:

• Interviews: Hear from D11 leaders, apprenticeship coordinators, and representatives from partner organizations, including the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and The Office of the Future of Work: Apprenticeship Colorado.
• Student and Employer Perspectives: Capture conversations with students eager to explore their futures and employers committed to training the next generation of skilled workers in high-demand industries.
• Photo and Video Opportunities: Document students engaging in hands-on experiences, learning directly from employers about apprenticeships in culinary arts, healthcare, and the trades.

Apprenticeship Career Fair Highlights: This event is designed to introduce high school students to viable career pathways while creating a pipeline for essential skills within Colorado’s growing workforce. The fair will include industry leaders from fields such as:

• Culinary: Broadmoor Hotel, Creative Dining Services
• Trades/Construction: Colorado Springs Electrical JATC, Plumbers & Pipefitters
• Automotive: Mike Maroone Automotive
• Healthcare: CommonSpirit
• And More: Architecture, engineering, barbering, industrial sewing, and additional high-demand sectors.

The Value of Apprenticeships to Students and the Local Economy
With the dual goals of empowering young adults and meeting workforce needs, apprenticeships offer a compelling solution:

• Debt-Free Training: Apprentices earn while they learn, gaining vital skills without student debt.
• Competitive Salaries: Graduates of apprenticeship programs earn an average starting salary of $80,000 per year nationally.
• Long-Term Career Opportunities: Apprenticeships pave the way for stable, well-paying careers with growth potential, addressing shortages in skilled professions.

D11 and its partners recognize apprenticeships as a crucial step in reimagining and growing the local economy. This event provides a unique platform for students to ask questions, explore available programs, and see how apprenticeships can lead to fulfilling in-demand careers. 

Event Details:

• Date: TUESDAY, October 29, 2024
• Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Location: Roy J. Wasson Academic Campus, Afton Way, Colorado Springs, CO

For additional information or to arrange interviews, please contact D11’s Work-Based Learning & Peak Experiences at the contact information below.

Join us to witness how apprenticeships are shaping both the future workforce and the economic landscape of Colorado Springs!