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Pathfinder Apprenticeship

  • Download the Pathfinder Apprenticeship Program flyer here

    Pathfinder Apprenticeships encompass CareerWise Colorado Apprenticeships, Dept. of Labor Registered Apprenticeships, and other Industry-Recognized Apprenticeships that are all forms of 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)

     

    Current Apprentice Opportunities:

    Columbine logo

    • Columbine Health Systems:  This is a 2-year Dept. of Labor registered apprenticeship that offers multiple certifications and an excellent introduction to a career in healthcare.  Students move from becoming a Personal Care Provider to Resident Assistant to Certified Nursing Assistant.  Students complete classroom training at Columbine and work in one of their care facilities in Loveland or Fort Collins.  This opportunity typically opens in February with applications being accepted until mid-April.  When available, application information will be posted on this page and shared with students at each high school.  View the Columbine Health System's CNA job description here.
    • 2020 Application Information: 
      • View the FLYER here.
      • 6-8 positions available for June 2020 start.  
      • Applications CLOSED - due March 13th  Download the APPLICATION here.  

     

    CareerWise logo

    • CareerWise Colorado:  TSD partners with CareerWise Colorado to connect high school students with local businesses for 3 year apprenticeships in a variety of industries.  These career clusters include:

      • Business Operations (Human Resources, Project Coordinator, Sales Coordinator)

      • Information Technology (IT Support Tech, Junior Coder, QA Technician)

      • Financial Services (Commercial Loan Officer,   Financial Services Rep, Insurance Underwriter, Staff Accountant)

      • Advanced Manufacturing (CAD Drafter, Logistics Tech, Maintenance Tech, Production Tech, Quality Tech)

      • Visual and Design Arts (Graphic Designer)

      • Hospitality Management (Hotel administration and operations)

    Click here to learn more about CareerWise Colorado Modern Youth Apprenticeships where students earn between $30K-$40K in wages over 3 years, earn free college credit.  Parents - view the Frequently Asked Questions here.

    • Current CareerWise positions:  Click on the links below to view the job descriptions for the current CareerWise Apprenticeship positions that are available and within a 30 minute drive for TSD students.  Positions will continue to be posted until mid-April.  APPLY NOW FOR BEST OPPORTUNITY!

     

    Columbine logo

    • Columbine Health Systems:  This is a 2-year Dept. of Labor registered apprenticeship that offers multiple certifications and an excellent introduction to a career in healthcare.  Students move from becoming a Personal Care Provider to Resident Assistant to Certified Nursing Assistant.  Students complete classroom training at Columbine and work in one of their care facilities in Loveland or Fort Collins.  This opportunity typically opens in February with applications being accepted until mid-April.  When available, application information will be posted on this page and shared with students at each high school.  View the Columbine Health System's CNA job description here.
    • 2020 Application Information: 
      • View the FLYER here.
      • 6-8 positions available for June 2020 start.  
      • Applications CLOSED - due March 13th  Download the APPLICATION here.

     

    Pathfinder Apprenticeship Requirements/Prerequisites:

    • 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
    • Strong attendance and positive behavior
    • Must provide own transportation

    Apprenticeships are a multi-year commitment and may extend after high school graduation (usually 1 year).  Apprenticeships are competitive and employers make the final hiring decision.  Apprenticeships may have other requirements including a drug screen, background check, aptitude tests, vaccinations, etc.

     

    Credits and Scheduling:

    • Credits: 1.5 credits per semester.  Qualifies for the Career Pathways Elective graduation requirement.  Students will receive a grade of S or U (pass/fail) for each semester they are in the apprenticeship.  Apprenticeship does not impact GPA.
    • Time length:  2-4 years, depending on industry and credential.  CareerWise apprenticeships are 3 years (ideally, junior year, senior year, and one year out)
    • Hours: Minimum of 195 hours at worksite per semester, approximately 12-16 hours/week during junior year, and 20-24 hours/week during senior year.  Students may work more hours during breaks and summer.
    • Schedule:  Morning or afternoon schedule, depending on business needs or student schedule constraints.  Students spend half the day at school and half the day at their apprenticeship site.  Prior to starting the apprenticeship, students complete a Boot Camp to prepare them for the workplace.

     

    Pathfinder Apprenticeship Application Process for the 2020-2021 school year :

    1. Attend the Work-Based Learning Information Night and Resume Workshop on January 15th, 2020.  View flyer for details.  This event is not required, but is a great opportunity for students and families to learn about all the work-based learning options and get help building a resume.
    2. Apply for apprenticeship opportunities:  Students apply for an apprenticeship like they would a job, and if hired by the employer, work with their counselor afterwards to make adjustments to their schedule. 
    3. CareerWise Colorado Hiring Hub:  Students create an online profile and upload a resume.  Once approved by the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at your school, students can then apply for available positions.  The CareerWise Hiring Hub is open January 27th to April 17th.  Complete your student profile NOW at careerwisecolorado.org.  
    4. Columbine Health Systems apprenticeships:   Columbine Health application deadline is March 13th.  Complete the APPLICATION here.   
    5. 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. We will connect you with your school's Work-Based Learning Coordinator to establish check-ins and coursework requirements. Prior to the start of your apprenticeship, you will also participate in a mandatory Apprentice Boot Camp. 

     

    For more information, please contact:

    TSD Business Community Coordinator:

    Work-Based Learning Coordinators at each high school: