CMU honors it's apprentices and partners during National Apprenticeship Week, November 17-23
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, November 17-23, 2024, CMU Tech and Family Health West (FHW) are proud to announce a new partnership that highlights the growing impact of apprenticeships in building a skilled workforce and fostering career development. This collaboration aims to develop the talent pipeline in Mesa County through apprenticeships in high-demand fields such as Information Technology, Culinary Arts and Medical Assistance. As part of this partnership, four CMU Tech student apprentices are currently receiving hands-on training at FHW.
“It’s in our culture here at Family Health West where we invest and support growth in the future workforce of our community,” Dr. Korrey Klein, FHW President and CEO said. “Our part of investing in the apprentices from CMU Tech is both personally rewarding for our staff and a benefit to our entire community. The apprentices at Family Health West are being mentored by seasoned staff who offer years of experience and knowledge to expand on their classroom learning.”
Apprenticeships, a cornerstone of workforce development, provide students with the unique opportunity to earn a living wage while gaining hands-on experience and formal training. Students who may otherwise enter the workforce directly after high school, are great candidates for apprenticeship programs because they allow the students to earn a living while also providing flexibility to complete formal training like a post-secondary degree or certification. Student apprentices not only complete their degree but enter the workforce with experience and in some cases may lead from an apprentice role to full-time employment.
“CMU Tech’s apprenticeship program spans a wide range of industries, reflecting the diversity of the workforce needs in western Colorado. From healthcare to technology and even early childhood education, CMU Tech apprentices are gaining essential experience that prepares them for today’s competitive job market,” said CMU Tech Vice President of Technical Education and Workforce Development Brigitte Sundermann. “Our partnerships with employers like Family Health West ensure that students are not only learning but also applying their skills in real-world settings while earning a living.”
One of the program’s shining examples is its robust focus on Early Childhood Education. With apprentices placed in over 20 childcare centers across the valley, CMU Tech is helping to address the critical shortage of qualified early childhood educators across the state. By pairing hands-on experience in classrooms with formal coursework, these apprentices are playing a vital role in shaping the future of education and childcare in Colorado.
It was through the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) that Family Health West received a statewide grant, Opportunity Now, to support a bigger and stronger workforce in Colorado. This grant supports the growing skills and experiences needed for in-demand jobs utilizing partnerships with education and industry partners - locally that’s Family Health West and CMU Tech. With the support of this grant, apprentices at Family Health West will continue to be exposed to cutting-edge practices, positioning them for future success.
Event Details and Media Opportunity
To commemorate this partnership and celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, CMU Tech and Family Health West will be holding a press event on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm in the Family Health West Board Room. Media representatives will have the opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Korrey Klein, Brigitte Sundermann, and current apprentice Danessa, who will share their experiences and insights into the power of apprenticeships in today’s workforce.