SB 24-104

Senate Bill 24-104 aims to connect high school career and technical education programs with apprenticeship opportunities in key industries like infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. It requires the state labor department and community colleges to work together to create more pathways for students to transition smoothly into these fields starting July 1, 2026. The bill also encourages collaboration between various educational institutions and training providers to promote awareness of these opportunities. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill on May 31, 2024, making it law effective August 7, 2024.

Official Summary

The act requires the state apprenticeship agency in the department of labor and employment (department), in coordination with the career and technical education division of the Colorado community college system, to align the high school career and technical education system and the registered apprenticeship system for programs and occupations related to infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, education, or health care (programs and occupations). On and after July 1, 2026, the act requires both entities to expand the number of aligned pathways for programs and occupations identified as top jobs by the annual Colorado talent pipeline report. The act requires the office of future of work in the department to engage in proactive outreach to foster collaboration between registered apprenticeship programs, the Colorado community college system, career and technical education programs, institutions of higher education, and other training providers in the related programs and occupations to facilitate awareness of opportunities for current and prospective participants. The act appropriates $87,326 to the department from the general fund for use by the office of the executive director of the department and $95,245 in reappropriated funds to the department of higher education. APPROVED by Governor May 31, 2024 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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