State of Colorado Approves Associate of Applied Science Degree for Apprentices at Emily Griffith Technical College in Denver

College with strong history in career and technical education can now offer an associate degree to connect registered apprenticeship to a higher education pathway

DENVER, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of Colorado approved an Associate of Applied Science Degree for Apprentices (Apprenticeship Degree) to be offered at Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) in Denver. The Apprenticeship Degree allows registered apprentices the opportunity to earn a degree from the college while "earning and learning" on the job. Emily Griffith is leading the nation in the expansion of registered apprenticeship as a viable higher education opportunity.

"Technical colleges in Colorado function as workforce education specialists, yet have never before had the ability to provide an associate degree," said Randy Johnson, executive director of Emily Griffith. "This groundbreaking degree elevates apprenticeship and the workforce."

"This is good legislation that benefits all parties and aligns with State of Colorado education and workforce goals around achievement of seamless career pathways and talent development for strategic industries," said Marilyn Akers Stansbury, CEO, Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain (IECRM).

The benefits of the Apprenticeship Degree are plentiful. Students now have the opportunity to begin their career in an apprenticeship program while earning a college degree at the same time. "This new apprenticeship degree offers a seamless career pathway for upward mobility," said Dan Hendricks, training director at Denver Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Committee (DJEATC). "Now, you don't have to divide your attention. And, when you're looking to move up, this degree proves how valuable you are. You can have it all."

"Apprenticeships are a great way for Coloradans to gain skills to fill in-demand jobs and earn money while doing it," said Governor Jared Polis. "In Colorado, we are committed to making our workforce even stronger, and ensuring Coloradans have the skills to get good jobs and businesses have the talent needed to drive our economy forward. This new credential can help connect more Coloradans to needed skills that lead to good-paying jobs. I appreciate the work of the sponsors on this legislation and look forward to seeing Coloradans take advantage of it."

Most registered apprenticeship programs take two to five years to complete. As the largest apprenticeship training provider in Colorado, Emily Griffith Technical College serves over 5,300 registered apprentices annually. The college works with business and industry, locally and nationally, to create hands-on, paid job opportunities and college pathways for Coloradans. 

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities through Emily Griffith, please email [email protected]. For more information about Emily Griffith, visit emilygriffith.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Emily Griffith Technical College
The mission of Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) is to prepare students for today's workforce and tomorrow's opportunities. Emily Griffith is the public, postsecondary and adult education arm of the Denver Public School system and serves over 8,500 students through Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs, apprenticeships, high school equivalency and English classes. Over the past 100+ years, the College has educated nearly two million students who have sought pathways toward long-term career advancement. In 2023, Emily Griffith Technical College was recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as an Apprenticeship Ambassador for serving as a champion in promoting, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.

SOURCE Emily Griffith Technical College