Overview of Colorado CTE Internship Programs in High Schools
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE), in partnership with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS), oversees Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in high schools, aligned with 16 national career clusters to prepare students for postsecondary education, industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), or direct workforce entry. These programs integrate rigorous academics with hands-on training, emphasizing work-based learning (WBL) as a required capstone for pathway completion under the state’s Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness (PWR) Act and Perkins V State Plan (2024-2028). The Architecture & Construction career cluster (CIP Code: 46.0000) focuses on designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining structures, with pathways in areas like carpentry, construction technology, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems, woodworking, and heavy equipment operations. To complete a pathway and earn a CTE endorsement (e.g., on the transcript, contributing to PWR indicators), students must:
- Complete a sequence of at least three CTE courses (introductory, technical, application levels, totaling 3 credits), approved via the Colorado CTE State Plan’s Program Approval Process.
- Earn an IRC (e.g., OSHA 10, NCCER Level 1-2, EPA 608) or complete structured WBL (e.g., 100+ hours).
- Participate in WBL, such as internships, apprenticeships, or industry-sponsored projects, aligned to the student’s Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP).
WBL is coordinated locally by school districts, Career and Technical Education Districts (CTEDs), and CCCS partners, funded via Perkins V grants (~$15M annually) and the Career and Technical Education Act (CTA) funding. Available to juniors/seniors (age 16+), it prioritizes paid/unpaid placements through the Classroom 2 Career initiative, which scales high-quality experiences like internships and apprenticeships. Recent legislation (SB24-104, 2024) links CTE pathways directly to registered apprenticeships in high-demand fields like construction. Colorado’s construction sector projects 9% growth through 2030, with entry wages ~$50,000+ amid shortages; in 2024-25, ~368,000 secondary students enrolled in CTE, with 90%+ of completers earning IRCs and 85% transitioning to postsecondary/workforce.
Key Internship Program: Work-Based Learning (WBL) in Architecture & Construction
The primary CDE-approved internship mechanism is WBL, a capstone in approved CTE pathways under the Colorado CTE State Plan. For Architecture & Construction, it involves supervised placements applying skills like blueprint reading, site safety, and trades at firms or sites, often leading to pre-apprenticeship hours or dual/concurrent enrollment credits with CCCS. WBL requires a training agreement, mentor supervision, and evaluations; it counts toward pathway completion if 100+ hours and aligns with CTSOs like SkillsUSA. The CareerPrepped platform supports virtual skill-building for WBL, and SB24-104 ensures seamless transitions to registered apprenticeships.
| Program/Course Name | Credits | Level/Grade | Description | Eligibility/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WBL Internship in Construction Trades (Capstone, e.g., Construction Technology III) | 1-2 (full-year) | Application/Capstone (Juniors/Seniors) | Supervised paid/unpaid placement (10-20 hours/week, min. 100 hours) at construction sites/firms, focusing on carpentry, HVAC, or electrical systems. Includes mentor supervision, reflective assessments, employer evaluations, and portfolio; leads to OSHA 10/NCCER credentials. Integrates Simulated Workplace and SkillsUSA projects (e.g., building sheds for community sale). | Age 16+; 2+ pathway credits; teacher/coordinator recommendation; training agreement per CDE WBL Guide. Parent consent; quarterly site visits. Paid options via employers/grants ($10-15/hour). |
| Apprenticeship in Skilled Trades (SB24-104 Linked, e.g., via CCCS Dual Enrollment) | 1-2 | Advanced (Seniors) | Paid apprenticeship-style WBL (200+ hours) with DOL-registered contractors, combining site work and RTI; emphasizes infrastructure trades. Culminates in pre-apprenticeship hours and IRC. | Senior status; pathway enrollment; ICAP alignment; employer match via CTED coordinator. WBL credential for instructor; hazardous work waiver for 16+. Paid at minimum wage+. |
| Industry-Sponsored Project Internship (Classroom 2 Career Variation) | Variable (School-Year/Summer) | Exploratory/Application (Juniors/Seniors) | Hands-on project-based WBL (e.g., 120+ hours) with partners like VTCA, focusing on sustainable building; includes job shadowing and resume-building. | High school enrollment in CTE pathway; application via school (fall deadlines). Targets underrepresented students; no prior experience required. Paid/unpaid stipends via Perkins V. |
These integrate into the pathway sequence (per 2025-26 Colorado CTE Course Matrix):
- Introductory: Principles of Construction/Woodworking Technology (1 cr.), OSHA 10 Safety (0.5 cr.).
- Technical (Construction Focus): Carpentry Technology (1 cr.), Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Systems (1 cr.), Construction Technology (1 cr.).
- Application (WBL Capstone): Advanced Construction Trades with Internship (1 cr.), leading to NCCER or EPA 608 credentials.
District and Program Examples
CDE approves CTE pathways in ~400 high schools and 20+ CTEDs, with Architecture & Construction offered in ~150 sites via hands-on labs and NCCER-accredited facilities. Partnerships with CCCS, ABC Colorado, and SkillsUSA enhance WBL. Examples:
- Falcon School District 49 (D49, e.g., Sand Creek High School): Construction Technology pathway with WBL internships in home building (e.g., 1200 sq ft house projects); partners with local firms for paid co-ops; 90%+ completers earn NCCER and enter apprenticeships.
- Colorado Early Colleges (CEC Network, e.g., Aurora Campus): Construction program with shed-building projects sold for funding; hands-on carpentry leading to summer internships; dual credits via CCCS; serves rural/urban students.
- Pueblo School District 60 (e.g., via The Mill National Training Center): Advanced Cabinet Manufacturing/Construction POS with WBL at partner sites; joint with Pueblo City Schools; focuses on manufacturing trades.
- Creede School District (Creede High School): Construction Technology pathway with WBL in rural infrastructure; Haley Follman program emphasizes hands-on trades and community projects.
- Denver Public Schools (e.g., via Career Education Hub): Architecture & Construction cluster with apprenticeships via SB24-104; urban focus with VDOT-like partnerships for heavy equipment.
For a full list, see the 2025-26 Secondary Pathways or Approved CTE Programs.
Additional Opportunities and Resources
- Classroom 2 Career: Statewide initiative for WBL scaling; includes virtual tools via CareerPrepped for construction simulations.
- SB24-104 Apprenticeship Linkages: Maps CTE pathways to registered programs in infrastructure/construction; staff develop teacher materials.
- Certifications: OSHA 10, NCCER; funded via Perkins V and integrated into WBL.
- How to Apply: Contact school CTE coordinator; WBL apps via district/CTED (fall deadlines). Use ICAP for planning; working papers required for minors.
- Outcomes: CTE concentrators graduate at 95%+ rates; construction pathways yield 85%+ postsecondary/workforce placement.
For details, visit Colorado CTE State Plan or email cte@cccs.edu. Colorado’s infrastructure boom demands 15,000+ construction workers annually