There are many pathways to a successful career. It is advisable to continue your education beyond a high school diploma, whether that is an apprenticeship, a certificate, or a two-year degree.
Road Trip Nation: career exploration through video interviews and interactive tools
Occupational Handbook: career search tool
My Colorado Journey: career, vocation, college, and military search and planning tool
CO Directory of Apprenticeships: look at Apprenticeship programs offered through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
My Colorado Journey: In-Demand Career Pathways in Colorado
My Colorado Journey is your gateway to understanding and accessing the most promising career pathways in Colorado, those leading to in-demand jobs with a bright professional future.
Explore diverse career pathways, understanding required skills, earning potential, education, and advancement opportunities. Browse an extensive catalog of academic programs, from vocational certifications and associate degrees to bachelor's and graduate programs offered by institutions across the state and the nation.
Ready to start your journey?
Vocational/Technical Schools
There are many pathways to a successful career. It is advisable to continue your education beyond a high school diploma, whether that is an apprenticeship, a certificate, or a two- or four-year degree.
These schools prepare students for a specific trade, job or career.
Below are 25 schools with tech programs offered at 26 locations in 18 Colorado cities leading to technical certificates or associates degrees.
Aims Community College - Greeley, CO
Arapahoe Community College - Littleton, CO
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology - Denver, CO
Colorado Academy of Veterinary Technology - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Media School - Denver, CO
Colorado Mesa University - Grand Junction, CO
Colorado Mountain College - Glenwood Springs, CO
Colorado Northwestern Community College - Rangely, CO
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs, CO
Community College of Denver - Denver, CO
Emily Griffith Technical College - Denver, CO
Fort Lewis College - Durango, CO
IBMC College - Fort Collins, CO
Intellitec College-Colorado Springs - Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction, CO
Lincoln College of Technology-Denver - Denver, CO
Metropolitan State University of Denver - Denver, CO
Northeastern Junior College - Sterling, CO
Otero College - La Junta, CO
Pickens Technical College - Aurora, CO
Pueblo Community College - Pueblo, CO
Red Rocks Community College - Lakewood, CO
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology - Broomfield, CO
Technical College of the Rockies - Delta, CO
Trinidad State College - Trinidad, CO
Western Colorado University - Gunnison, CO
What is a “Gap Year”?
A gap year after high school can be a valuable option for students who need additional time to mature, clarify their goals, gain work experience, improve finances, or recover from academic burnout before committing to college or a career path. For some students, a year spent working, traveling, volunteering, pursuing certifications, or developing practical skills can lead to greater confidence, independence, and motivation when they begin college or enter the workforce. A gap year may also make sense for students who are uncertain about their major or long-term plans and want time to make a more informed decision rather than rushing into an expensive commitment. However, a successful gap year should be intentional and structured, with clear goals and a plan for how the time will be used productively.
https://www.gapyearassociation.org/
https://www.americangap.org/about.html
Colorado Registered Apprenticeship Program Directory
Access the directory to view a list of apprenticeship program Sponsors that have registered their programs with Apprenticeship Colorado and operate within and across the state of Colorado. These program Sponsors provide training for a wide range of occupations in various industries.
More information can be found on the following websites:
The Office of the Future of Work: Apprenticeship Colorado (Apprenticeship.colorado.gov)
Apprenticeships - Colorado Community College System
Registered Apprenticeship Program through the University of Colorado - Denver
CareerWise Colorado
My Journey Colorado
ConnectingColorado is part of a state- and county-run system that delivers immediate, tangible results for your future.
You can post your résumé, apply for a specific job or do a self-directed job search through our jobs database.
Build a successful career foundation, become part of a community, further your education and connect with employers and community leaders - all free for eligible students ages 16-24.
They offer entry level Career Technical training and individualized educational plans to obtain an HSE/high school diploma. Career Technical Fields offered by Job Corps centers include but are not limited to: Dental assistant, certified nurse aide, medical office support, medical assistant, business technologies/clerical, culinary arts, welding, bricklaying, painting, heavy equipment operator/mechanic, electrical, automotive/diesel repair, auto body, plumbing, cement masonry, tile setting, building maintenance. Vocational offerings vary from center to center. Click HERE for more information on the job corps program. Click the Brochure for more info.
Explore job trends, top jobs, critical industries, and in-demand skills and qualifications to better understand employer demand and the state of Colorado’s labor market.
https://coloradotalentdashboard.com/workforce-demand-data/
"I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." — Thomas Jefferson