How does this differ from an internship? 

Internship and apprenticeship are often used interchangeably. In Cherry Creek Schools, these are two different opportunities. Internships are short-term (usually a semester or summer long), often unpaid, and are meant to be an exploration of a job or a field of interest. Internships are great for students with an interest in a field that they haven't had real-world exposure to. This can empower students to make informed post-secondary plans. 

Apprenticeships are paid job positions that begin in high school and continue 1 or 2 years after graduation. Apprenticeships allow students to master an entry-level position in their area of interest while obtaining certifications or completing coursework that will allow them to move towards their future career goals. 

Who can participate in an apprenticeship? 

Every company has different requirements. Students can apply for some apprenticeship opportunities at the end of their sophomore year all the way through the first semester of senior year. Students must be on track to graduate in order to be able to clear their schedules to go to work at their apprenticeship site. Some companies may require a background through relevant CTE coursework and some companies don't require any prior experience. 

How does this work with my school schedule? 

Most companies work on an "every other day" block schedule. One day is spent at work and the other day is spent at school. Some work on an "every morning" or "every afternoon" schedule where students split each day between school and work. If a student is hired, the CTE Work-based Learning team will schedule a meeting with the student, family, and home high school counselor to talk through the ideal school/work schedule. 

I am not old enough to apply this year. How can I prepare for an apprenticeship?

Get as many credits for graduation as you can during your freshman and sophomore year. Taking PE/Health courses and passing all of your classes will give you much more flexibility for an apprenticeship down the road. If you fail courses, be proactive and make a credit recovery plan with your counselor to make up credits. 

How does the school district support apprentices? 

The CTE team can provide ongoing support throughout the application process all the way through the duration of the apprenticeship. 

If a student is hired for an apprenticeship, the company will notify the CTE team. We will then set up a meeting with the student, family, and high school counselor to talk through the student's work and school schedule for the next school year. 

Throughout the apprenticeship, students are also placed into an online apprenticeship course. This course requires a weekly check-in between students and the CTE team. The coursework is light, but apprentices work through modules related to professional skills. 

The CTE team will provide ongoing one-on-one support while students balance an apprenticeship and school. 

CareerWise Colorado offers a variety of 2 and 3-year apprenticeship opportunities in IT, Advanced Manufacturing, Hospitality, Healthcare, Business Operations, Financial Services, & Maintenance Technology. 

Requirements:

• Current sophomore or junior (some opportunities available to seniors in their first semester).
• Must be 16 at the start of apprenticeship (most jobs are available for applications in spring with a summer work start date).
• On track to graduate or plan for summer credit recovery
• CareerWise Apprenticeships are not guaranteed. Students must apply through the CareerWise website, interview, and be selected by a company. Students are welcome to apply to as many jobs as they want between spring of sophomore year and first semester of senior year. 

Current CareerWise Apprenticeship Job Openings - CLICK HERE 

Steps to apply:

1. Go to the CareerWise Colorado website and click "I'm a student". 
2. Follow steps to create a profile (must be 16 by start of apprenticeship to be eligible).
3. Wait 1-3 days for your profile to be approved. You will get an email when your profile is approved. 
4. Log back in to the CareerWise website to view currently available jobs. 
5. Click "apply" button on job postings to apply. 
6. Companies will reach out via email or phone to set up an interview if they are interested (make sure your voicemail is set up, appropriate, and isn't full so companies can leave a message if needed).
7. If you interview and are selected for a position, the CCSD Work-based Learning team will be in contact with you. 

CareerWise offers application and interview support. Click HERE to schedule a meeting with CareerWise. 

CCSD Future Educator Apprenticeship - The district's largest apprenticeship program available for students who want to become teachers or a related career. 

Components of Future Educator Apprenticeship: 

1. Up to a 3-year opportunity that continues 1 or 2 years after high school graduation. 
2. On-the-job training: Students become hired, paid district employees. They work as para-educators (teacher aides) in our elementary or middle schools during part of their school day. 
3. Related Instruction: Students are enrolled in 8 University of Colorado-Denver courses in the first 2 years of the apprenticeship. These courses are no cost to the student. All courses are relevant to a teacher education degree. 

Requirements: 

• Current sophomore or junior (apply in the spring to start during the following school year)
• On track to graduate 
• Want to become a teacher or a related career 
• Ability to succeed in a hybrid course environment 

How to apply (applications are due by March 1st, 2023): 

1. Login to CTE/CCIC Application using your student, my.cherrycreek login. 

2. Select "Future Educator Pathway - Year 1" and fill out the required questions. 

3. The CTE team will reach out via email to schedule an interview to talk about the program and ensure you are a good fit for the program. Check your CCSD student email often for updates on the program. This is our main method of communication with interested students.