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Ridgway Colorado Youth Apprenticeship Program

Youth Apprenticeship Program

Cultivating tomorrow's leaders through experiences with local employers

The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce Youth Apprenticeship Program provides the opportunity for local member businesses and organizations to find and hire apprentices from Ridgway Secondary School for summer employment. The program offers students a convenient way to gain valuable training and professional development above and beyond a typical summer job.

Through the program, chamber members add to their staffing capacity during the busy summer months, as well as receiving visibility via Chamber communications, including press releases, social media and the RidgwayColorado.com website. Businesses will also be developing potential future talent and supporting their community's youth.

Youth can find the right work experience to suit their needs through the detailed job descriptions and commitment of the apprentice employers. Students, who are ready for apprenticeships, will receive real-world job training and a unique resume booster to help with future job and college applications.

The program is funded by sponsorships and donations received at the Ridgway Chamber Open each September. So, the amount of support for the apprentices depends solely on the generosity of the community during that event.

Apprentice Employer Enrollment Available in March 2020

The Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce will be accepting enrollment in the Apprenticeship Program from member businesses and organizations in March and early April. On Wednessday, April 29, those who have enrolled are invited to join other businesses and nonprofits at the 3rd annual Ridgway Youth Career & Volunteer Fair at Ridgway Secondary School, to share information about their apprenticeships with middle and high school students. The Chamber will also offer apprenticeship applications online for youth to apply.  

Only RACC members may enroll to employ an apprentice through this program. If you're not yet a member, please join today.

Apprentice Applications coming soon

Local youth can apply for apprenticeships online in April and May, in person at Enrolled Apprentice Employers, or at the Ridgway Youth Career & Volunteer Fair at Ridgway Secondary School on Wednesday, April 29.

Apprentices should be selected by the end of May, and will be expected to work for at least six weeks during the summer break. The number of hours per week depend on the job descriptions provided by employers.