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Work-Based Learning SPOTLIGHT 

Cultivating Sustainable Futures through Work-Based Learning: Natural Resources CTE at Steamboat Springs High School

Students in the Natural Resources CTE program at Steamboat Springs High School are bridging the gap between classroom learning and local commerce through their innovative hydroponics lab. Operating under the student-created brand Boatanics, these students manage every aspect of a sophisticated indoor farm. From selecting varieties of lettuce and herbs to monitoring light cycles and nutrient levels for better flavor, they are mastering the technical precision required in modern, sustainable agriculture.

This initiative provides a solution to a common regional challenge: the lack of fresh, locally grown produce during Colorado’s mountain winters. By using hydroponic systems, the program reduces water consumption and eliminates the carbon footprint of long-distance shipping, proving that sustainable food systems can thrive year-round at high altitudes.

As a Supervised Entrepreneurial Experience, Boatanics gives students direct experience in the local food economy. After creating the company name and designing a logo, the class partnered with the Community Agriculture Alliance to sell their harvests in a storefront for local products. By tracking earnings and analyzing market trends for both local residents and restaurants, these students are gaining essential business skills and proving that the next generation of natural resource leaders is already rooted in the local community.

     

ACTE WBL Conference 2026

Don't miss the 2026 ACTE Work-Based Learning Conference in Providence, Rhode Island in April 2026. This premier gathering offers specialized professional development tailored for WBL professionals. 

Colorado will have 80+ participants at the WBL Conference!

The COWBL division members will be gathering in Rhode Island for an evening of drink, food and fun. Are you interested? Please email Cam @ camronwyatt51@gmail.com. We are currently in the planning stages for evening activities and will forward all information so you can be part of the fun!

Things to remember if you have not attend the "BIG SHOW" before.

*Be sure you have the most current version of SCHED downloaded.

(https://actesnwbls2026.sched.com/list/simple)

*Wear your COWBL t-shirt... What you don't have one? We will bring some- $10.00 donation.

*Look for the Colorado Flag at opening session...COWBL leadership will be saving seats.

(https://actesnwbls2026.sched.com/event/2EHB1)

     

CTE WBL Credential Class

The Work-Based Learning CTE Credential class is for educators who need to obtain a WBL Coordinator CTE Credential. This class is ONLY for secondary educators who are in a Work-Based Learning Coordinator (Specialist) or Teacher position at a Colorado High School. If you have questions about the class or need help deciding if you should register, please reach out to Terra Thiebaut - terra.thiebaut@cccs.edu. Next virtual class is offered:

Virtual Class 5/28/2026

     

Work-Based Learning CoP

     

Work-Based Learning Community of Practice

WBL CoP - Next virtual meeting is April 22, 2026 3:00-4:30PM! Interested in learning more about Work-Based Learning? Or connecting with other Work-Based Learning Professionals throughout Colorado, sharing best practices, and showcasing innovative resources and ideas? Weather you are new to WBL or a seasoned professional, it is a valuable space to learn, contribute, and build your network. Join our next virtual meeting on Wednesday, January 22nd from 3:00-4:30 PM. Agenda below. Terra Thiebaut is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting: https://cccs-edu.zoom.us/j/86756499129?pwd=l2TOVpvP6IIPs0CF7mu7i6hObqM5bh.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 867 5649 9129
Passcode: 257928

     

Construction Senior Hiring Fair

Project Scale Construction & CCCS Hiring Event

CALLING ALL CONSTRUCTION TRADE PATHWAY SENIORS!

SAVE THE DATE: Colorado Community College System (CCCS) and Project SCALE are hosting their 2nd annual Construction Careers Hiring Event!

Project SCALE (Scaling Construction Access for Learners & Earners) is an innovative, employer-led construction initiative designed to help fill 30,000 construction and skilled trades jobs by 2030.

This event is focused on connecting Colorado’s homegrown talent with in-demand career opportunities in the construction trades. Our goal is to provide participants with the chance to explore and apply for roles or continuing education programs in HVAC, carpentry, welding, plumbing, and electrical work.

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with top Colorado construction employers, and qualified applicants may receive letters of intent for exclusive job opportunities and apprenticeships.

🗓️ Date: April 21, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: Colorado Community College System Office
     (1061 Akron Way, Building 697, Denver, CO 80230)

Students can register here: https://tinyurl.com/ProjectSCALE2026
Learn more about Project SCALE: https://tinyurl.com/ProjectSCALEInfo

     

CACTE WBL Division

     

2026 CACTE CAREERTECH SUMMIT

     

ACTE WBL Division

     

Apprenticeship Colorado

April is Colorado Apprenticeship Month! 

Governor Jared Polis has officially proclaimed April as a time to celebrate the "Apprenticeship Effect"—the powerful way registered apprenticeships strengthen our economy, businesses, and communities.

At CCCS, we see firsthand how these programs bridge the gap between education and high-wage careers. From healthcare to cybersecurity, apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn! 

Join the celebration at these key events:

• Colorado Apprenticeship Awards: April 21 @ 5:30 PM (Livestream) 

• Apprentice Panel (Virtual): April 27 @ 9:00 AM 

• Apprenticeship Career Expo: April 28 @ 10:00 AM (Aurora, CO 

• Apprenticeships Explained: May 6 @ 10:00 AM Let’s spread the #ApprenticeshipEffect together! Learn more and register for events: https://apprenticeship.colorado.gov/apprenticeship-events

Apprenticeship Career Expo 

Join Apprenticeship Colorado for the Apprenticeship Career Expo in Denver! Registered Apprenticeship Programs and pre-apprenticeships will be attending to talk to students and career seekers about their programs.


By attending the Expo, students and career seekers will be able to…

  • Ask questions to apprenticeship representatives to learn about their programs

  • Learn how to apply for apprenticeships and what makes a candidate stand out

  • Discover the benefits of being an apprentice

  • See the variety of career opportunities available across construction, education, healthcare, and more!

The Apprenticeship Career Expo is Tuesday, April 28, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the African American Trade Association (1635 Paris Street, Aurora, CO 80010). Groups of students/clients and individuals can register here. Please share this opportunity with your students and career seekers. Download the event flyer.

     
     

2025-2026 Professional Development Credit - CSU

Colorado CTE Educators will be able to receive Colorado State University credit for taking part in multiple Work-Based Learning or other CTE activities during the school year (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). Please view the WBL (or other related CTE area) checklist to find out what you can receive credit for.  Please only register for the total of credits (1-5) that you are qualified to receive. NOTE:  Deadline to submit work is July 10, 2026. This course cannot be dropped and no refunds can be issued.

     

Work-Based Learning Job Openings

Adams 12 TOSA - Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Specialist (Several Openings: Future Forward at Bollman Tech, Northglenn, Horizon, Legacy, Future Forward at Washington Square, Mountain Range & Thornton) 

Help us spread the word about open positions. Know of a WBL or Apprenticeship job opening? Email Terra.Thiebaut@cccs.edu to have it posted on the job board. 

     

In The Know...

CACTE Professional Development Grants available to members!


Create Department of Personnel Program Pathways to Public Service - Bill Passed!


Apply for a Teacher Externship (Manufacturing & Entrepreneurship) - Sponsored by the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment (CDLE) and hosted by the Warehouse Business Accelerator (WBA) in Loveland, CO. 48 spots available to teachers in Colorado. No background required, but educators with an interest or expertise in Computer Science & IT, Engineering & Robotics, and/or Agriculture & Sustainability encouraged to apply. $500 stiped available.  If you have questions or would like more details, contact Kelly Reeser at kelly.reeser@state.co.us


The American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has launched the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, a $35.8 million initiative aimed at expanding high-quality Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing across the country. This cooperative agreement is designed to stimulate nationwide Registered Apprenticeship adoption by providing incentive funding for manufacturers of all sizes to build and expand apprenticeship pipelines. The portal to apply for incentive funding is scheduled opened on January 28, 2026.  Visit DOL’s website for more information about the Incentive Fund.


Apprenticeship Funding Opportunities

     

Resources

     

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