Grand Junction, CO — The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) has been awarded $99,994 through the Office of the Future of Work at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant program. GJACC is one of six organizations in Colorado to receive funding as a recognized Intermediary for Industry.
This funding will enhance the GJ Chamber’s West Slope Works initiative, which serves as an umbrella for apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs in the region. Through West Slope Works, the Chamber partners with local employers, educators, and workforce providers to create stronger career pathways and provide businesses with innovative tools to address their talent needs.
With the grant, the GJ Chamber will support Registered Apprenticeship Programs by offsetting costs such as mentor wages, instructor support, and training expenses. It will also expand technical assistance to help employers start and strengthen apprenticeship opportunities, while broadening outreach to rural communities and diverse populations across the Western Slope.
The investment will help increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities a
vailable across Mesa County and surrounding areas, while also ensuring programs are accessible to jobseekers of all backgrounds. From youth and veterans to career changers and rural residents, apprenticeships will provide more pathways to good jobs in high-demand industries such as healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, and IT. For employers, these programs offer a proven way to attract and retain skilled workers, creating long-term benefits for both businesses and the local economy.
The funding runs through the end of 2026 and positions the GJ Chamber as a leader in advancing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities on the Western Slope. By connecting businesses, educators, and jobseekers, GJACC will help build sustainable talent pipelines that support economic growth and community prosperity well into the future.
To stay updated on news regarding grant and program updates, please visit: gjchamber.org/westslopeworks or if you are interested is discussing how this program can support apprenticeships at your business email alessandra@gjchamber.org.
