About the Program
West Slope Works (WSW) is a regional initiative led by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce to grow and strengthen the talent pipeline across Western Colorado through high-quality, high-impact work-based learning (WBL) experiences.
This is more than just a workforce program. It’s a strategy for regional economic growth, business competitiveness, and talent retention.
The program was launched in 2023 with seed funding from the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) as part of a statewide effort to grow work-based learning opportunities. That initial investment supported the creation of a regional program model that helps employers design and implement meaningful experiences.
From internships to apprenticeships, job shadows to on-the-job training, work-based learning is a proven tool for workforce development — connecting learners of all ages with employers ready to train, mentor, and hire. These experiences help individuals gain hands-on skills while helping businesses build a stronger, more reliable workforce.
Today, West Slope Works continues to bring resources and funding to the Western Slope, supporting employers in building their future workforce and helping individuals gain valuable, real-world skills. Whether you’re a business, educator, or job seeker, WSW is designed to help you connect, participate, and thrive.
Explore below to learn more about the value of work-based learning, our impact to date, local employer success stories, and current funding opportunities available through the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Work-based learning is an educational approach that emphasizes practical, hands-on experience in a professional work setting as a means of complementing traditional classroom-based instruction. This type of learning can take many forms, such as internships, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or job shadowing, and can occur at various stages of a person’s education and career development. The ultimate goal of work-based learning is to provide learners with relevant, real-world experience that prepares them for success in the workforce.
Work-based learning is beneficial for businesses because it helps build a talent pipeline by exposing new talent to your work. This can also support future productivity and profitability by developing potential employees’ skills and fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Additional Resources
Review the following resources to navigate ways to provide WBL and eligibility for this grant program.
West Slope Works In Action
West Slope Works has helped area businesses design and implement impactful work-based learning experiences for youth and adults alike across industries.
By investing in real-world experiences, West Slope Works is transforming how businesses build their workforce — helping employers develop talent, strengthen teams, and prove that work-based learning works.
Since 2023, West Slope Works has:
- Supported 65 total participants, including 15 youth and 15 older adults
- Helped 20 businesses launch or expand (with 16 hosted by small businesses)
- Funded more than 7,000 hours of real-world learning
- Delivered $180,000 in direct employer support
- Resulted in 49% of participants being hired after program completion
Real People. Real Experiences. Real Impact.
Explore how Western Slope employers have harnessed West Slope Works for talent development and business growth.
Driven Diagnostics: Building An Apprenticeship Program
For Rich Willis, owner of Driven Diagnostics, a shortage of skilled technicians sparked an idea: build the workforce from the ground up. With Chamber guidance and funding from West Slope Works, he launched an apprenticeship program and welcomed his first apprentice, Keegan Womack, into the shop. With access to training platforms and real shop experience, Keegan’s building technical skills and a long-term career vision.
“He’s focused, and he wants to grow. That positive attitude spreads throughout the team. We thrive on that.” – Rich Willis
“This experience has heightened my mechanical knowledge. In five or ten years, I want to be teaching someone else what I’ve learned.” – Keegan Womack
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Funding Opportunities
Funding opportunities available through West Slope Works will be listed here and updated regularly. Additional grant opportunities are currently in development and will be announced as details become available.
Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant [COMING SOON]
Funded by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, this program aims to grow and expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in Western Colorado. Businesses and sponsor organizations with existing RAPs in the state of Colorado will be eligible for reimbursements that offset program costs such as training and mentor wages.
More information coming soon.
Work-Based Learning Incentive Program (WBLI) [CLOSED]
Funded by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, this program aimed to increase and expand work-based learning opportunities for youth and adults across Western Colorado by providing monetary reimbursements to employers who created or enhanced work-based learning programs.
- Total Businesses Funded: 20
- Total Funding Awarded: $180,000
- Status: Closed
Contact Us
Want to get involved? Whether you’re an employer looking to build a pipeline, or an educator or service provider seeking partnerships—we’re here to connect. Reach out to learn more or schedule a meeting.