West Slope Works – Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

West Slope Works

A regional initiative growing and strengthening the talent pipeline across Western Colorado through high-quality, high-impact work-based learning experiences.

49%
Participants hired after completion

Grants & Reimbursements

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.
Now Open

Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant

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 Colorado are eligible for reimbursements that offset costs such as training and mentor wages.

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Closed

Work-Based Learning Incentive Program (WBLI)

Funded by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, this program increased and expanded 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.

20Businesses Funded
$180,000Total Funding Awarded
ClosedProgram Status

About the Program

More Than a Workforce 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 — 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 connects learners of all ages with employers ready to train, mentor, and hire.

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.
West Slope Works participants in a work-based learning setting

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

What is work-based learning?
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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. It can take many forms — 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 is to provide learners with relevant, real-world experience that prepares them for success in the workforce.

Why do work-based learning?
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Work-based learning helps businesses build a talent pipeline by exposing new talent to your work. It supports 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

Our Impact By the Numbers

Since 2023, West Slope Works has helped area businesses design and implement impactful work-based learning experiences for youth and adults alike across industries.

65
Total Participants
(15 youth & 15 older adults)

20
Businesses Launched
or Expanded

16
Hosted by
Small Businesses

7K+
Hours of Real-World
Learning Funded

$180K
In Direct
Employer Support

49%
Participants Hired
After Completion

By investing in real-world experiences, West Slope Works is transforming how businesses build their workforce — helping employers develop talent, strengthen teams, and proving that work-based learning works.

Employer Stories

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 is 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, Owner, Driven Diagnostics

“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, Apprentice

Get Involved

Together, We’re Creating Tomorrow’s Workforce — Today.

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.

Partner With Us

Your Point of Contact

Alessandra Muse
West Slope Works Program Manager