Today, the newest workforce members are graduating from their educational institutions but may be lacking real-world experience, while businesses are having difficulty recruiting employees with the appropriate competencies for specific skill-based positions.

Eagle County Collaborative for Career Pathways, a partnership between YouthPower365, Vail Valley Partnership, and Eagle County Schools, exists to support Eagle County youth grades 8-12 as they gain the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to obtain and sustain a quality career. The Eagle County Collaborative for Career Pathways works to bridge the gap between education and employment, grow the number of students pursuing meaningful modern/non-college careers after school, and reduce gaps in the skilled workforce pipeline to feed into the local community.

This collaborative effort allows us to leverage the individual strengths and expertise of each partner, resulting in increased efficiency and increasing the overall productivity of the program – which ultimately increases the impacts of the program. We’re working to bridge the gap between education and industry in Eagle County in part by implementing modern apprenticeship programs that build a workforce pipeline while providing students with an invaluable opportunity to hone their skills via the CareerWise youth apprenticeship program.

One of the biggest challenges in our mountain region is workforce retention, due to the cost of living, housing attainability and affordability, and our seasonal economy. The CareerWise program is designed to help both businesses and students by growing our workforce. Apprentices currently work at financial institutions, in the health care industry, at construction companies, in hospitality businesses, and in nonprofit organizations plus other industries and small businesses.

Modern youth apprenticeships offer numerous benefits to the young individuals participating in the programs, businesses that engage, and the broader community. Apprenticeships provide practical, hands-on training that allows young people to acquire real-world skills and knowledge. This experiential learning complements traditional classroom education and equips them with valuable competencies sought by employers.

Youth apprenticeships often focus on specific industries, trades, or professions, preparing participants for a particular career path from an early age. This targeted approach enhances their employability and job readiness, making them attractive candidates for employers. We’re fortunate in Eagle County to have a diverse range of businesses participating, giving students a wide variety of options.

Importantly, apprentices earn a wage while they work, which can help alleviate financial burdens and reduce student debt. This financial support allows them to focus on their education and training without worrying about immediate financial constraints.

Apprentices often receive guidance and mentorship from experienced professionals, helping them navigate challenges, set career goals, develop essential workplace skills, and provide opportunities for career advancement. Completing a youth apprenticeship can fast-track a student’s professional progression. By gaining practical experience and industry-specific skills early on, they may qualify for higher-level positions or promotions faster than those who pursued traditional education alone. We have had over 80 apprentices in recent years, and currently have 36 in the program.

It's not just student-focused, either. Youth apprenticeships are a direct benefit to participating businesses and the broader community by helping to address the skills gap by providing employers with a pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers. This contributes to a more competent and competitive workforce in various industries. A skilled workforce drives economic growth and innovation. By investing in youth apprenticeships, our businesses and our community can foster a talent pool that meets industry demands and enhances overall economic productivity.

Beyond the benefits to students and businesses, this collaborative model strengthens the community by creating employment opportunities, increasing resident retention, and supporting a diverse range of industries.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com