ActivateWork’s Founder and CEO, Helen Young Hayes, was interviewed for an article by ColoradoBiz about how tech apprenticeships in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and data analytics are creating a competitive edge for employers seeking to build a long-term pipeline of skilled, loyal team members, while also helping to close the education gap and drive economic mobility for Coloradans. Read the original article here.

Tech apprenticeships create career paths beyond college

By Margaret Jackson | August 20, 2025

When you hear the word “apprenticeship,” you might think of traditional trades like plumbing or electrical work. However, a new wave of  is transforming the white-collar world, creating a competitive edge for both employers and employees in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and data analytics.

In Brief:

  • New apprenticeships emerging in tech fields like cybersecurity
  • Employers save up to 35% with on-the-job training programs
  • Colorado tax credits and federal grants support apprenticeships
  • Workers see wages double after tuition-free bootcamps

The shift is not just an ; it’s a strategic move to build a skilled, loyal workforce.

“It’s an on-the-job learning experience paid for by your employer,” said Helen Hayes, founder and CEO of , which works with companies like Bank of America to find talented employees who can be trained to their specifications.

“Apprenticeship is a great way for learners and adult workers to gain the education and credentials they need to gain a lucrative job.”

For years, companies hesitated to create apprenticeship programs because they lacked the resources and infrastructure. Now, nonprofit organizations like ActivateWork are stepping in as qualified intermediaries to provide prebuilt, turnkey programs, taking the burden off companies and helping them train future employees with the exact skills they need.

“The norm is to steal talent from neighbors, which is a short-term strategy,” Hayes said. “It’s not a long-term, strategic way to invest in your workforce.”

Apprenticeships offer a strong return on investment for companies. Employers who partner with ActivateWork report saving 30% to 35% compared to hiring experienced talent, largely because they can train employees on their specific technology stack from Day One. The targeted training and on-the-job experience lead to a 94% retention rate, significantly reducing turnover costs.

Colorado is also incentivizing the shift. A state tax credit allows employers to receive up to $12,600 per apprentice per year for up to 10 apprentices in high-tech occupations. ActivateWork also won a federal grant that allows it to pass on $8,000 in direct incentives per apprentice.

For workers, tech apprenticeships offer an alternative to the traditional four-year college path. Unlike internships, which are often short-term and sometimes unpaid, a registered apprenticeship is a long-term, paid on-the-job learning experience that leads to a nationally recognized credential.

ActivateWork’s program is a good example. After a four-month, tuition-free bootcamp, participants see their pre-training wages of around $21,000 more than double to an average of $47,000 in their first job. From there, continuous professional development helps them advance to the $65,000 to $70,000, with many breaking the six-figure market and becoming first-time homeowners.

“You don’t need a college degree for a majority of IT jobs,” Hayes said, highlighting that many high school graduates who don’t pursue higher education can find a direct path to a lucrative career. By providing industry credentials and certifications, apprenticeships help close the education gap and drive economic mobility for Coloradans.

ActivateWork’s apprenticeship program teaches more than technical skills. It also teaches the soft skills, such as time management, professional communication, critical thinking and problem solving, needed to succeed in the workforce.

“While tech skills and certifications might get you the job, it’s your professional skills that will help you keep the job and advance in your career,” Hayes said.