Colorado Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Colorado Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Colorado
Average Cost of Trade School in Colorado
Trade school costs in Colorado can reflect both rapid population growth and regional differences across the state. Housing, commuting, and required certifications can all factor into the total cost of training. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $3,584 higher than in-state on average.
| Colorado Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,703 |
|---|---|
| Colorado Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $7,287 |
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Colorado
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.
Paying for Trade School in Colorado
Apprenticeships can offset income loss, but they don’t always cover every expense tied to training. Scholarships and workforce programs are commonly used to fill those gaps. Employer tuition assistance is also available in some trades. Colorado scholarships
When borrowing becomes part of the plan, comparing rates and repayment details first can help avoid surprises: Compare private student loan rates
Colorado Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Colorado trade programs commonly take 6–18 months for entry-level credentials, while apprenticeships frequently last 3–5 years depending on required hours and classroom instruction.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and municipality. Some trades are regulated at the state level, while others are managed locally through permits and inspections—confirm requirements where you plan to work.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Want to see what trades pay in Colorado?
View the Colorado skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Colorado.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Top Apprenticeship Programs in Colorado
Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Colorado.
Murphy-Hoffman Company (MHC) is seeking a Diesel Service Apprentice / Mechanic to join its Kenworth dealership location in Greeley, Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is hiring Tunnel Facilities Trades Worker I apprentices to support operations and maintenance at the Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel, one of the most complex transportation facilities in the country.
Raptor Electric LLC offers a paid Electrical Apprentice position for individuals with three to four years of apprenticeship or equivalent hands-on experience who are progressing toward journeyman-level competency.
The Mountain States Line Constructors Apprenticeship (MSLCA) Colorado Training Center is a nationally recognized, registered apprenticeship program that prepares individuals for careers as electrical power line technicians (linemen).
The Western States Carpenters Apprenticeship Program is one of the largest and most comprehensive carpenter training systems in the United States, representing more than 90,000 union carpenters across the Western region.
The Plumbing Apprentice role with MTech Mechanical in Glenwood Springs, Colorado offers a comprehensive, structured pathway into the plumbing trade through one of the state’s most respected mechanical contractors.
The Marty’s Maintenance Apprentice Plumber Program provides full-time, paid training for individuals interested in building a career in plumbing.
The Denver Sheet Metal Workers Local 9 Apprenticeship Program provides comprehensive training in the fabrication, installation, and maintenance of sheet metal systems used in HVAC, construction, and industrial applications.
Leading Automotive Programs in Colorado
Discover top-rated Automotive training options available in Colorado.
Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) in Rangely offers trade-focused training in welding, automotive technology, and diesel technology for students who want practical, hands-on skills they can apply directly in the field.
Pikes Peak Community College offers hands-on training programs in Welding, Automotive Technology, and HVAC, preparing students for careers in high-demand technical fields.
Colorado Community College System is a statewide network of public community and technical colleges serving urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout Colorado.
Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) is one of Colorado’s premier institutions for hands-on technical and workforce education, serving students throughout the Denver metropolitan area and the Front Range.
Arapahoe Community College (ACC), located in Littleton, Colorado, offers technical and career-focused programs in Welding Technology, Automotive Service Technology, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
Lamar Community College (LCC) offers a diverse selection of skilled trade and technical programs, providing students with hands-on experience and career-ready training.
Leading Aviation Programs in Colorado
Discover top-rated Aviation training options available in Colorado.
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology specializes in training students for careers in aviation, aerospace, and technology-based industries.
Top Commercial Driving (CDL) Programs in Colorado
Explore the most trusted Commercial Driving (CDL) programs available in Colorado.
The United States Truck Driving School (USTDS) in Denver provides comprehensive CDL training programs that prepare students for successful careers in the commercial trucking industry.
Leading Construction Programs in Colorado
Discover top-rated Construction training options available in Colorado.
Colorado Mesa University’s Technical Programs (CMU Tech) in Grand Junction provide hands-on career and technical education through a selection of associate degree and certificate pathways designed to meet workforce needs in the Grand Junction and Western Colorado region.
Leading Welding Programs in Colorado
Discover top-rated Welding training options available in Colorado.
Colorado State University Pueblo offers a Welding Technology program that provides students with the skills and technical knowledge needed to succeed in the welding, fabrication, and metalworking industries.