The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) received a $99,994 grant through the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant program.

The Grand Junction Chamber is one of six organizations in Colorado to receive funding and the only industry-focused intermediary selected on the Western Slope, the chamber said in an Aug. 28 news release.

The chamber said the grant money will enhance its West Slope Works initiative, which serves as an umbrella for apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs in the region. Through West Slope Works, the chamber partners with local employers, educators and workforce providers to create stronger career pathways and provide businesses with innovative tools to address their talent needs.

With the grant, the GJ Chamber will support Registered Apprenticeship Programs by offsetting costs such as mentor wages, instructor support and training expenses. It will expand technical assistance to help employers start and strengthen apprenticeship opportunities and broaden outreach to rural communities and diverse populations across the Western Slope.

The chamber said the investment will help increase the number of apprenticeship opportunities available across Mesa County and surrounding areas and ensure programs are accessible to jobseekers of all backgrounds. From youth and veterans to career changers and rural residents, apprenticeships will provide more pathways to good jobs in high-demand industries such as healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing and IT. For employers, these programs offer a proven way to attract and retain skilled workers, creating long-term benefits for both businesses and the local economy.

The funding will run through the end of 2026.