The Mesa County Workforce Center and Western Colorado Area Health Education Center in Grand Junction are among the winners of statewide awards recognizing efforts to promote apprenticeships.

The workforce center and health education center were among three winners of awards for partnerships.

The Business Experiential Learning Commission hosted a virtual event in which the Colorado Apprenticeship Awards were presented.

“As Coloradans continue to feel the pandemic’s effects on the state’s economy and work force, apprenticeships will be a critical part of our recovery and move us toward a more equitable economy,” said Noel Ginsburg, chairman of the commission and chief executive officer of the CareerWise apprenticeship program.

“Apprenticeships can help Coloradans learn in-demand skills in growing industries while earning a paycheck. And employers benefit by finding the talent they need to grow.”

Joe Barela, executive director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment agreed. “The winners of the Colorado Apprenticeship Awards show that when employers, workers, government and other community partners work together, we can help expand economic prosperity within our communities and across the state.”

Award winners also included programs, employers, mentors and apprentices.

For more information about programs and services available from the Mesa County Workforce Center, call 248-0871 or visit https://mcwfc.us.

For more information about the Western Colorado Heath Education Center and learning experiences for health care providers, call 434-5474 or visit www.wcahec.org.