The Division of Employment and Training at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is seeking applications from entities interested in growing and enhancing Colorado’s Work-Based Learning Incentive (WBLI) program by becoming Work-Based Learning Intermediaries.
In May of 2022 the Colorado State Legislature passed Senate Bill 22-140, creating the WBLI program. The goal of the $3 million program is to increase and expand the number of work-based learning opportunities available to youth and adults across Colorado by providing monetary incentives to Employers to create new, or enhance existing, work-based learning programs.
In order to facilitate the program, the WBLI Intermediaries will be provided with monetary incentives to work directly with employers to create or enhance quality work-based learning opportunities; connect employers with local education or other training providers to provide potential participants in the work-based learning programs created by employers; support employers in completing the necessary requirements to earn a WBLI program Employer Incentive; and issue WBLI Employer Incentive program payments directly to employers.
Entities such as chambers of commerce, non-profit organizations, industry associations, local workforce areas, a registered apprenticeship program, or a local government entity are eligible to apply. In order to expedite service to both employers and youth and adult job seekers, CDLE encourages partnerships between eligible entities with complementary services. Registration is required and is free. To apply for this opportunity, please visit the following Bidnet site containing all grant RFA details.
An informational webinar will be held on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 2 – 3 p.m. MST to allow prospective applicants to ask questions. Questions may be asked (and are encouraged) during the webinar, however, to have them formally considered, questions must be submitted in writing. Only responses in writing shall be considered an official response. All applicants are encouraged to submit questions in writing after the webinar. All questions submitted in writing will be published on Colorado VSS. Click here to register for the informational webinar.