The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce (GJACC) has received a $99,994 grant from the Office of the Future of Work at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The funding is part of the Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediary Grant program and recognizes GJACC as one of six organizations in Colorado to be named an Intermediary for Industry.
This grant will be used to expand the Chamber’s West Slope Works initiative, which coordinates apprenticeship and work-based learning programs throughout the region. West Slope Works partners with local employers, educators, and workforce providers to develop career pathways and offer tools for businesses to address their talent needs.
With this new funding, GJACC will support Registered Apprenticeship Programs by helping cover costs such as mentor wages, instructor support, and training expenses. The Chamber also plans to increase technical assistance for employers interested in starting or growing apprenticeship programs. Outreach efforts will target rural communities and diverse populations across the Western Slope.
The investment aims to grow apprenticeship opportunities in Mesa County and nearby areas. It seeks to make these programs accessible to a wide range of jobseekers—including youth, veterans, career changers, and rural residents—across high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, and IT. For local businesses, apprenticeships are presented as a way to attract skilled workers and build a stable workforce that benefits both companies and the broader economy.
Funding is set through 2026. GJACC’s role is expected to strengthen connections between businesses, educators, and jobseekers while building long-term talent pipelines that contribute to economic growth on the Western Slope.
For more information about West Slope Works or updates on grant-supported programs, visit gjchamber.org/westslopeworks or contact alessandra@gjchamber.org.
