Invest in the Future of Community Health Workers and Peer Support Specialists in Colorado

Public Health AmeriCorps member Emily Evans sits with fellow program members at a meeting at the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment

Trailhead works with training programs and public health organizations across Colorado to strengthen and grow the state’s public health workforce. We design and support hands-on learning programs that open multiple pathways into public health careers.

One key effort is Colorado’s Community Health Worker (CHW) apprenticeship program, registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, through Colorado Public Health Works.

Public Health AmeriCorps member Emily Evans sits with fellow program members at a meeting at the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment

Through Colorado Public Health Works, employers and members have the opportunity to participate in the Youth Mental Health Corps program, where members focus on coordinating care, providing case management support, informal counseling, and assisting students in navigating health and social service systems.

With new funding from the Colorado Apprenticeship Initiative, Colorado Public Health Works is expanding to include a registered apprenticeship pathway for Peer Support Specialists that provides training to individuals who are in recovery from mental health, substance use, trauma and/or co-occurring conditions to help others seeking recovery.

Partnering with Schools, Community Organizations, and Public Health Agencies Across Colorado

This program takes a local approach, partnering with public health and community-based organizations across Colorado. These organizations, known as host sites, employ apprentices who gain on-the-job experience while helping address local health and behavioral health priorities through apprenticeship projects.

Colorado Public Health Works benefits both apprentices and employers who participate in the program. Host site organizations build their future workforce and have more support to address local health priorities, while apprentices earn wages, receive training and education, and gain valuable mentorship in the public health field.

Colorado Springs School District 11
Facilitating youth mental health support for elementary and middle school students.
Driven By Our Ambitions
Supporting mental health and wellness for youth, families, and young adults.
Western Colorado University: Master's of Behavioral Science
Partnering with rural community organizations to address local public health needs.
Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism
Supporting young people in pursing social justice careers and civic engagement in their communities.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo
Supporting positive youth development.
Denver Department of Public Health and Environment
Strengthening public and environmental health initiatives in Metro Denver.
Gunnison Country Food Pantry
Providing food assistance to Gunnison County.

Apprenticeships support employers to:

  • Build a stable, reliable pipeline of public health talent.

  • Grow a diverse, skilled workforce that meets both organizational and field-wide needs.

  • Tackle local health priorities through apprentice projects aligned with community health worker initiatives.

  • Improve employee retention and lower hiring costs—93% of apprentices stay employed after completing their program.

  • Give current employees leadership roles as apprentice mentors, boosting their engagement.

  • Foster a culture of learning and keep staff current with industry trends, skills, and technologies.

  • Prepare future leaders from within the organization.

  • Preserve institutional knowledge as experienced staff near retirement.

  • Reduce barriers to training by using an “earn while you learn” model that pays apprentices, supporting those who cannot afford unpaid training or time away from work.

For more in-depth information on the benefits of registered apprenticeship programs, visit the Colorado Depart of Labor & Employment’s Apprenticeship Colorado webpage.

Why Partner With Trailhead?

We support host sites with strategic planning, clear procedures, and technical assistance to make apprenticeships valuable for both employers and learners. We also help host sites meet the requirements of federally registered apprenticeship programs.

Let’s Work Together

Contact us through the form, or at [email protected], to learn more about becoming an apprenticeship host site for CHWs or Peer Support Specialists in Colorado.