About half of Opportunity Next's Scholarship Administrators represent technical colleges, registered apprenticeship programs, and eligible training providers. These Scholarship Administrators prepare learners with the essential skills to obtain certifications and credentials in high-growth industries with strong demand for skilled talent. Two Scholarships Administrators, ACI Learning Tech Academy and Solar Energy International (SEI), give us an inside look.

Quality Work-Based Learning in Colorado

ACI Learning Tech Academy, a Registered Apprenticeship Program, is helping learners build careers in cybersecurity and IT. Recently named an Apprenticeship Ambassador by the U.S. Department of Labor, ACI Learning has been recognized for its commitment to providing meaningful, on-the-job paid experience and helping employers find and further develop skilled talent.

ACI Learning Tech Academy’s Workforce Development Program Manager, Heidi McDonald, explained that their courses cover essential IT skills, preparing students for industry-recognized certifications like the CompTIA A+ and ITIL 4 Foundation exams. She also emphasized that there are many opportunities for learners with different strengths in the industry.

Solar Energy International (SEI) is an eligible training provider that helps learners earn certifications in the solar energy field. SEI trains learners to assemble, install, maintain, and repair solar systems on roofs and other structures. 

Certifications like these demonstrate a learner’s skillset to employers, and the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) projects 1,800 openings for Computer User Support Specialists in the coming years, and potentially 20% more solar installation roles by 2028.

Andrea Wang, Solar in the Schools Manager for SEI, noted, “Colorado has goals of 100% renewable energy by 2040, and the CWDC identified the state’s energy and natural resources industry as one of our fastest-growing.”

With programs like ACI Learning Tech Academy and SEI, Colorado learners are gaining the skills and certifications they need to thrive in high-demand careers.

Tapping into a Supportive Network

Many registered apprenticeship programs and eligible training providers offer career support and connections to help learners find relevant opportunities and succeed in high-demand industries. 

ACI Learning Tech Academy’s career advisors help learners tailor resumes for IT jobs, create LinkedIn profiles, and practice networking. SEI has a network of more than 82,000 alumni across the world, allowing learners to connect with successful professionals at companies like Sandhill Solar in the San Luis Valley, Empowered Energy Systems on the Western Slope, and Namaste Solar in Denver and Boulder. 

Opportunity Next encourages learners to explore pathways before committing to an education or training program. Recently, Opportunity Next launched the Question Bank to help learners navigate these exploratory conversations with their support systems. The Question Bank has more than 200 meaningful questions to learn more about Colorado’s high-priority pathways. 

Regardless of your career interests, you can familiarize yourself with the details of education or training programs. Questions to consider: 

• What are the certifications or credentials earned in this program?
• What is the time commitment? When do you offer training?
• Which employers do you partner with to help graduates land job opportunities? 
• What career services do you provide to help learners find positions in the field?
• Where have alumni landed? Can you connect me with alumni to hear more about their experiences?

Visit the Opportunity Next Question Bank to find more meaningful questions to ask as you consider your options.