Career pathways are a set of programs and supports that help people build the skills they need—like academics, hands-on training, and workplace know-how—while also offering ongoing learning opportunities. The goal is to connect people to good jobs that are in high demand. In simple terms, a career pathway is a clear, organized way to plan for your future, explore different career options, and keep building your skills to open up better opportunities.

What they do: Install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and renewable energy projects. From wiring buildings to installing EV chargers, electricians play a key role in building the grid of the future.
How to learn: Apprenticeship (4–5 years, paid) or technical college program. State licensing required in Colorado through DORA.
Training while you work time: 4–5 years (apprenticeship) and some people participate in an unpaid 3-6 month pre-apprenticeship.
Typical cost: Apprenticeships low-cost/paid; pre-apprenticeship or trade school $500–$10,000.

Salary:

Entry $39,430 Mid-Range: $62,350 Senior Level: $106,030

What they do: Installand maintain electric vehicle charging stations for homes, businesses, and public sites. Support the growing demand for electric vehicles by installing and maintaining charging stations across the region. Programs like Goodwill’s Clean Tech Accelerator can help get you started. Clean Tech Accelerator | Goodwill of Colorado.
How to learn: Typically an electrician who adds EV-specific training. There is EV Service Engineer training as a pre-apprenticeship.

Training time: EVSE: 6-8 weeks; Electrician with EV specialty 4–5 years as an electrician + 20–40 hours EV training.
Typical cost: EVITP training $300–$1,000; electrician apprenticeship low-cost/paid.

Salary:

Entry: $31,200

Mid-Level: $39,890

Senior-Level: $56,770

What they do: Assess homes/buildings to find energy waste and recommend upgrades. Work with homeowners to identify energy loss and improve building performance—often at no cost to the resident. Some people become building inspectors or have a building inspector background.
How to learn: Training programs at colleges or online; Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification common.
Training time: 2–6 months.
Typical cost: Certification courses $1,500–$2,500 (sometimes employer-funded).

Entry: $46,560

Mid-Level: $72,120

Senior-Level: $112,329

What they do: Install and service heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, including efficient heat pumps.
How to learn: Apprenticeship or technical/community college program. Must hold EPA Section 608 certification.
Training time: 6 months–2 years (school) or 2–4 years (apprenticeship). Some people participate in an unpaid 1-week pre-apprenticeship to gain immediate employment.
Typical cost: Certificate and pre-apprentice programs $1,500–$6,000; associate degrees $5,000–$12,000; apprenticeships may be free/paid.

Salary:  Entry: $39,103 Mid-Range: $59,810  Senior Level: $91,020

What they do: Learn how to install and service energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that reduce carbon emissions and energy bills.

How to learn: Plumbing apprenticeship (4–5 years) or trade school. State licensing required in Colorado by the State Plumbing Board.
Training time: 2 year (3400 hours) for residential plumber, 4 years (8,500 hours) for master plumber.

Typical cost: Apprenticeships low-cost/paid; trade school programs $2,000–$15,000.

Salary:

Entry: $40,670

Mid-Level: $62,970

Senior-Level: $105,150

What they do: Install rooftop solar panels and connect them to electrical systems.
How to learn: On-the-job training or community college programs; NABCEP certification valuable.
Training time: 3–12 months (certificates) or 1–2 years (associate).
Typical cost: Community college $1,000–$5,000; NABCEP $1,500–$2,500.

Salary:

Entry: $39,070 Mid-Level: $51,860 Senior-Level: $80,150

What they do: Improve home efficiency by sealing leaks, adding insulation, and upgrading systems.
How to learn: On-the-job training through weatherization agencies or contractors.
Training time: 1–3 months.
Typical cost: Often free with employment; optional BPI certifications $800–$1,500.

Salary:

Entry: $39,670 Mid-Level: $58,890 Senior-Level: $92,280

What they do: Install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
How to learn: Most complete a 2-year associate’s degree in wind energy technology plus safety certifications.
Training time: 2 years.
Typical cost: Community college programs $5,000–$15,000.

Salary:

Entry: $49,110 Mid-Level: $62,580 Senior-Level: $88,090

Get the basics, build confidence, and prepare to enter an apprenticeship or job. These programs often include jobsite skills, tool training, safety certifications (like OSHA 10), and career support.

EEBC: 5 Day HVAC Heat Pump Apprenticeship

[The Master’s Apprentice – Denver Metro]

[IECRM – Adams]

[IBEW68 – Denver Metro]

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction—and lead to industry-recognized credentials and full-time careers.

[Laborers Local 720 – Green Construction]

[IBEW Local 68 – Electrical Apprenticeship]

[IECRM – Independent Electrical Contractors of the Rocky Mountains]

[Plumbers Local 3 – Plumbing & Pipefitting]

[UA Local 208 – HVAC/Refrigeration]

Take short-term or two-year courses in green building, energy auditing, EV tech, or solar. Many programs are stackable, and financial aid may be available.

• [Red Rocks Community College]
• [Front Range Community College]
• [Community College of Denver]