Sky Blue Builders is proving that the future of construction and engineering isn’t just in college classrooms, but it’s also in hands-on, real-world experience. Through their youth apprenticeship program, the employee-owned construction firm is cultivating the next generation of industry leaders by integrating high school graduates directly into their workforce.
The initiative is more than just a typical internship. It’s a structured, long-term investment in young talent. Julia Mata, Human Resources Manager at Sky Blue Builders, has seen firsthand the impact apprenticeships have on both students and the company.
Sky Blue Builders is built on a culture of investment — investment not only in projects but in people. The apprenticeship program is a key part of that mission, giving young professionals a direct pathway into the workforce with full-time employment opportunities upon graduation.
“The apprenticeship allows Sky Blue to harness a different workforce throughout Colorado,” Mata said. “It’s not just about hiring straight out of college; we have the opportunity to fine-tune some skills for high school graduates. It allows us to mold our employees.”
Beyond skill-building, the program gives apprentices real responsibilities that contribute to the company’s success. “Our team fights for our apprentices, actually. There are a few different projects that our project managers want them on,” she said. “It’s really rewarding to see that we’ve found some great apprentices who have become such an asset to our team.”
For apprentices, the transition from school to the professional world can be daunting. Sky Blue Builders ensures that their apprentices feel the value of their work from day one and are fully integrated into the company’s culture.
“They definitely keep me on my toes,” Mata said. “They think outside the box and really streamline processes. That has really kept me on my toes, allowing me to open up my perspective on different ways of approaching tasks.”
Once apprentices graduate from high school, they receive a pathway to a successful career.
“When they were still in school, they were rotating between different projects, just trying to get a scope of what Sky Blue does and what they were interested in,” Mata said. “But once they graduated, some became full-time, working 40 hours, and were eligible for all of our benefits: healthcare, dental, 401(k), PTO, holidays.”
It’s this level of commitment that makes Sky Blue’s program stand out in a competitive job market.
While the transition into a professional environment isn’t always seamless, Sky Blue Builders ensures apprentices are supported every step of the way.
“If there’s any kind of additional training or certifications needed, Sky Blue will pay for all of that for our employees,” Mata said. “We offer not only the standard benefits but also professional development reimbursement. One of our apprentices, Brian, actually utilizes that every year and is using it for his college tuition.”
The company also works diligently to help struggling apprentices find their footing, offering mentorship, corrective plans, and resources to help them succeed.
For Sky Blue Builders, apprenticeships aren’t just about filling positions. They’re about shaping the future of the industry. By providing young professionals with hands-on experience, direct mentorship, and a pathway to ownership, the company is redefining what workforce development can look like in the construction and engineering fields.
