Construction Trades Programs in Denver, Colorado

Finding Construction Trades Schools in Denver, Colorado

Are you dreaming of building a future in the construction trades industry? Denver, Colorado, is an excellent place to start. With a growing construction market and abundant educational resources, pursuing a trade career here can open doors to a rewarding profession. This guide covers everything you need to know—from training opportunities and certification requirements to employment options—in the heart of Colorado.

Construction trades encompass specialized professions within the building, remodeling, and repair industries. From carpentry and electrical work to plumbing and HVAC systems, these careers provide essential services while often offering lucrative opportunities and job security. In Denver, you’ll find vocational schools, trade programs, and apprenticeships to kick-start or advance your career.

About Denver, Colorado

Denver, the Mile-High City and the capital of Colorado, boasts a thriving economy and growing infrastructure. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, it offers a mix of urban and outdoor opportunities, attracting professionals from diverse industries. Denver’s dynamic neighborhoods, like LoDo (Lower Downtown), Capitol Hill, and Cherry Creek, make it an exciting place to live and work. Explore more about this remarkable city on Denver’s official website.

Construction Trades Programs in Denver, Colorado

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, Denver offers several educational programs dedicated to construction trades. Here are three institutions providing excellent resources:

• Emily Griffith Technical College
  Located in downtown Denver, the Emily Griffith Technical College has been a trusted name in vocational education for over 100 years. Their Construction Trades programs include electrical, plumbing, and HVAC training, among others. Learn more on their official website.

• Community College of Denver (CCD)
  CCD offers a variety of programs, including construction management courses that combine technical skills with business acumen. Students can participate in hands-on training while earning certifications. Visit their construction programs page for details.

• Colorado State University (CSU) – Construction Management Programs
  At their Spur campus in Denver, Colorado State University provides a Construction Management Certificate Program designed to teach project management, budgeting, scheduling, and more. This program is tailored for professionals seeking Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). Read more on CSU’s certificate program page.

If you’re interested in pursuing alternative training locations, neighboring cities like Aurora and Lakewood also house vocational schools offering diverse construction-related programs.

Construction Employment Opportunities in Denver

Denver’s booming construction industry means plenty of job opportunities with local and regional firms. Here are a few key employers:

• Mortenson Construction
  Based in Denver, Mortenson specializes in building construction, development, and solar energy projects. They offer extensive career opportunities in project management and skilled trades. Check their openings on the Mortenson careers page.

• GE Johnson Construction Company
  Known for its large commercial projects, GE Johnson focuses on constructing hospitals, schools, and civic centers. Learn about current job openings on their official website.

• Saunders Construction
  Located near the Denver Tech Center, Saunders Construction is a full-service general contractor handling a wide range of developments in Colorado. Explore employment opportunities on their careers page.

These companies and many others in the area frequently seek skilled tradespeople, from electricians to welders and everything in between.

Prerequisites for Construction Trades Programs

To enroll in a construction trades program, you’ll typically need to meet the following requirements:

• Minimum Age: Most programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is often required.
• Entrance Exams: Vocational schools may ask students to pass basic skills assessments in math, reading, or trades-specific knowledge.
• Physical Fitness: Stamina and the ability to handle physical tasks are crucial for jobs in construction.
• Background Checks: Certain programs, especially those in security-sensitive trades, might require a criminal background check.

Reach out to the school of your choice for their specific prerequisites.

Certification and Licensure Requirements in Colorado

Colorado is unique because it does not require a state-level general contractor’s license. Instead, certification and licensing needs are managed locally, and Denver has its own stipulations. Here’s how to navigate Denver’s requirements:

Denver Supervisor Certificate

Issued by Denver’s Community Planning and Development division, this certificate demonstrates competency in trades such as construction, demolition, electrical work, and more. Applicants must document hands-on experience, meet supervisor recommendations, and complete notarized applications. Certificates vary by trade and can be found under specific categories (e.g., roofing, drywall, fire protection). Learn more from the City of Denver Contractor Licensing Portal.

General Contractor Licenses

Denver offers multiple categories depending on experience and specialization. Some examples include:

• Class A License: Requires seven years of experience in the construction field or a relevant degree. Includes a requirement to pass the ICC Exam #F11.
• Class B License: Requires four years of experience or a partial substitution with a related degree. Includes passing ICC Exam #F12.

Visit the Denver Contractor Licensing page for more details on local licensing requirements and fees.

National Certifications

Depending on your trade, certifications like OSHA safety training or NCCER credentials for specific construction skills may boost your employability.

Licensure Reciprocity

Colorado does not have statewide reciprocity agreements for general contractor licenses, as these are set at a city level. However, certifications like OSHA and other federally recognized credentials are often valid across state lines.

Get Started Today

Pursuing a career in construction trades in Denver, Colorado, is not just about building structures—it’s about building a future for yourself. The opportunities for training, certification, and employment make this city a top destination for aspiring tradespeople. Contact one of the schools listed above today, and take the first step toward a robust and fulfilling career in the construction industry!

For labor market insights and job outlooks, visit the BLS Construction Trades Workers page.