Press Release: Fortified Academy
Emily Griffith Technical College and Fortified Academy Announce Commercial Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship Program to Strengthen Colorado’s Trucking Workforce
Fortified Academy is the first minority-owned Commercial Truck Driver registered apprenticeship program in Colorado
DENVER, June 25, 2025 – Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) and Fortified Academy have announced a collaboration for a new Commercial Truck Driver Registered Apprenticeship Program aimed at addressing Colorado’s growing demand for skilled truck drivers. Fortified Academy is the first minority-owned Commercial Truck Driver registered apprenticeship program (RAP) in Colorado. The apprenticeship program offers a structured pathway for drivers to “earn and learn” through paid apprenticeships.
In the one-year apprenticeship, individuals who already have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will receive hands-on training behind the wheel, along with classroom instruction, including learning how to inspect and operate Class A vehicles, follow safety procedures, navigate long-haul and regional routes, and comply with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Upon completion, drivers will be better prepared for a successful, long-term career in the transportation industry with the skills and confidence needed to handle demanding hauls and high-value loads.
“This collaboration provides a seamless and supportive route for individuals interested in a career in the trucking industry to achieve their goals,” said Kevin Riebau, dean of apprenticeship at Emily Griffith Technical College. “This is the first apprenticeship of its kind for Emily Griffith Technical College and Fortified Academy, and we are excited to support Fortified Academy in their efforts to train new drivers, especially those that have been justice impacted.”
“Our goal is to empower individuals with the skills and confidence needed for successful careers in trucking,” said Monica Gilbert, chief executive officer of Fortified Academy. “This partnership enhances our ability to provide comprehensive training and support.”
Fortified Academy is a family-owned business established in 2019 as a workforce development and training organization dedicated to preparing individuals—especially students, veterans, and justice-impacted populations—for careers in the commercial trucking industry. Through its competency based CDL Driver Apprentice Training Program, Fortified Academy delivers a comprehensive, FMCSA-aligned curriculum (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) that combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a registered apprenticeship model. The program also features a peer coaching component focused on essential life skills, equipping graduates with the tools, confidence, and support needed to build stable, successful futures on the road and beyond.
For more information about Emily Griffith, visit emilygriffith.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
For more information about Fortified Academy, visit fortifiedacademy.org.
About Emily Griffith Technical College
The mission of Emily Griffith Technical College (Emily Griffith) is to prepare students for today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. Emily Griffith is the public, postsecondary and adult education arm of the Denver Public School system and serves over 8,500 students through Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate programs, apprenticeships, high school equivalency and English classes. Over the past 100+ years, the College has educated nearly two million students who have sought pathways toward long-term career advancement. In 2023, Emily Griffith Technical College was recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor as an Apprenticeship Ambassador for serving as a champion in promoting, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. For more information, visit our website and follow us on social media.
About Fortified Academy
Fortified Academy is a family-owned business established in 2019 as a workforce development and training organization dedicated to preparing individuals—especially students, veterans, and justice-impacted populations—for careers in the commercial trucking industry. Through its competency based CDL Driver Apprentice Training Program, Fortified Academy delivers a comprehensive, FMCSA-aligned curriculum that combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a registered apprenticeship model. The program also features a peer coaching component focused on essential life skills, equipping graduates with the tools, confidence, and support needed to build stable, successful futures on the road and beyond.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jamie Winter
Winter Public Relations