Bridging Colorado’s Financial Talent Gap
July 8, 2025
The Watson Institute Career Accelerator Fellowship
In 2023, Watson Institute launched the Career Accelerator Fellowship with a strategic mission: to identify, develop and place high-potential talent in leadership-track roles at Colorado financial institutions facing critical workforce shortages. Addressing the widening gap between rapidly evolving industry demands and available skillsets, the fellowship provides a comprehensive solution that transforms qualified candidates into long-term financial professionals. By focusing on both technical expertise and professional development, Watson Institute created an innovative pathway that simultaneously solves employers’ pressing talent needs while accelerating career trajectories for ambitious job seekers.
A Powerful Partnership with Significant Benefits
The Fellowship has achieved an important milestone by becoming a Registered Apprenticeship in partnership with the Boulder Chamber. This designation unlocks powerful financial incentives through Colorado’s New and Emerging Industries Apprenticeship Tax Credit (HB24-1439), allowing participating banks to offset program costs completely.
As Matt Wiggins, associate VP of economic vitality for the Chamber, explains, “The more employers involved, the stronger these programs become.” With potential tax benefits of up to $126,000 in a single year, financial institutions can invest in talent development while simultaneously reducing their tax burden — creating a compelling business case for participation.