CO - Not Being Paid For Mandatory Training

[drnemo]

After working at an establishment for a few months it has now been determined that I must undertake mandatory, unpaid training for 8-10 hours a week for the next month. I work with an organization that has decided to make sure that we all have lifeguard certification. It has been determined that we are to receive certification on our own time and not be paid for it. Seeing as this lifeguard experience was not neccessary to become employed, and this "mandatory" event was decided with no explanation and kind of "last-minute," is this legal? I definitely am worried about approaching the owner of the organization as they may resort in retaliation against me, and seeing as I live in a right-to-work state they can fire me without reason. I've tried looking at some CO DOL info, but can't seem to find any documentation to approach my employer with. Help? Thanks!!!