Pre-apprenticeship programs first step in preparing people for trade careers

Pre-apprenticeship programs are educational programs that prepare people to be ready to apply for a registered apprenticeship program.

Participants in these programs receive in-class and hands-on training that will help them develop educational and work-related skills and will make them more likely to be accepted in an apprenticeship. They will be able to improve their literacy, math and English skills and be trained in such work-readiness habits as showing up on time and following instructions. They will also get a head start on career-specific training.

Pre-apprenticeship programs exist for quite a few blue-collar fields, including carpentry, construction, medic, pipefitter and culinary trades.

They are sponsored by a variety of nonprofit organizations, unions and community colleges. The community college programs require tuition, but scholarships may be available, and some pre-apprenticeship programs are covered by grants.

Currently there is no national directory of programs that we know of, although several organizations have tried to create one.

The best way to find out about one of these program in your area is to contact your local American Job Center (formerly known as One-Stop Career Center).