What is a Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
Pre-Apprenticeship is a program or set of strategies that are designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Pre-apprenticeship can be integrated into high school career and technical programs with the help of a contractor who is sponsoring the students.
Consider the Benefits of Pre-Apprenticeship
Employers
Save time and money: Pre-Apprenticeship programs provide pre-screened, ready-to-work employees who have been trained in the specific skills employers need. Find partners to help design your program.
Educators
Many successful Pre-Apprenticeship programs are housed at high schools and community colleges because they offer hands-on learning opportunities for students. Learn more about how apprenticeship boosts education.
Career Seekers
A Pre-Apprenticeship program can help you prepare for the apprenticeship that’s right for you. Read more about the federal Pre-Apprenticeship programs YouthBuild and Job Corps or search our Partner Finder to see sponsors that may offer a Pre-Apprenticeship program.
What Creates a Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
Quality pre-apprenticeship programs can play a valuable role in providing work-based learning to help people prepare for an entry-level apprenticeship. While Pre-Apprenticeship programs have varied designs and approaches, the Department of Labor has outlined the elements of a quality pre-apprenticeship program that can place an individual on the potential career pathway to employability.
APPROVED CURRICULUM
Training that is based on industry standards
SIMULATED EXPERIENCE
Hands-on training or volunteer opportunities that do not displace paid employees
FACILITATED ENTRY
Agreements with sponsors that allow program participants to enter directly into an apprenticeship
INCREASED DIVERSITY (Learn more about Diversity and Inclusion)
Recruitment and preparation for underrepresented populations to be successful
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
Wrap-around services or referrals to help participants complete the program (e.g childcare, transportation)
SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboratively promote Registered Apprenticeship to other employers
Case Studies
Believing in the benefits that pre-apprenticeship programs can offer employers, educators, and individuals who are seeking a career change the Dep’t of Labor has drafted the following real-life case studies serve as examples of pre-apprenticeships across various industries and occupations and the impact they are having in our communities.
CVS HEALTH Attracted more diverse candidates, increased efficiency by 50%, and raised retention rates
URBAN TECHNOLOGY PROJECT – Increased employment of disabled workers. CHICAGO WOMEN IN TRADES – 40% of participants were women and 90% were people of color, exceeding national averages.
For Inquiries regarding Pre-apprenticeship or Registered Apprenticeship contact
JAMES F. CARNES SR
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
CELL 832 552 2267
Email
