In short
A pre-apprenticeship is a short program, often a few weeks to a few months, that teaches basic construction skills, safety, math and job readiness to help you get into a registered apprenticeship. Many are free and run by community colleges, nonprofits, building trades councils or workforce boards. Good programs have agreements with apprenticeship sponsors, which can mean extra ranking points or a direct interview.
What you usually get
- Hands-on basics: tools, measuring, materials
- An OSHA 10 construction safety card in many programs
- Math refreshers and practice for aptitude tests
- First aid and CPR
- Help with documents, interviews and applications
- A look at several trades before you pick one
How to tell a good one
Ask whether graduates go on to registered apprenticeships and how many did last year. Ask which sponsors the program partners with. The Department of Labor describes quality pre-apprenticeships as ones with a documented partnership with at least one registered apprenticeship program.
Want training that leads to a job?
Tell us your trade and ZIP and we will send programs near you.
Who it helps most
People switching from another field, people with gaps in work history, people returning from incarceration, and anyone who needs a math refresher before an aptitude test. Many programs also focus on bringing more women and veterans into the trades.
Straight answers
How long is a pre-apprenticeship?
Most run a few weeks to a few months.
Are pre-apprenticeship programs free?
Many are, through grants, workforce boards or building trades councils. Ask before you enroll.
Does a pre-apprenticeship guarantee an apprenticeship?
No. It can make you a stronger applicant and sometimes earns ranking points, but the sponsor still chooses.
Do I get paid in a pre-apprenticeship?
Usually not, though some offer stipends or help with transportation.