What is a Pre-Apprenticeship
Pre-apprenticeship is a program or set of strategies designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) or other job opportunities. Pre-apprenticeships may last from a few weeks to a few months and may or may not include wages or stipend. Pre-apprenticeship programs have varied program elements; however, at the core, places an individual on a pathway to employability through a RAP.
The Indiana Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship certifies quality pre-apprenticeship programs making them eligible for available funding. Below are the elements of quality pre-apprenticeship programs.
Wages are highly encouraged
Pre-Apprentices who receive wages/stipends during their program may see wage increases as their skills and knowledge increase
Meaningful Hands-on Experience | Participants are individuals aiming to enhance skills needed for successfully entry into a partnered Registered Apprenticeship Program |
|---|---|
30+ | Develops skilled workers through structured learning in a work-like setting |
40-100 Hr | Improves job-related skills through education in a classroom setting with college credit often available |
Required (Career Coaching) | Provides participants with the support of a career coach/counselor for guidance and career planning |
Industry Certification + Articulation Agreement to Registered Apprenticeship | Offers a portable, nationally-recognized credential to be issued during or at the completion of the program |
State Certified | All Pre-Apprenticeship programs must go through a review process in order to become certified |
Why Pre-Apprenticeship?
Strategies for Long-Term Success
Strategies that increase Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for under-represented, disadvantaged or low-skilled individuals, such that, upon completion, they will meet the entry requirements, gain consideration, and are prepared for success in one or more Registered Apprenticeship program(s) including the following:
- Strong recruitment strategies focused on outreach to populations under represented3 in local, state, and national Registered Apprenticeship programs;
- Educational and pre-vocational services that prepare individuals to meet the entry requisites of one or more Registered Apprenticeship programs (e.g. specific career and industry awareness workshops, job readiness courses, English for speakers of other languages, Adult Basic Education, financial literacy seminars, math tutoring, etc.); and
- Assists in exposing participants to local, state and national Registered Apprenticeship programs and provides direct assistance to participants applying to those programs;
Access to Appropriate Support Services
Facilitates access to appropriate support services4 during the pre-apprenticeship program and a significant portion of the Registered Apprenticeship program;
Promotes Greater Use of Registered Apprenticeship to Increase Future Opportunities
To support the ongoing sustainability of the partnership between pre apprenticeship providers and Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, these efforts should collaboratively promote the use of Registered Apprenticeship as a preferred means for employers to develop a skilled workforce and to create career opportunities for individuals;
Meaningful Hands-on Training that does not Displace Paid Employees
Provides hands-on training to individuals in a simulated lab experience or through volunteer opportunities, when possible, neither of which supplants a paid employee but accurately simulates the industry and occupational conditions of the partnering Registered Apprenticeship sponsor(s) while observing proper supervision and safety protocols; and
Facilitated Entry and/or Articulation
When possible, formalized agreements5 exist with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors that enable individuals who have successfully completed the pre-apprenticeship program to enter directly into a Registered Apprenticeship program and/or include articulation agreements for earning advanced credit/placement for skills and competencies already acquired.
Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Criteria by Program Type
Quality pre-apprenticeship programs play a valuable role in preparing eligible entry-level workers for Registered Apprenticeship careers while contributing to the development of a diverse and skilled workforce.
| Type of WBL | (a) Training | (b) Mentoring/Counseling | (c) OJT | (d) Certification | (e) Articulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facilitated Entry *Typically found in K12 or youth setting | 40-100+ Hours In Partnership with RAP Sponsor | Provided by high school counselor or WBL Coordinator, Adult Education, Employer, Training Provider, WorkOne or Program Sponsor | 120+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work or Volunteering *Typically, a 1–2 year program | Certification on Graduation Equivalent List | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
| Adult Education IET/WEI | 40-100 Hours | Provided by Adult Education, Employer or WorkOne | 30+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work or Volunteering | Certification on Indiana Promoted List | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
| Training Provider: Entry Level Certification | 40-100 Hours | Provided by Adult Education, Employer, Training Provider, WorkOne or Program Sponsor | 30+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work or Volunteering | Certification on Indiana Promoted List | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
| Employer Provided | 40-100 Hours | Provided by Employer | 30+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work or Volunteering | Certification on Indiana Promoted List | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
***K-12 Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are a work-based learning tool that may be available to your students. Indiana leads the country in robust Registered Apprenticeship programs. These programs provide occupational training that combines paid, on-the-job experience and classroom instruction leading to a fulfilling, long-term career. One way for students to learn about these career opportunities is through Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs. Pre-apprenticeship is a program designed to prepare your students for successful entry into Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) and typically span a student’s Junior & Senor year. Pre-Apprenticeship programs may or may not include wages or stipend but must articulate into a partnered Registered Apprenticeship program. OWBLA certifies Pre-Apprenticeship programs in Indiana and can connect Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs with funding opportunities.
If you or your organization is interested in learning more about creating Pre-Apprenticeship programs, how to certify your existing Pre-Apprenticeship program, or potential funding for programs, please contact us.
