PWA can help connect students to apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships to improve students’ career readiness.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is as an employer-driven, earn while you learn model that combines on-the-job training with job-related instruction in curricula tied to the attainment of national skills standards. The model also involves progressive increases in an apprentice’s skills and wages, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

While an apprenticeship is often in traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing, the U.S. Department of Labor says apprenticeships are also instrumental for training and development in growing industries such as health care, information technology, transportation and logistics, and energy.

What is a pre-apprenticeship?

Pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in an apprenticeship program. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these programs can prepare participants to meet the basic qualifications for entry into an apprenticeship, click here to learn more!

Here is a sample of some pre-apprenticeship program providers:

• Reynolds Learning Academy (Trading Up)
• Reynolds High School HVAC
• ​Portland Community College Swan Island Trades Center
• Cascadia Technical Academy
• Job Corps – Oregon
• Job Corps – Washington
• Portland YouthBuilders
• St Helens High School, Building Const Dept
• Oregon Tradeswomen Inc.
• POIC – Portland Opportunities Industrialization Center
• Constructing Hope
  

How do I learn more?

For a list of available apprenticeship programs in Oregon, visit the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division and the Oregon Tradeswomen Apprenticeship Resources page.