Pre-Apprenticeship

• Quality pre-apprenticeship programs can assist RAPs in expanding their talent pipeline, broadening outreach and access to a wider pool of candidates.
• Quality pre-apprenticeship programs play a major role in removing barriers to entering and being successful in a RAP.
• RAPs that establish and cultivate close-working relationships with pre-apprenticeship programs often find that such partnerships are effective in reducing barriers to entry often faced by underrepresented populations.
• Quality pre-apprenticeships with a focus on outreach to underrepresented and underserved groups can aid RAPs in meeting the EEO requirements of a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

Who determines what is a quality pre-apprenticeship?

Colorado State Apprenticeship Agency Rules, 7 CCR 1108-13)(1.3) defines quality pre-apprenticeship as “a training model that meets, at a minimum, the federal definition of quality pre-apprenticeship, and any additional criteria established by the SAA for state recognition. Quality pre-apprenticeships are designed to assist individuals who may not currently possess the minimum requirements for selection into a registered apprenticeship program to meet the minimum selection criteria established in a program sponsor’s apprenticeship standards.

What are the key elements of a quality pre-apprenticeship program?

The five elements of a quality pre-apprenticeship include:

1. Partnership with RAP sponsors
   1. Quality pre-apprenticeship programs have a partnership with one or more registered apprenticeship programs that assists in placing individuals who complete the pre-apprenticeship program in a registered apprenticeship program.
2. Industry-aligned Coursework
   1. Quality pre-apprenticeship programs provide training and curriculum that aligns with the skill needs of employers in the economy of the State or region involved.
3. Meaningful training combined with hands-on experience replicating a workplace
   1. Quality pre-apprenticeships provide hands-on, meaningful learning activities that are connected to education and training activities, such as exploring career options, and understanding how the skills acquired through coursework can be applied toward a future career.
4. Access to career and supportive services
   1. Quality pre-apprenticeship programs provide access to educational and career counseling and other supportive services, directly or indirectly.
5. Opportunities to earn an Industry-Recognized Credential
   1. Quality pre-apprenticeship programs provide pre-apprentices with opportunities to attain at least one industry-recognized credential.

The SAA has not established any further criteria for state recognition at this time.

What kinds of organizations provide pre-apprenticeships?

There are a wide variety of organizations that provide pre-apprenticeship programs.  These organizations may include community colleges, community-based organizations, employers and RAP sponsors, and more.

Is there a certification or approval process for pre-apprenticeships operating in Colorado?

There is currently no certification or approval process for pre-apprenticeship programs operating in Colorado. Apprenticeship Colorado does not register or oversee pre-apprenticeship programs.

I am a RAP Sponsor, why would I want to partner with a pre-apprenticeship program?

There are a lot of benefits for RAP sponsors to develop and partner with pre-apprenticeship programs. Partnering with a pre-apprenticeship program can help increase diversity and help your RAP meet EEO requirements. Additionally, it can help create a pipeline of talent that your program needs to be successful.

How do pre-apprenticeship programs partner with Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs)?

Pre-apprenticeship programs work directly with RAP sponsors as a pipeline for talent to place ready and qualified candidates into Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Quality pre-apprenticeship programs must partner with one or multiple sponsors and may feed into one or multiple occupations.

It’s important for pre-apprenticeship programs to work closely with RAP sponsors throughout the process to ensure the individuals will be successful once they enter the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Upon completion of the Pre-apprenticeship program, individuals should be prepared to enter and be successful in the Registered Apprenticeship Program.

See if your organization meets the five basic elements of a quality pre-apprenticeship program by completing our self-assessment below or open in a new window.