What are Pre-Apprenticeship Programs?
At their core pre-apprenticeship programs (PRAP) are designed to prepare individuals who do not currently possess the minimum requirements (academic or skills) to enter and succeed in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Although PRAPs are not intended to be prescriptive or rigid they should ultimately provide the key structural components of; education, meaningful hands-on or workplace-simulation, industry recognized certifications as well as a direct pathway to an active RAP. These structural components ensure quality of framework, sustainability, and consistency of partnership.
A certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a quality training program that is built based on the same components of a Registered Apprenticeship Program. The pre-apprenticeship program then took the extra step to demonstrate quality of program and strength of partnership by applying for and receiving state certification recognition.
Benefits of Pre-Registered Appenticeship Programs
Benefits for Participants
- Career exploration: Getting a feel for career pathway in an industry before long term commitment or career change
- Skill development: Learning and/or updating skills and knowledge, helping the individual enter a new occupation or progress within their current career path
- Earn credentials: Receive industry-recognized certification that enhances marketability and career advancement
- Transition to registered apprenticeship: Prepares for a seamless transition into an active Registered Apprenticeship Program
Benefits for Employers
- Saves time: Access to pre-screened employees with the skills needed who are ready to work
- Saves money: Lowers cost of turnover through gaining skilled, prepared employees
- Provides strong retention opportunities: Provides internal career advancement of existing employees, thereby ensuring retention of talent within the organization
Benefits for Educators and Others
- Providing knowledge and hands-on-learning: Providing the students with real-world learning experiences
- Community Partnership: Providing employers with the skilled workforce needed through proactive planning and engagement
- Increased Motivation of Participant: Improved attendance and reduced dropout rates
- Enhanced marketing and recruitment: Demonstration of career pathway and opportunities
PRAPs are built with the focus of preparing participants to be successful in a registered apprenticeship program. PRAPs are built with a similar structure as the RAPs, allowing the participants to better understand and prepare for the expectations as they transition from one program to another.
Required Structural Components
A strong comprehensive program must contain the following FIVE components:
Related Technical Instruction (RTI) that provides and aligns with the skill needs of employers in the community or region involved;
Meaningful Hands-on experiences (OJL) that are connected to education and training activities, providing real world understanding of how to apply skills acquired through the coursework;
Access to career counseling/coaching or mentoring and other supportive services, directly or indirectly;
Opportunities to attain at least one industry-recognized credential; and
An articulated partnership with one or more RAPs that provide entrance opportunities to individuals who successfully complete the PRAP into their active RAP.
PRAPs are not intended to be rigid with a single pathway. As such there is a need for multiple program types for participants and partners dependent on age, current academic participation, employment status and career pathway need.
Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Criteria by Program Type
THE FIVE BASIC ELEMENTS OF Pre-Apprenticeship Program Design
- Partnership with a RAP sponsor
- Sustainability through partnership
- Meaningful training combined with hands-on experience replicating a workplace that does not displace paid employees
- Access to career and supportive services
- Strategies that increase Registered Apprenticeship opportunities for underserved populations facing significant barriers to employment in the Registered Apprenticeship labor force.
| Type of WBL |
(a) RTI |
(b) OJL |
(c) Mentoring/ Counseling |
(d) Certification |
(e) Articulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SECONDARY High School and/or Career Centers |
40+ Hours In partnership with RAP Sponsor |
150+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work, or Volunteering *Typically. a 1–2 year program |
Provided by high school counselor or WBC Coordinator, Employer, Training Provider, WorkOne, or Program Sponsor | Certification on Graduation Equivalent List | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
| Type of WBL |
(a) RTI |
(b) OJL |
(c) Mentoring/ Counseling |
(d) Certification |
(e) Articulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADULT EDUCATION | 40+ Hours | 30+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work, or Volunteering | Provided by Adult Education, Employer, or WorkOne | Industry Recognized Certification (Indiana Promoted List Preferred) | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
| Type of WBL |
(a) RTI |
(b) OJL |
(c) Mentoring/ Counseling |
(d) Certification |
(e) Articulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TRAINING PROVIDER: ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATION |
40+ Hours | 30+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work, or Volunteering | Provided by Adult Education, Employer, Training Provider, WorkOne, or Program Sponsor | Industry Recognized Certification (Indiana Promoted List Preferred) | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
| Type of WBL |
(a) RTI |
(b) OJL |
(c) Mentoring/ Counseling |
(d) Certification |
(e) Articulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMPLOYER PROVIDED | 40+ Hours | 30+ Hour Simulation, Lab, Paid Work, or Volunteering | Provided by Employer | Industry Recognized Certification (Indiana Promoted List Preferred) | Facilitated Entry/Articulation Agreement into a US DOL RAP |
A Guide for Partners
Assembling program best practices to address the needs and requirements of Registered Apprenticeship
Whether you’re a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor or a community training partner, this guide provides you with the tools and knowledge to engage in pre-apprenticeship.
Use the graphic to the rightbelow to access the Pre-Apprenticeship Guide.
