Apprenticeship Pathway

Pre-Apprenticeship

• Purpose: Prepares individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship program.
• Audience: Often targets youth, underrepresented populations, or those needing foundational skills.
• Features:
• Offers basic training in workplace readiness, math, literacy, or industry-specific skills.
• May include job shadowing or hands-on experience.
• Typically, short-term and not paid.
• Outcome: Designed to lead directly into a registered apprenticeship or employment. 

 Apprenticeship

• Purpose: A structured training program that combines paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction.
• Audience: Individuals seeking to earn while they learn in a skilled trade or profession.
• Features:
• Paid employment from day one.
• Progressive wage increases as skills improve.
• Industry-recognized credentials upon completion.
• Outcome: Leads to full-time employment and often long-term career advancement. 

Registered Apprenticeship

• Purpose: A formal apprenticeship program that is approved and registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) or a State Apprenticeship Agency.
• Audience: Same as apprenticeship, but with added oversight and quality assurance.
• Features:
• Meets national standards for structure, quality, and outcomes.
• Includes a written agreement outlining training, wages, and expectations.
• Eligible for federal and state funding and support (e.g., WIOA, tax credits).
• Outcome: Graduates receive a nationally recognized credential from the DOL.