According to the United States Department of Labor: "Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly-skilled careers. Workers benefit from apprenticeships by receiving a skills-based education that prepares them for good-paying jobs. Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit, build, and retain a highly-skilled workforce."
What makes registered apprenticeship distinct from other post-secondary options is the required connection to work: Apprentices are students who are employed in their program of study. They are getting direct, relevant experience in their chosen career, even advancing in their profession as they learn.
What's The Differences Between an Apprenticeship and an Internship Apprenticeship USA Article
Apprenticeships vs Trade Schools Indeed.com Article
Pre-apprenticeships are supportive and hands-on training programs that help prepare people for entry and success in the building trades. These preparatory programs provide construction training and education, in addition to assisting with driver’s licensing, transportation, child care, budgeting, etc. The best part is if you show up and bring your best every day, they will help you get into a paid apprenticeship program.
NW Carpenters Institute (NWCI) Pre-Apprenticeship
Fast-paced 3-week, trade-specific pre-apprenticeship program for carpentry: Learn basic tool skills, Includes a strong basic on safety, Teaches the latest industry trends, Graduates have preferred entry into carpenters apprenticeship
Minimum Qualifications: 18 + (17 years old may also apply with parent's permission)
Preferred Qualifications: Proficient in math, Familiar with hand and power tools, Confident reading a tape measure, Ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment
Application Process: Contact the program staff for more information on how to apply to the pre-apprenticeship program
Cost: Training is free
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation
Contact: 253-437-5235, Training Office: 20424 72nd Ave. S., Kent, WA 98032, www.NWCI.org
JATC Pre-Apprenticeship (Cement Masons)
Two-plus weeks of training, Includes hands-on projects, Industry certifications: OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR, Direct entry into Cement Masons Apprenticeship JATC and member of Local 528 Cement Masons upon successful completion
Minimum Qualifications: Driver’s license, Second form of ID (Social Security card or passport), Clean drug test, High school diploma or GED
Application Process: Attend a required one-day selection event where you will compete for a position based on punctuality, mental and physical abilities, a good attitude and strong work ethic, Pick up application in person or complete online: www.opcmia528.org, Pass drug test, Submit documentation of: Education, Training, Work experience
Cost: Training is free
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation
Contact: 206-762-9286, concretetraining@trowelout.com, Training Office: 6737 Corson Ave. S., Building D-116, Seattle, WA 98108, www.opcmia528.org
Ironworkers Pre-Apprenticeship
Ironworkers craft and classroom curriculum, Industry certifications offered, 4-week training program, Direct entry into Ironworkers Apprenticeship upon successful completion
Minimum Qualifications: 18+, Driver’s license, Social Security card or I-9 verification, Clean drug test
Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma or GED
Application Process: Varies by cohort and work demand. Call for information, Vehicle registration for reliable transportation – can be in any name, Complete full-day physical try-out
Cost: Training is free
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation
Contact: 206-244-2993, greg@nwiw.com, Training Office: 4550 S. 134th Place, Suite 101, Tukwila, WA 98168, www.iw86appr.org
Pre-Apprenticeship & Construction Education (PACE) - A Program of ANEW
Multiple trade skills taught in construction shop, Employment skills (resumes, interviews, etc.), life skills (budget, teamwork, etc.) and construction math taught in classroom, Industry certifications offered, 11-week training program
Minimum Qualifications: 18+, Clean drug test
Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma or GED, Driver’s license
Application Process: Attend orientation (call for schedule), Complete phone interview, Attend PACE tryout,
Cost: Training is free
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation
Contact: PACE Training Program Manager, 206-947-5362, PACE@anewaop.org, Training Office: 7543 63rd Ave. NE, Building 5B, Seattle, WA 98115, www.anewaop.org
PACT-Seattle Central College Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training
Multiple trade skills taught in construction shop, Employment skills (resumes, interviews, etc.) life skills, (budget, teamwork, etc.) and construction math taught in classroom and shop
Industry certifications offered: 11-week training program, Offered quarterly, College credit
Minimum Qualifications: 18+, Clean drug test
Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma or GED, Driver’s license
Application Process: Attend information session (Wednesdays from 1 - 2:30 PM, Fishbowl Conference Room), Complete all documents, Register through Seattle Central College, Apply for Workforce Funding
Cost: Training is free
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation
Contact: 206-934-2943, PACT.Central@seattlecolleges.edu, Training Office: Wood Technology Center, 2310 S. Lane St., Seattle, WA 98144, http://svi.seattlecolleges.edu/pre-apprenticeshipconstruction-training-pact/
Trades Rotation Program - A Program of ANEW
Offers female-only cohorts, Offers 18-24-year-old cohorts, Technical and employment skills, Trades Rotation Program is 11 weeks of training, 3 days a week, and includes field trips to apprenticeship programs and construction sites
Minimum Qualifications: 18+, Clean drug test,
Preferred Qualifications: High school diploma or GED, Driver’s license
Application Process: Attend orientation (see schedule at anewcareer.org), Bring: Driver’s license & Social Security card
Cost: Training is free
College credits may be available through South Seattle College. If eligible, tuition assistance available through BFET, TANF, RISE and WIOA.
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation,
Contact: Trades Rotation Program Manager 206-381-1384, info@anewaop.org, Renton Office: 550 SW Seventh St., B305, Renton, WA 98057, Kent Facility: 808 Washington Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032, www.anewaop.org
YouthCare’s YouthBuild (multiple trades)
6-month training program, GED preparation courses and testing/high school diploma support, Drivers preparation offered, Multiple trade skills taught (including carpentry, electrical and plumbing), Employment skills, life skills and construction math taught in classroom, Two terms college credit and 3-5 industry certifications offered (Forklift, Flaggers, OSHA 10), Intensive case management services offered (substance abuse support, housing assistance, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications: 18-24, Low Income, No high school diploma or GED*, Driver's license not required, *Diploma and GED holders accepted on a case-by-case basis
Application Process: Attend an information session (Wednesdays and Fridays at 12 PM, SSC Georgetown, Building B, Room 118). Call to confirm date and time, Complete application, Provide copy of ID and birth certificate or Social Security card, Provide proof of BFET eligibility (verification of food stamps or subsidized housing), Take a baseline GED exam, Complete a pre-program interview, Complete two-week physical try-out
Cost: Training is free, In-program certifications and exams (such as GED) are free, Biweekly student stipends and other incentives (such as ORCA card) offered
Need to Succeed: Be physically capable to do the work, Show up early every day, Work well with others, Be ready to learn, Enjoy hands-on work, Have reliable transportation (ORCA card provided)
Contact: 206-295-2580, youthbuild@youthcare.org, Training Office: South Seattle College (SSC), Georgetown Campus, 6737 Corson Ave. S.. Building B, Room 118, Seattle, WA 98018, www.youthcare.org/node/2546
Boilermakers 104 - Local 104 Apprenticeships
Boilermakers 502 - Local 502 Apprenticeship Program
Bricklayers & Craftworkers - www.levelupnw.org
Carpenters - www.nwci.org
Cement Masons & Plasterers - www.opcmia528.org
Drywall Finishers, Floor Layers, Glaziers, Painters - www.ftinw.org
Electricians - www.psejatc.org
Elevator Constructors - www.iuec19.org
Heat & Frost Insulators - www.local7insulators.org
Ironworkers - www.iw86appr.org
Laborers - www.laborerslocal242.com
Operating Engineers - www.oetraining.com
Plumbers & Pipefitters - www.seattlepipetrades.org
Roofers - www.rooferslocal54.com/
Sheet Metal Workers - www.wwsmjatc.org
Sprinkler Fitters - www.ualocal699.org
Teamsters - www.teamsterstraining.org
Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing (AJAC Program) - www.ajactraining.org/programs/
Seattle City Light Apprenticeship Programs - www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers/apprenticeships
King County Metro Apprenticeship Programs - kingcounty.gov/depts/transportation/metro/about/careers/apprenticeships.aspx
ANEW Apprenticeship Programs - anewcareer.org/
Open Shop Apprenticeship Programs - www.citcwa.org
Parent's Guide to Apprenticeship - Parent's Guide PDF
United States Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Page
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Become an Apprentice - Getting Started Page
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Apprenticeship Search- Find an Apprentice or Apprenticeship Page
Job Corps offers an on-the-job experience designed to get you ready for the workforce - Job Corp Explore the Possibilities Page
Apprenticeship USA Government Website - Apprenticeship.gov
ACE Mentorship Program - www.acementor.org/