What is Pre-Apprenticeship?
No experience? No problem. Pre-Apprenticeship programs are a great way to gain experience, build credentials, and prepare you with the skills to succeed in your chosen trade. Pre-Apprenticeships are typically 6-8 weeks, though programs will vary.
Is Pre-Apprenticeship right for me?
Although Pre-Apprenticeship can be helpful, it’s not required (and often not necessary) to become a Registered Apprentice. Pre-Apprenticeships may be a good fit for individuals who:
- Are interested in a career in the construction trades and have little or no experience
- Experience barriers to employment (i.e. previous incarceration)
- Need to improve their math skills
- Need assistance obtaining supplies or equipment
- Need help meeting minimum qualifications for a Registered Apprenticeship
Pre-Apprenticeship programs provide:
An approved training curriculum. Learn fundamental skills specific to your industry to help you feel ready for an apprenticeship. Examples include basic hand tool and equipment operation, math and measuring, workplace harassment and discrimination training, and onsite safety.
Educational and pre-vocational services. Sharpen your math skills. Master the art of blueprint reading. Gain access to support services like transportation support, clothing and work boot supply, tools, access to childcare, and more.
Hands-on training. As an apprentice, you’ll be on the ground getting experience from skilled mentors in your field. A Pre-Apprenticeship prepares you for the next step in your career with a variety of experiences including simulated labs, field trips, and guest speakers.
Application assistance. Towards the end of your Pre-Apprenticeship, you’ll receive assistance in the Registered Apprentice application process. Tackle everything from resume building to interview and communication skills. By the end of your Pre-Apprenticeship, you’ll be one step closer to becoming a Registered Apprentice!
Find a pre-apprenticeship program
Start a pre-apprenticeship program
Learn more about starting a pre-apprenticeship program with the Pre-Apprenticeship Application Toolkit. When you're ready, you can apply for certification.
Click here to download the pre-apprenticeship participant form.
Have questions? Please contact ATD.General@boli.oregon.gov or call (971) 245-3844 to get in touch with a staff member who can help.
10-21-2024: The OPAT database is currently not experiencing any technical issues.
Upcoming Trainings
Oregon Pre-Apprenticeship Tracking System (OPAT): Next training is Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11am (click here to sign up)
(Please note: this training is for program administrators only. It is not for pre-apprentices.)
The Oregon Pre-Apprenticeship Tracking System, or OPAT, is a web application required to be used by registered pre-apprenticeship programs to document all actions and activities throughout the life cycles of pre-apprentices. OPAT allows administrators and coordinators to have quick access to information about the status of pre-apprentices as well as an overview of the demographics of their program(s).
Participants in this training will:
- Understand how the OPAT program assists pre-apprenticeship staff with the administration of their program,
- Learn how to navigate the web-based OPAT application,
- Electronically manage pre-apprentices using OPAT.
Please contact ATD.Email@boli.oregon.gov for more information.