Apprenticeship Preparation
Prepares students and job seekers for success in an apprenticeship program.
Not Sure You’re Ready? Pre-Apprenticeship is the next step.
Pre-apprenticeship programs are short-term training programs designed to prepare you for a construction apprenticeship.
What You’ll Get: - Basic construction skills training - Safety certifications - Help with your apprenticeship application - Connections to apprenticeship programs - Support with transportation, tools, and other barriers - Confidence that you belong in this industry
Who They’re For: Everyone. Pre-apprenticeship programs serve high school students, career changers, women entering non-traditional fields, tribal members, justice-involved individuals, veterans, and anyone else who wants to explore construction careers.
Programs typically last a few months, and graduates are more likely to be accepted into apprenticeship.
Every program listed on this page has been formally recognized by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council. That recognition means the program meets state standards for curriculum, industry partnerships, and graduate outcomes, and that completers have a defined pathway into a registered apprenticeship.
ANEW
ANEW offers high-quality, pre-apprenticeship training programs that help individuals obtain careers in construction trades.
ANEW partners with many registered apprenticeship programs in the Seattle area and exposes students directly to their training facilities. These training partners explain their industry, teach technical and math-related lessons, and emphasize the importance of fitness.
As a graduate of ANEW, you will receive direct or preferred entry into a construction apprenticeship program. You will also receive placement assistance and retention services for two years.
Palmer Scholars Pathways Program
Palmer Scholars focuses on disconnected young adults between the ages of 18-26 in Pierce County. They recruit talented young adults who are not gainfully employed or enrolled in school and are interested in pursuing a career in the trades. Palmer Pathways Scholars receive training, mentoring, and ongoing support throughout their academic/professional journey. Palmer Pathways is a certified pre-apprenticeship program by the Washington State Apprenticeship & Training Council. This means that Scholars who complete the Palmer Pathways Pre-Apprenticeship Program will receive preferred or direct entry into one of our six construction trade partners.
Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center of Edmonds College Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Launched in October 2021, the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC) Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program (CAP) is a short-term, high-impact educational training program offered through Edmonds College. The tuition-free program prepares students for entry-level trade jobs or a paid apprenticeship program. In this intensive, hands-on training, students learn about basics in construction, plumbing, tool identification and use, trade-level math, reading work plans and blueprints, worksite behavior and readiness, life skills in working as a team, setting goals, and problem-solving. Once they complete the 300-hour training and a capstone project, graduates earn their Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program Badge.
Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (PACT)
Offered through the Seattle Colleges, the PACT program prepares students to be successful in a construction trades apprenticeship. Learn more on the Seattle Colleges website.
Spokane Community College Skilled Trades Program (STP)
Interested in a skilled trade? STP introduces you to the skills and training you need to succeed as an apprentice, no matter what trade you choose. Your instructors and apprenticeship coordinators will help you find the right career path for you.
L&I Apprenticeship Preparation
Apprenticeship preparation programs help you find and prepare for registered apprenticeship opportunities. Find an apprenticeship preparation program:
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/apprenticeship-preparation
Apprenticeship Preparation Programs across Washington state
Construction Trades Apprenticeship Preparation (CTAP) at Washington Corrections Center in Gig Harbor, operated by the Department of Corrections in partnership with the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Contact: Janece Levien, Education Services Administrator, Reentry Division, 360-480-3720.
Construction Trades Training Academy in Tacoma (operated by the Building Industry Association of Washington Foundation). Contact: Al Audette, 360-352-7800.
Core Roots Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Seattle (The Silent Task Force). Contact: DaWan DuBois, 206-657-7108.
Lindbergh High School Construction Program in Renton. Contact: Creed Tremaine Nelson, 425-204-3296.
Longview School District Apprenticeship Preparation Program in Longview. Contact: William Ofstun, 360-575-7810.
Military Veteran Program at NWCI in Kent. Contact: Paula Resa, 253-778-5162.
NEWTech Energy and Power Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Spokane. Contact: Marie Miller, 509-354-4827.
Pre-Employment Preparation Program (PEPP) in Spokane (Eastern WA and North Idaho Building Trades). Contact: Judith Gilmore, 509-327-5041.
Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) in Marysville. Contact: Anne Carnell, 360-965-0035.
Seattle Conservation Corps in Seattle. Contact: Ruth Blaw, 206-684-0190.
Seattle Public Schools Skilled Trades Pre-Apprenticeship. Contact: Jay Connolly, 206-850-7916.
ABC Inland Pacific Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Spokane Valley. Contact: Sarah Cottam, 509-534-0826. ABC-IPC has direct or preferred entry agreements across twelve WSATC-approved construction trades programs.
Perry Technical Institute in Yakima (Welding Technology and other programs recognized). Contact: Perry Tech directly at 509-453-0374.
Building Futures: Pre-Apprenticeship in Construction and Beyond (March 2024)
Download the Full Report [PDF]
This comprehensive report, produced by the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies, explores the critical role of pre-apprenticeship programs in advancing workforce equity within Washington’s construction industry. Focusing on underrepresented groups—including BIPOC, women, and gender-diverse individuals—the report examines employment disparities, industry trends, and the effectiveness of pre-apprenticeship pathways in preparing participants for registered apprenticeships and high-wage careers.
Key highlights include:
Analysis of racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in construction employment and apprenticeship access.
Survey findings from pre-apprenticeship organizations and participants across the Puget Sound region.
Insights into the Regional Pre-Apprenticeship Collaboration (RPAC) and its role in fostering equity and expanding opportunities.
Recommendations for policy and programmatic improvements, including the need for wrap-around support services like transportation, housing, and mentorship.
This report is an essential resource for educators, workforce development professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable construction workforce.