A Career That Looks Forward

If you’ve been incarcerated or involved in the justice system, you know the challenges of finding a good job. Construction apprenticeship offers something different: a paid career path that values what you can do, not where you’ve been.

Washington State has programs and policies specifically designed to help you get into the trades:

• Many programs welcome applicants regardless of criminal history, and Washington’s Fair Chance Act prohibits employers and apprenticeship programs from automatically excluding applicants based on criminal history. Learn more in the Fair Chance Act guide.

• Pre-apprenticeship programs offer free training, safety certifications, and direct connections to apprenticeship programs. Palmer Pathways recruits justice-connected individuals, ANEW offers programs and TRAC (Trades Related Apprenticeship Coaching) offers a re-entry program that prepares students for competitive eligibility for many union trades apprenticeship programs.

What You’ll Need: - A willingness to work hard and learn - Reliable transportation - A high school diploma or GED

Your Next Step: Review welcoming pre-apprenticeship programs here. They’ll help you figure out next steps, no matter where you’re starting from.