Quality Pre-apprenticeships can play a valuable role in providing work-based learning to help prepare people for Registered Apprenticeships or other high-quality apprenticeships, and ultimately careers.
JFF (Jobs for the Future) developed a framework to guide the growth and development of Pre-apprenticeship programs. They later built on that framework to outline strategies and promising practices for developing high-quality programs that serve "Opportunity Youth". These are youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are disconnected from the workforce and education systems.
JFF’s Framework for High-Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
JFF’s framework includes six aspirational programmatic elements to ensure both equity and quality in pre-apprenticeships, while also leaving flexibility for programs to be customized to specific populations or industries. These elements are:
- Transparent entry and success requirements
- Alignment with skills sought by local employers and high-quality apprenticeship programs
- Culmination in one or more industry-recognized credentials
- Development of skills through hands-on activities and work-based learning
- Offering of academic, career exploration, and wraparound supports
- Transition into a registered apprenticeship or other high-quality apprenticeship program
Read the full “JFF’s Framework for a High-Quality Pre-Apprenticeship Program”.
JFF’s High Quality Pre-Apprenticeships for Opportunity Youth
This framework provides specific recommendations for aligning training for young people aged 16 to 24 who are disconnected from the workforce and education systems. It also offers examples of promising practices for existing training programs.
Read the full “JFF's Framework for High-Quality Pre-Apprenticeships for Opportunity Youth”.
Evolving Opportunities through Apprenticeships
Registered apprenticeship programs have historically been offered in the building trades. They’ve evolved to being offered in other skill-based industries such as STEM, IT, and healthcare fields. Between 2009 and 2020, apprenticeship programs grew 73% nationwide, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Check out these resources to learn more about pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships:
- Explore Pre-Apprenticeships | apprenticeship.gov
- Hiring and Retaining Apprentices with Disabilities | apprenticeship.gov
- Pre-Apprenticeship: Pathways for Women into High-Wage Careers: A Guide for Community-Based Organizations and Workforce Providers | U.S. Department of Labor
- JFF's Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning Blog
- No Four-Year Degree? An Apprenticeship Could Be Your Ticket to a New Career |The Penny Hoarder