Liz Linehan

The CT Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship Training provides information on how to begin a Registered Apprenticeship Program and available funding and tax credits. Learn more at www.ctapprenticeship.com.

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund Apprenticeship Program provides financial assistance to Connecticut manufacturers that have a Registered Apprentice Program as well as approved Apprentice Related Instruction Training Providers. Learn more here. 

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

What is pre-apprenticeship?

Quality pre-apprenticeship programs are a starting point toward a successful career path and business model for those that may not be aware of this approach.

Pre-apprenticeships help individuals and employers alike to cultivate talent and accelerate entry requirements for apprenticeship programs and ensure pre-apprentices are prepared to be successful in their apprenticeship.

Pre-apprenticeship is not only for youth; this strategy is also effective for career changers and adults.

Advantages for employers that utilize a pre–apprentice program are:

• Collaboration with educational institutions is a quality approach to attain a skilled, educated workforce. A student is not only learning theory, they are receiving related instruction credit hours transferable to meet the requirements of a Registered Apprenticeship.
• Hands-on experience. This strategy is vital to attaining skills by exposing the pre-apprentice to   the industry and the employer setting. The student, as a pre-apprentice, is a part-time paid “intern”. Upon course completion an individual can become a Registered Apprentice, which is a full time position, that has completed their education requirements and are also credited OJT hours attained as a pre-apprentice towards their Apprenticeship Completion credential.
• A pathway for pre-apprentices and employers to continue skills and workplace development by entering into a Registered Apprenticeship program upon successful completion of the pre-apprenticeship program increasing employee retention.
• Financial incentives are available for employers and pre apprentices in the form of wage subsidies, credentialing cost reimbursement and tuition reimbursement.
• As technology and demand for highly skilled entry level workers increases, the pre-apprentice and Registered Apprenticeship strategies have been proven to be a successful example to fulfill potential employee, employer and industry needs.

From the CT Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship Training