• Pre-Apprenticeship & Apprenticeship Resources

    An apprenticeship is a training program where you learn a trade or profession through a combination of on-the-job training and formal education while earning a wage. Apprenticeships are competitive and difficult to get for recent high school graduates. Students will become stronger applicants for apprenticeship programs if they: 

    • Take CTE classes in high school
    • Work/volunteer during the summer in trades-specific work (Habitat for Humanity, for example). 
    • Pass high school math classes with at least a C or better
    • Demonstrate reliability, maturity and respect in class. As part of a successful apprenticeship application, students will need teachers to write excellent letters of recommendation that include statements about a student:
      • Showing up on time every day (demonstrates reliability)
      • Doing their work and turning it in time (demonstrates responsibility)
      • Demonstrating respect to their teachers and peers (demonstrates a professional work ethic).

  • Examples of Career Fields in the Trades:

    • Automotive
    • Manufacturing
    • Electrical
    • Construction & Carpentry
    • Plumbing
    • Utilities
    • Military
    • Law Enforcement
    • Culinary
    • Cosmetology
    • Medical Imaging
    • Information Technology

     

    Joining the military is another great way to build skills in the trades!

     

    • Community Colleges apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs

      All Community Colleges have Career Pathways ranging in length from 3-month certificates to 2-year programs that focus on training students for a specific industry. Some examples:

      PCC's Career Pathway Program Options

      Mt. Hood CC Apprenticeship programs and Partnerships

      Clackamas CC Apprenticeship programs

      Clark College Culinary Arts & Southwestern Oregon Community College Culinary Arts Programs