Pre-apprenticeship programs provide instruction and/or training to increase math, literacy, and other vocational and pre-vocational skills needed to gain entry into a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Pre-apprenticeship programs are not registered with United States Department of Labor (USDOL), and student participants are unpaid during the term of the pre-apprenticeship training.
A pre-apprentice will be able to use the credit hours earned while in the pre-apprenticeship program towards a Registered Apprenticeship Program. This will reduce the amount of class time that will be required for them to complete their training. Potential employers will see the pre-apprentices taking the initiative to learn about the occupation. This should lead to a reduction in turn over at their business through the hiring of pre-apprentices because the pre-apprentices will already know what to expect when working in that occupation.
The Office of Skills Development (OSD) is the State agency responsible for educating, facilitating, and supporting the expansion of the registered apprenticeship model as a workforce development strategy for employers. OSD offers funding support to offset training costs associated with implementing an approved Arkansas Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program (ARPAP) and starting new registered apprenticeship programs.
Arkansas Pre-Apprenticeship Playbook
Arkansas Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Program Application
For more information, contact OSD at (501) 683-1152.
