Are Pre-Apprenticeship Programs Worth It?

Pre-apprenticeship vs apprenticeship—don’t pit them against each other when both are essential steps to having a successful career in trades!

Apprenticeships are a requirement in the skilled trades industry; they’re programs where an experienced tradesperson mentors and provides you with paid on-the-job training. According to a recent study, contractors nowadays prefer to have mentees with related trades experience because it saves them time and effort during training.

The best way to gain experience and knowledge in trades is through pre-apprenticeship programs. These courses take a few months, but give you everything you need to land your desired apprenticeship.

Let’s break down their benefits in further detail:

1. A Gateway to Learning New Things

Pre-apprenticeships are enlightening because they teach you new things.

Typically, the syllabus in pre-apprenticeship programs will show you how to get into trades and become a skilled tradesperson. For example, a plumbing course teaches you basic plumbing theory, building codes, and math—you’ve read that right, math! These subjects are essential to helping you make smart and sound decisions once you’re in the field.

2. Eases You Into Scoring an Apprenticeship

Many may think pre-apprenticeships are a “waste of time and money” since you can easily find apprenticeship programs—except you can’t.

Apprenticeships are highly competitive. Everyone wants them, so those offering them only want to teach the best of the best. By attending a pre-apprenticeship program, you’re making yourself stand out. Your chances of being chosen will increase thanks to you already having some relevant knowledge and experience.

When chosen for an interview, you’ll also be better prepared to sell yourself to a prospective employer. Highlighting your pre-apprenticeship program by giving the interviewer a summary of the course and what you learned is a great opener. When communicated correctly, you’ll come across as someone ready to be a helpful asset right away.

A female trainee working as an apprentice with a construction company

3. Earn Credit Towards Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships can last anywhere from one to five years depending on your employer and chosen program. This period is long and requires much time and effort, but taking a pre-apprenticeship program may shorten your on-the-job training time.

Depending on your employer, they may be willing to remove a few months or more from your apprenticeship program. This means you can start as a licensed tradesperson faster than you otherwise would!

4. Pre-apprenticeship Programs Offer Certification

Pre-apprenticeship programs are more than just a learning opportunity; they’re also a way to get official certifications required in the trades industry!

For example, a student in an electrical course can earn the following certificates:

Working at Heights - Some electrical jobs necessitate that you work on elevated spaces, which requires you to be certified. Completing a trades program rewards you with this certification
First Aid & CPR - All tradespersons must be knowledgeable about basic first aid and CPR. These procedures are essential in case of an on-site emergency.
Lockout & Tagout - Being an electrical technician requires controlling hazardous energy and labelling. Earning this certification makes you more credible.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) - A tradesperson must be WHMIS-certified. This shows employers that you are familiar with standardized hazard communication systems.

5. Immersive Learning Experience

Pre-apprenticeship programs create immersive learning experiences. Through these, students can get hands-on experience with tools and work through scenarios. These are great opportunities to ask questions and make mistakes in order to learn.

All courses in Skilled Trade Colleges combine classroom and practical experiences. Students learn the theories, then apply them. Practical tests are also available to gauge how much a student has grasped throughout the pre-apprenticeship program.

6. Supportive Environment

Pre-apprenticeship programs are popular due to their supportive learning environments available for all students. In fact, trades are becoming more accessible to everyone—including women—and these programs are a reason why.

People of all ages, abilities, and genders are welcome in pre-apprenticeship programs. An inclusive environment allows students to gain confidence and learn the ropes of the trades industry together. These programs put the focus on learning and building community, making sure everyone feels well equipped to take the next step.

An expert tradesperson lectures his students about construction work in a classroom.

7. Explore Different Career Paths

Pre-apprenticeship programs are like a trial for the trades industry. Completing a course that’s dedicated to providing you with a snapshot of the industry, like the Intro to Home Renovation course, will give students insight into the basics of all facets of the trades.

Over the course of 12 weeks, students will be exposed to basic plumbing and electrical skills, as well as tools and techniques for different areas of construction.

After completing the program, students will likely have a better sense of what area of trades they’d like to specialize in, which can save time and money completing an apprenticeship in a field they may not be passionate about.

Taking advantage of the short but extensive courses opens multiple doors of opportunities that can lead you to something great. You might be surprised where they take you!

8. Networking Opportunities

No matter what you’re doing in life, networking is always a great idea. While you might think networking is reserved for those working in business, making connections in the trades is equally as important for a variety of reasons.

Building relationships with your teachers and colleagues will open doors. They’ll be more likely to think of you when opportunities present themselves. Furthermore, building a good name for yourself will help you get started with a great reputation!

How Skilled Trades College Can Help You

Skilled Trades College is the leading trades school in Canada that offers the following pre-apprenticeship programs:

Each of our programs are designed to ease you into trades through immersive learning. No matter which field has piqued your interest, you can get the experience needed to land a good apprenticeship in the industry through us!