Registered Apprenticeship programs are one of the best ways to build a lasting career in construction. But in Oregon, these programs can be highly competitive. Popular programs, like electrical or operating, can have long waitlists packed with experienced applicants and limited spots. For someone new to the trades, that can feel intimidating. Why even apply if others already seem more qualified?
Even outside apprenticeship programs, breaking into the construction industry can be tough if you don’t have connections or experience. That’s where pre-apprenticeship programs come in. They help level the playing field—giving you real skills, real experience, and a real shot at landing an apprenticeship.
What Is a Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
A pre-apprenticeship is a state- or federally-recognized program that prepares people to enter an apprenticeship. Participants learn core trade skills, safety practices, math for the job, and how to navigate a worksite. In Oregon, these programs are approved and ran through the Bureau of Labor & Industry (BOLI). They follow state-approved curriculum and build the foundation needed to succeed in a registered apprenticeship.
Pre-apprenticeships are not the same as apprenticeships or internships. Apprenticeships include paid, on-the-job training with an employer, and graduates get a Journeyman’s Card when they finish. The card shows any employer that the owner is a qualified worker in whatever trade they completed their apprenticeship in.
Internships are usually short-term experiences with a single company. These can be paid or unpaid, but are generally focused on gaining industry experience, rather than building the foundations. Pre-apprenticeships, on the other hand, focus on skill building. They teach the basics, help you get ready for the job site, and connect you directly to registered apprenticeship programs.
Eligibility varies, but most programs require participants to be at least 16 or 18 years old, depending on the trade. You must be legally able to work in the U.S., and many programs also require Oregon residency. A high school diploma or GED is often preferred, though some programs accept people who are still finishing.
Why Pre-Apprenticeships Are Beneficial
Job Readiness & Career Exploration
Choosing a trade is a big decision. Each path—electrician, carpenter, brick mason, and more—has its own opportunities and challenges. Pre-apprenticeships give you a chance to explore different types of work before committing.
Depending on the program, you might work on carpentry, concrete, welding, excavation, electrical wiring, or diesel engine repair. This exposure helps you figure out what trade fits your skills and interests best.
Skill Building
Not everyone grows up around construction or gets hands-on experience at home. Pre-apprenticeships give you the chance to build those foundational skills. Whether it’s your first time holding a tool or just brushing up on what you know, these programs meet you where you are.
Pathways to Apprenticeships
Many pre-apprenticeship programs are partnered with registered apprenticeship programs. That means completing one can give you direct or preferred entry into those apprenticeships, putting you ahead in a competitive field.
Skills You Can Learn in a Pre-Apprenticeship
Hard Skills
Pre-apprenticeships teach the fundamentals. That can include reading a tape measure, identifying tools, and learning how to use them safely.
For example,Students at Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) gain exposure to concrete work, excavation, framing, and finish carpentry.
Other programs offer a more specialized scope. NECA-IBEW Pre-Apprenticeship Program covers construction math, tool and material identification, blueprint reading, wiring circuits, and installing low-voltage cabling.
Examples of projects might include building a state-of-the-art shed. This gives you a chance to work with flooring systems, framing, wall systems, roofing, caulking, painting, and potentially even wiring or plumbing.
Soft Skills
Soft skills matter just as much as hard skills. Communication, teamwork, showing up on time, and taking direction—these are the qualities employers look for.
Many programs teach these through “employability skills” training. That might include team-building activities, safety certifications, or communication workshops.
For example, Instruction Construction, covers topics they call “professionalism” and “workplace literacy.”
Being skilled with your hands is valuable. Being skilled with people can get you hired faster.
Direct Entry into Apprenticeship Programs
Some registered apprenticeships in Oregon have long waitlists. That can slow your career plans.
Many pre-apprenticeship programs partner directly with registered apprenticeships. Graduates may get direct or preferred entry, meaning they have a leg up in the application process.
For example, let’s look at the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) program. According to BOLI, an OYA graduate gains “preferred applicant status” in the following apprenticeship programs:
- OR & SW Washington Sprinkler Fitters JATC
- Area I HVAC JATC
- Sheet Metal JATC
- OR Columbia Tile Trades JATC
If you were interested in any of those programs, completing a pre-apprenticeship with OYA would be a great way to increase your chance of acceptance.
Not every program offers this, and those that do often work with specific trades. Always ask about a program’s partnerships and what kind of entry they offer.
Top Pre-Apprenticeship Programs in Oregon
Now lets dive a little deeper into some of the top pre-apprenticeship programs in the state.
Constructing Hope — Portland
Constructing Hope is a Portland-based nonprofit offering a 10-week, no-cost construction pre-apprenticeship for adults. Their mission is to rebuild lives through construction training and education. They specialize in supporting people coming out of the criminal justice system.
The program goes beyond workforce training, by providing students with mentorship, social services, job placement, and expungement services. And if you’re still in high school, check out their month-long youth summer program.
constructinghope.org
Portland YouthBuilders (PYB)
Portland YouthBuilders (PYB) offers two BOLI-approved pre-apprenticeship programs with wrap-around support.
- Bridge to Construction (ages 18–26) gives hands-on commercial construction experience and long-term career support.
- YouthBuild (ages 17–24) lets participants earn their high school diploma or GED while gaining construction skills.
Program participants walk away with knowledge of how to join the construction industry and resources to be a success, which include assistance with transportation, tools, work clothes and financial literacy courses.
http://pybpdx.org
71Five VoTech — Medford & Grants Pass
71Five VoTech runs a certified pre-apprenticeship program focused on hands-on learning. The 12-week program includes six weeks of career exploration and six weeks focused on a chosen path. Options include construction and woodworking, electrical, welding, fabrication, and auto repair.
Participants may earn high school credit, and transitional housing is available for those who qualify. The program emphasizes mentorship and life skills support.
71five.org
How to Choose the Right Program for You
When choosing a pre-apprenticeship, location is a good place to start. Many programs are in the Portland metro area, but there are also options in Medford, Salem, Baker City, Coos Bay, and Redmond.
Trade focus matters too. Some programs, like Constructing Hope, offer a broad range of skills that apply to any construction trade, while others are more specialize.The local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) runs their own program that has more focus on electrical work than others. If you already know what trade you are interested in, it makes sense to see whether or not a pre-apprenticeship program covers material more specific to that trade.
Time is another key factor and program lengths can vary a ton. PYB runs around 200 hours. 71Five’s program takes about 81 hours. Some programs are as short as 60 hours, while others can be 300 hours or more. Choose a program that fits your schedule and goals.
Check the target audience. 71Five focuses on ages 16–24. Constructing Hope is for adults, especially those impacted by incarceration. Other examples of populations could be people of color, women, or low-income communities.
Finally, check for direct entry options. Programs like NECA/IBEW can offer direct entry into registered apprenticeships, giving you a major advantage when you’re ready to move forward.
Resources for Oregon Pre-Apprenticeships
- Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) – Oversees apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.
- BOLI Official Website – For more detailed program information.
- Local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) – Oregon has nine regional WIBs to support job seekers.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Program Map – Explore programs near you.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to build a future in the trades, start by researching pre-apprenticeship programs near you. Look at who they serve, what trades they teach, how long the program lasts, and whether they offer direct or preferred entry into apprenticeships.
Once you’ve found the right program, reach out. Call, email, or fill out the contact form on their website. If you don’t know who to contact, go back to our pre-apprenticeship map. We give you phone numbers, emails, and websites. Ask questions. Be ready to show up.
And remember—pre-apprenticeship is just the beginning. Registered Apprenticeships are the next step toward a skilled, stable, and well-paying career in construction.