Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: Results from a National Survey

“In April 2009, the Aspen Institute’s Workforce Strategies Initiative (Aspen WSI) surveyed workforce development programs that connect individuals to jobs and apprenticeships opportunities in the construction sector.… This publication highlights the findings of a survey by the Workforce Strategies Initiative that assessed the availability of pre-apprenticeship programs in construction trades. Contents include information about program size, services offered, populations served, and funding sources, and the challenges in placing trainees in apprenticeships and jobs” (p.3). (Abstractor: Author)

One key conclusion that can be drawn from the results of this survey is that there are, in fact, a sizable number of programs across the country that work for prepare people to enter jobs in the construction trades. Another observation is that, while these programs are often more accessible than, and can potentially provide a pathway to, registered apprenticeship programs, many of these entry-level training programs do not report placing substantial numbers of graduates into the apprenticeship system. Several factors contribute to this: First, the availability of apprenticeship slots was limited. Also some segments of the construction industry are reportedly less reliant on the apprenticeship system then others. Another factor is that many programs focus on serving the needs of a specific population, and do not necessarily expect all participants to enter into apprenticeship. While pre-apprenticeship programs are finding opportunities for their graduates outside of apprenticeship, questions remain about the nature of those placements. Wage rates, working conditions and the ability to learn new skills and advance are key elements in considering the quality of jobs (p. 37-39). More detailed conclusions can be found on pages 37-39. (Abstractor: Author and Website Staff)

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Resource Publication Date: 2009
• Author(s): Conway, Maureen; Gerber, Allison
• Organizational Author(s): The Aspen Institute
• Funding Source: Annie E. Casey Foundation
• Resource Availability: Publicly available
• Posted by: Melissa Mack
• Posted in: Workforce System Strategies