Pre-Apprenticeship

What is a pre-apprenticeship?

A pre-apprenticeship is a short training program that gets you ready to apply for an apprenticeship. It helps you build the basics apprenticeships look for, like math, safety training such as OSHA, tool skills, and showing up ready to work. You don't need experience or a certification to start.

Pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship?

  1. Pre-apprenticeship

    Shorter. Builds your skills and helps you get accepted.

  2. Apprenticeship

    A paid job with training, often 3 to 5 years in the building trades, that leads to journey-level status.

Union building trades

  1. The Indiana Plan

    Prepares people to enter union building trades apprenticeships. Offices in Indianapolis and Gary.

  2. Central Midwest Carpenters

    Union carpenter training. Their apprenticeship requires no experience. Ask about pre-apprenticeship options.

  3. Built to Succeed

    Indiana's building trades site, with info on union training centers across the state.

Non-union (merit shop)

  1. ABC Indiana/Kentucky

    A contractor association that offers craft training and apprenticeship programs.

High school students

Career centers offer construction, electrical, welding, and manufacturing programs during high school, often with credentials you can earn before you graduate. Ask your school counselor how to enroll.

  1. Hoosier Hills Career Center

    Bloomington

  2. North Lawrence Career Center

    Bedford

  3. C4 Columbus Area Career Connection

    Columbus

Not sure which one fits?

  1. Talk to WorkOne

    Your local WorkOne office can help you compare programs and may be able to help with training costs.

Last checked: October 2026

More guides

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Before You Apply

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Apprenticeships

The five parts, pre-apprenticeships, and union vs. merit routes.

Cost & Funding

Who pays, FAFSA, the 2026–27 grant limit, and Ivy Tech's two ways in.

Local Help

WorkOne offices in South Central Indiana, local training, rides, and childcare support.

Employer Training

Employers that train on the job, and what to ask them.

Workplace Basics

What employers expect in your first weeks, as a quick checklist.