Strengthening the Apprenticeship Pipeline: State Strategies for Expanding Pre-Apprenticeship
Across the country, states are investing in pre‑apprenticeship programs as a core part of their apprenticeship systems. These programs combine hands‑on training, career and supportive services, and other elements to help adults and youth prepare for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) or other employment.
Recognizing their value for employers and participants, states are expanding partnerships, using federal and state funding, and adopting policies and procedures to strengthen pre‑apprenticeship programs. While state approaches to RAPs are well understood, strategies for pre‑apprenticeship have received far less attention—until now.
With support from Britebound, AIR examined state pre‑apprenticeship policies, partnerships, and practices to better understand what is driving their growth.
Our Work
AIR conducted a nationwide survey of state and territory approaches to pre‑apprenticeship and developed case studies of two states with robust pre‑apprenticeship efforts: Pennsylvania and South Carolina.
Survey responses show strong momentum across states to expand and strengthen pre‑apprenticeship as an on-ramp to RAPs and other employment opportunities. AIR also found that approaches vary by state, reflecting differences in governance structures, policy environments, and capacity to support and oversee pre‑apprenticeship programs.
Key findings from the nationwide survey include:
- States are moving toward clear definitions and quality expectations for pre‑apprenticeship programs. For example, 30 states have identified the elements of a quality pre‑apprenticeship program, including emphasizing alignment with industry demand and connections to RAPs. In addition, 19 states register or certify pre‑apprenticeship programs, while 11 states use other processes to review or approve programs.
- States are building infrastructure to support effective implementation. For example, 17 states have dedicated staff or staff time for pre‑apprenticeship activities, and 26 states collect pre‑apprenticeship data elements to support effective program management.
- Many states use pre‑apprenticeship to prepare youth for employment and career success. For example, 21 states have pre‑apprenticeship programs that specifically serve youth ages 16 to 24, which often take place in secondary schools, community or technical colleges, or nonprofit or community organizations.
The two case studies show how Pennsylvania and South Carolina have made pre‑apprenticeship a core part of their apprenticeship systems. Both states use similar system-building strategies to expand and strengthen pre‑apprenticeship, including dedicated staff and hands‑on technical assistance to help organizations build and sustain high‑quality pre‑apprenticeships aligned with workforce and RAP demand. Both states are also expanding opportunities for youth by connecting more intentionally with secondary schools and the education system.
