Grow Your Own Apprenticeship

Program Overview

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a 12-week structured training initiative developed in collaboration with JEVS Human Services, which is partnering with Community Council Health Systems to support the organization in becoming a Registered Apprenticeship Program. This program is designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized skills in the behavioral health and human services sector. Through a flexible model that may include cohort-based or rolling admissions, participants engage in classroom instruction, supervised practical learning, and career development activities aligned with Registered Apprenticeship standards. The curriculum focuses on key competencies such as behavioral health fundamentals, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, ethics and compliance, client engagement strategies, and professional workplace readiness, preparing individuals for entry into a Registered Apprenticeship or direct employment within the behavioral health workforce.

Must be at least 16 years old (or meet the minimum age as required by apprenticeship partners)
Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or be actively enrolled in a high school or equivalency program
Must demonstrate interest in pursuing a career in behavioral health, education, social services, or a related field
Completion of a program application and participation in an intake and orientation process
Ability to meet basic participation requirements (attendance, conduct, and engagement) with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

By welcoming a diverse population and eliminating financial and academic barriers, the program ensures equitable access to family-sustaining career opportunities while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.

Entry into the pre-apprenticeship program is cohort-based, allowing for structured instruction, peer collaboration, and intentional alignment with employer hiring cycles and Registered Apprenticeship intake periods.
Cohort Structure:
Each cohort consists of approximately 15–20 participants, ensuring an optimal instructor-to-student ratio and individualized coaching.
Cohorts begin on a scheduled basis throughout the year to meet ongoing workforce needs.
Annual Participation Goals:
The program aims to serve 60–80 individuals annually across multiple cohorts.

There are no tuition expenses to the pre-apprentice. The program is intentionally designed to be financially accessible to all participants, including those from underserved and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. To eliminate financial barriers, the organization fully covers or provides assistance for:
Tuition and course fees
Training materials and textbooks
Uniforms, supplies, and equipment required for hands-on learning
Certification and credentialing exam fees
Transportation assistance and other support services
These costs are mitigated through a combination of grant funding, employer partnerships, workforce development resources, and community sponsorships. By removing all financial obligations for pre-apprentices, the program ensures equitable access to education, increases program completion rates, and strengthens the pipeline into Registered Apprenticeships and high-demand careers.

The pathway from pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship involves completing a pre-apprenticeship program, which provides the foundational skills and training needed to enter a registered apprenticeship, followed by securing an apprenticeship position through a direct application process. Pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to prepare individuals for success in a registered apprenticeship, which is a paid, on-the-job training and classroom instruction program that leads to a credential.

Pre-apprenticeship

● Purpose: To provide a pathway and prepare individuals for a registered apprenticeship.

● Training: Programs focus on building job-related skills through classroom instruction and hands-on training, but pre-apprentices are not employees.

● Eligibility: Open to both school-aged youth and adults.

● Outcome: Successful completion of the program can directly lead to a registered apprenticeship opportunity.

Transition to Apprenticeship

● Securing a position: After completing the pre-apprenticeship, the next step is to apply for and secure a position in a registered apprenticeship program.

● Application process: This is similar to applying for a regular job and may involve submitting a CV and completing an interview.

● Program structure: A registered apprenticeship is a formal, paid training program that combines on-the-job training with related technical instruction.

● Career advancement: Apprenticeships are structured into different levels, with successful completion leading to a credential and the ability to advance to a Journeyman and eventually a Master level.

Registered Apprenticeship is an effective way for businesses to ensure an ample supply of well-qualified, highly trained workers by engaging directly in their preparation, education and training. Unlike traditional postsecondary education programs that are designed to prepare students for any number of careers and generally focus more on theory than practice, apprenticeship is designed by and for the employer and is highly specialized to meet the unique needs of a specific job. Because apprentices learn primarily in the workplace, they are trained using the same state-of-the-art equipment that they will use on the job. Moreover, they will be instructed and mentored by skilled workers who have done the job the apprentice is training to do and who will ensure that apprentices are acculturated to workplace norms and expectations. Those who complete a registered apprenticeship receive a credential that is nationally recognized as a mark of distinction.

Program Information

Program Overview

Program Information

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