What is a Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship?
Have you heard of apprenticeship programs? They’re like hands-on, learn-as-you-go training that prepares you for a skilled trade career. But guess what? High school students interested in learning more about a career in the building trades can get a head start and potentially increase their chances of getting into an apprenticeship program through a pre-apprenticeship program.
A building trades pre-apprenticeship program is your ticket to checking out a potential career in construction, picking up some job-ready skills, and, most importantly, getting a foot in the door for an actual apprenticeship program. It’s like the ultimate building trades career sneak peek! Because a building trades pre-apprenticeship offers a range of construction industry training, it can help you make better, more informed decisions about what specific area you might be interested in pursuing!
Pennsylvania State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship is registered through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO).
Exploring a Future Career
Benefits of a
Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship
Check out these awesome perks of pre-apprenticeships for high school students:
Skills Boost
Get ready to dive into hands-on training that’ll level up your skills and boost your confidence!
Industry Insights
You’ll get the lowdown on what the industry’s all about, what it expects from you, and that’ll help you make smart choices about your future career.
Job Opportunities
Completing a pre-apprenticeship is like having a golden ticket to an apprenticeship. Employers love folks who already know the basics.
Build Your Network
Get ready to meet pros and potential employers who can open doors for you. Your contacts in the industry are about to multiply!
Shortcut to Success
With a strong foundation from your pre-apprenticeship, you could speed through your apprenticeship and become a skilled pro in no time.
Personal Growth
Explore Your Interests
York County Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship
In partnership with the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL), YBA’s Workforce NOW Foundation developed the building trades pre-apprenticeship program to help rebuild the skilled trades workforce in York County and offer future construction professionals the opportunity to build their skill sets and gain first-hand experience before joining the workforce.
Eligibility Requirements:
11th & 12th Grade Students
YCAL Partner Schools
Ready to rock your pre-apprenticeship journey?
Preparing the Next Generation
HBI PACT Curriculum (Home Builders Institute)
HBI’s patented Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum is nationally recognized and patented. HBI’s PACT approach provides every student with the knowledge needed to be employed in an entry-level job in the building industry. The PACT curriculum integrates contextual, work-based learning with vocational and academic skills training in the classroom.
Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
For Students & Parents
What is the YBA Workforce NOW Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
It’s a hands-on career exploration program that introduces high school students in York County to opportunities in the building trades. Students gain real-world experience, industry-recognized training, and connections to local employers while still in high school.
Who is eligible to participate?
The program is currently open to 11th & 12th grade students from participating YCAL (York County Alliance for Learning) partner high schools in York County. It is recommended that you visit www.ycal.us/preapprenticeship and discuss requirements with your parent or guardian, and your school/career counselor. Ready to apply? Click here.
Which YCAL partner schools participate in the Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
The partner schools and the relevant contacts are listed here. They include: Central York School District, Dallastown Area School District, Dover Area School District, Eastern York School District, Hanover Public School District, Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12, Northeastern School District, Red Lion Area School District, South Eastern School District, South Western School District, Southern York County School District, Spring Grove School District, West Shore School District (Cedar Cliff High School and Red Land High School), West York Area School District, York Adams Academy, York Catholic, York City School District, York Country Day School, York County School of Technology, York Suburban School District.
Do I need prior experience in construction or trades?
No experience is necessary! This program is designed to introduce students to the trades and help them discover whether it’s a good fit for their future.
What kind of skills will I learn?
Students learn valuable workplace skills such as safety protocols (including OSHA 10), tool handling, communication, teamwork, and basic construction techniques. Specific building trade skills include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, masonry drywall and tile installation.
Is there a cost to participate?
No – thanks to program sponsors, there is no cost for students to participate.
What certifications and training do students receive through the Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
Students in the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program have the opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications and valuable hands-on training that help prepare them for a career in the building trades:
10-Hour OSHA Certification
Students complete a 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Course, gaining critical safety knowledge that’s required on most job sites. Upon completion, they receive an official OSHA Certification Card.
HBI PACT Core Curriculum Certificate
Through the nationally recognized Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) program from the Home Builders Institute (HBI), students work toward the PACT Core Certificate. This includes training in:
- Construction safety
- Construction math
- Tools and materials
- Employability skills
Hands-On Training in Core Building Trades
Students explore and develop foundational skills in key building trade areas:
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Masonry
- Drywall Installation
- Tile Installation
State Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate
Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office, verifying their participation in a state-registered pre-apprenticeship program.
How much time does the program require?
The program runs during the school year and includes both online modules and hands-on learning. Schedule typically takes place one date every other week for one semester, plus the online modules.
Can this lead to a job after graduation?
Absolutely. Some students go on to apprenticeships, paid training programs, or direct employment with local companies who are involved in the program.
General
Who runs the program?
The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is an initiative of the York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation, in partnership with the York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL).
How is the program funded?
It’s funded through generous sponsorships, grants, and support from businesses who are committed to workforce development in York County.
Where can I learn more or ask questions?
Need more information or want to get involved? Contact us directly here. We’re happy to help!
What does it mean that the program is a "Pennsylvania State Registered Pre-Apprenticeship"?
It means the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation’s Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program is officially recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO). This registration ensures that the program meets high standards for quality, safety, and training.
Being a state-registered program offers several benefits:
- It’s aligned with industry standards and designed to prepare students for success in a full apprenticeship.
- It includes core components like classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and employability skills.
- It improves a student’s chances of being accepted into a Registered Apprenticeship Program after graduation.
- It provides recognized credentials that are valued by employers across Pennsylvania.
This registration reinforces that our program is a trusted, structured pathway into the skilled trades—not just an introduction, but a serious head start on a rewarding career.
What is the HBI PACT Curriculum, and how does it benefit students in the program?
The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program uses the Home Builders Institute’s (HBI) Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT) curriculum, a nationally recognized and patented training program designed specifically for the building industry.
The PACT curriculum helps prepare students for entry-level jobs by combining:
- Hands-on, work-based learning
- Vocational and academic skills training
- Contextual instruction tied to real-world construction scenarios
For Schools & Educators
How can my school get involved?
If your school isn’t currently participating, we’d love to talk. Contact us to explore how your students can benefit and how we can collaborate.
How is the program integrated into the school day?
The program is designed to align with school schedules. Many schools recognize the importance of the pre-apprenticeship and provide school credit for students who participate.
For Employers & Industry Partners
How can my company get involved?
Employers can participate by offering jobsite tours, mentoring students, providing equipment, sponsoring a student, or hiring program graduates. Visit our Sponsorship page to learn more.
What’s the benefit to my business?
You’ll help develop your future workforce, build community goodwill, connect with motivated young people interested in the trades and support the industry overall.
Can we choose which school our sponsorship supports?
Yes! Sponsors can select a specific participating school to support and will be matched with a student from that school when possible.
Guided by Experts
Meet the Instructors
Students will learn in both a classroom environment as well as hands-on labs in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, and building trade technology from our skilled instructors.
Nick Sabold
I graduated from the carpentry program at York Tech in 1998. I have over 25 years of experience in the construction trades through owning my own construction/remodeling business. I have been an active member of the York Builders Association for many years and had the opportunity in 2020 to be the President of the Board of Directors for YBA. As President, I helped the Workforce Now Committee create opportunities for young people in the trades. In November of 2020, I was offered a chance to give back to my trade and become a teacher at York Tech. I teach Construction Trades at York Tech and enjoy giving back to my trade and seeing my students grow. I’m looking forward to being an instructor in the pre-apprenticeship program to bring even more students into the trades and see them grow into young professional tradespeople.
Joe Miller
I was working in a factory and unhappy when a friend invited me to work with them building new houses; after one weekend, I was hooked. I have been building and remodeling for the past 30 years. I currently own my own remodeling company, specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. I am the Vice President of the York Builders Association Board of Directors and will be Board President starting in January 2024. I got involved with the Workforce NOW Foundation last year and was one of the member volunteers who helped plan and implement the training sessions for the pre-apprenticeship. I am passionate about the building trades and want to help introduce the trades to young individuals and let them know that there are great opportunities and the joy I have had the last 30 years.
Training Pathways Learning Objectives
Pre-Apprenticeship students participate in training (both classroom and hands-on) one day each month during the program. Objectives for pre-apprenticeship students in the program include:
10-Hour OSHA Certification – During the program, students complete a 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety Course and receive an OSHA Certification Car at the completion of the course.
Units of Focus – Pre-Apprenticeship students focus on these building trade skills: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, and building trade technology skills.
Connecting with Local Businesses in the Industry
As well as hands-on training and career exploration that can set you up for future success, another advantage of participating in a pre-apprenticeship program is the opportunity to build local industry connections.
Along with the Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship instructors, participants interact with other members of the York Builders Association throughout the program. These connections can open doors to invaluable guidance and mentorship and offer insights into the industry that textbooks can’t provide. Through networking, students gain exposure to diverse perspectives, trends, and emerging technologies, all while establishing a support system of experienced building industry pros and potential future employers.
Pre-Apprenticeship Program Sponsors
Student Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Successful Completion
Articulation with James Craft & Son
The Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship has an articulation agreement with James Craft & Son. Any student successfully completing the program may be eligible to apply up to 15 hours of their training towards one of three apprenticeship programs offered through James Craft and Son.
These programs include PLUMBER (0432) V1 Time-Based, ELECTRICIAN (Alternate Title: Interior Electrician) (0159) V1 Time-Based, Sheet Metal Worker (0510) V1 Time-Based.
Help Launch a Student’s Career
Sponsor a local high school student in our Pre-Apprenticeship Program and make a lasting impact on their future in the trades.
Funded in Part by Grants From
