A DOES pre-apprenticeship lets District residents aged 18 and over earn while they learn: occupational skills training, hands-on experience and professional development that lead into a Registered Apprenticeship Program or a job.
Build skills. Gain experience. Create pathways to a career.
The Department of Employment Services (DOES) Pre-Apprenticeship program provides
District residents with an opportunity to earn while they learn, develop in-demand
skills, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for careers in high demand
industries.
Pre-apprenticeship is more than training. Participants receive a combination of
occupational skills training, work-based and hands-on learning, career exploration,
professional development, and job-readiness support designed to upskill them and
help them transition into a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or unsubsidized
employment. Participants earn industry-recognized credentials and receive wages
while training, creating an opportunity to earn, learn, and prepare for long-term
career advancement.
Current offerings
What you can train in
Two DOES pre-apprenticeships run with partner organizations. Both pay
you while you train.
Medical Assistant
With the Capitol Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP)
A 12-week training program where District residents aged 18 and
over gain hands-on technical skills and professional development, earn
industry-recognized credentials, and prepare for Registered Apprenticeship entry
or unsubsidized employment in healthcare. Participants are paid $18.40 per hour
for the duration of training.
Certifications on successful completion
Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET)
BLS/CPR and First Aid
Phlebotomy
Construction and HVAC
With Congress Heights Community Training & Development
Corporation / Prospering Places
A 20-week paid Intro to Construction and Fundamentals to HVAC
program where District residents earn $18.40 per hour while gaining hands-on
skills, industry-recognized credentials, and career preparation for Registered
Apprenticeship or employment opportunities.
Certifications on successful completion
OSHA-10
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) HVAC
Universal EPA
Flagger
Sherwin-Williams Painters
First Aid/CPR
Eligibility
Who can apply
The same four things have to be true for either offering.
Be a District of Columbia resident with valid proof of
residency.
Be eligible for WIOA Title I and able to provide all
required, unexpired documents.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a strong interest in entering a Registered
Apprenticeship Program or unsubsidized employment after successfully completing
training.
Quality elements
What makes a pre-apprenticeship a good one
A quality pre-apprenticeship program provides more than just occupational skills
training. It creates a structured pathway that combines industry-aligned
instruction, knowledge-based learning, professional development, supportive
services, and connections to Registered Apprenticeship Program entry and
employment. A quality pre-apprenticeship program serves as the bridge between
training, opportunity, and sustainable career success.
Industry-aligned training
Training is designed around the skills, knowledge and
expectations of today's high demand industries. Participants develop a strong
foundation with industry-based knowledge, skill development and
work-readiness.
Hands-on learning
Participants apply what they learn through practical, hands-on
training and work-based learning experiences. That practice builds confidence in
the trade, and presents employers with candidates who have already been
introduced to the expectations of the occupation.
Industry-recognized credentials
Participants earn nationally accredited certifications and
credentials recognized by employers, strengthening their resumes and
demonstrating job-ready knowledge and competencies.
Supportive services
Participants are connected to supportive services and resources
through referrals and individualized career guidance, so they can stay engaged and
finish the training. Examples include transportation assistance, childcare and
housing assistance.
Career readiness and professional development
Participants boost their professional skills with resume
assistance, interviewing skills, workplace professionalism and the other
employability skills needed to succeed and advance in the workplace.
Direct pathways to apprenticeship and employment
Pre-apprenticeship bridges the gap between career exploration
and career entry. Through partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and
employers, participants can be connected to training-related opportunities to
continue in a Registered Apprenticeship Program or move into unsubsidized
employment.
Employer and industry partnerships
Employers and apprenticeship partners help ensure training
remains connected to real workforce needs. Employers benefit from access to a
pipeline of candidates who have received foundational occupational training,
career-readiness preparation and exposure to industry expectations.
Who benefits
Why organizations take part
Employers
Efficient and economical: Pre-Apprenticeship initiatives offer already
evaluated, work-ready personnel who have been educated in the precise
capabilities required by businesses.
Educators
Pre-Apprenticeships offer students valuable work experience, boosting the
students' motivation and increasing self-determination.
Start your application
Applications for Pre-Apprenticeship are handled online.
Create an account, choose this program, and the DOES team picks it up from
there.
