Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Sign up for our interest form!
Are you interested in a union-backed career in the building trades?
The next cycle will be in September 2025.
- at least 18 years old
- a resident of Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, or Essex counties
- have a high school diploma or equivalency
- unemployed or under-employed
- authorized to work in the US
- have a valid driver’s license
- drug-free
- be proficient in English
- have no prior affiliation with a Massachusetts Trades Union
Register for an information session
Are you interested in a union-backed career in the building trades?
There will be two training cycles offered in February 2025. Applicants will be able to choose ONE of the training cycles listed below that fits their schedule.
The first cycle is from February 19, 2025, to May 22, 2025. This is a 14-week class that meets 3 nights a week from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Saturdays from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
OR
The second cycle will be from February 24, 2025, to April 11, 2025. This is a 6-week class that will meet Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
To be eligible for our free pre-apprenticeship training program you must be:
- at least 18 years old
- a resident of Suffolk, Norfolk, Middlesex, or Essex counties
- have a high school diploma or equivalency
- unemployed or under-employed
- authorized to work in the US
- a licensed driver
- drug-free
- be proficient in English
- have no prior affiliation with a Massachusetts Trades Union
The first step to joining is to sign up for an info session. Applicants must attend an info session in order to receive an application. Info sessions will run from October 2 to December 17. Once you register for an information session, you will receive an email from Building Pathways with the information session details. Our final information session will be a hybrid session on December 17 at 6:00 pm. Meetings are subject to change due to COVID-19 guidelines. All applicants who are interested in applying to one of the Building Pathways’ February 2025 classes must attend one of these information sessions.
All available info session dates:
- Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 10:00 am
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 10:00 am
- Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Program Overview
Interested in a construction career, but don’t know how to get started? The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program can help you learn about the industry, practice your hands-on skills, and compete for union apprenticeship program openings.
Through 200+ hours of free Career Readiness and Occupational Skills Training, with classroom and hands-on learning experiences, Building Pathways will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to enter and succeed in a registered union apprenticeship program. You will also receive coordinated case management and placement services to help you achieve your career goals. Once placed in a quality apprenticeship program, you will gain on-the-job training, while earning quality wages and benefits, and receive continued support services from us.
- Why does our pre-apprenticeship training work?
Our pre-apprenticeship training has been nationally recognized as one of the best in the United States. - It’s a path to real, high-paying construction jobs.
- We’re training folks who will become the best apprentices, and in turn, the best tradespeople the construction industry has to offer.
- We’re providing an opportunity for long-term, skilled careers. Our program is recognized as the only union-based apprenticeship
How do I get started in the pre-apprenticeship program?
The first step to applying for the Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program is to attend an information session. These sessions are held regularly throughout the year. Please see our program page for more information and to sign up for a session.
Am I guaranteed entrance into an apprenticeship program or job after the pre-apprenticeship program?
Building Pathways helps each graduate secure admission into a building trades apprenticeship program. While we do not guarantee entry into an apprenticeship program or job, our graduates will learn everything they need to know to be competitive applicants.
What apprenticeship programs does Building Pathways prepare me for?
Building Pathways provides general preparation that applies to most area apprenticeship programs. Program graduates have gone on to become successful electricians, carpenters, bricklayers, plumbers, pipefitters, sheet metal workers, elevator constructors, laborers, ironworkers, cement masons, painters, drywall finishers and more.
Visit the GBBTU website for more information about each of these trades.
How much does the training cost?
This training is available free of charge to participants, but it is not free to provide, so we are looking for applicants whose commitment to this career path is deserving of the investment made by our Building Pathways and our funders.
How long will it take for me to get into an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship programs may only be open for applications at specific times during the year and waiting lists can last up to two years for some trades, so it depends on what you’re interested in and the timing of their application periods. This is a career-oriented program and, while many participants do enter apprenticeship quickly, this program is not intended to meet an urgent need for immediate employment. For participants who are interested in a trade that is not accepting apprenticeship applications at the time of their graduation, we do provide assistance in obtaining interim employment.
Will I receive any other services through the pre-apprenticeship program?
Case management services are provided as needed for each participant beginning at the start of the program and through successful placement. Case management may include counseling and/or referral and follow-up for issues such as childcare, transportation, housing, healthcare, financial services, and legal services.
Why is the pre-apprenticeship program a good choice for women?
While Building Pathways is a co-educational pre-apprenticeship training program, we are actively seeking women applicants. Women can do this work. In India about 40% of all construction workers are women. In the U.S., some trades have gotten as high as 25% women. And yet no one tells women that these high-skill, high-pay jobs are an option.
Success stories
