Approved Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Pre-apprenticeships can increase access to high-wage careers for individuals with barriers to employment, benefiting employers and sponsors by expanding recruitment pools of diverse candidates and preparing workers to enter and succeed in the trades. These programs may be developed for youth or adults and may vary in length and delivery method.
 
DCCP is pleased to offer its listing of approved pre-apprenticeship programs as of September 2025.

The U.S. Department of Labor defines quality pre-apprenticeship programs as those having:
  • Connection to existing apprenticeship programs 
  • Industry-approved training and curriculum 
  • Opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential 
  • Hands-on learning with a career focus 
  • Access to supportive services and career counseling 

Using these criteria, DCCP seeks to approve pre-apprenticeship programs as part of its overall strategy to build our construction talent pipeline.

Pre-apprenticeship program approval will be valid for two years from the date of approval. All approved programs will be required to submit annual progress reports outlining participant performance data. 

What we seek

DCCP guidelines for approved pre-apprenticeship programs: 

  • Materials: Hands-on components of training must utilize proper equipment for each skill set being taught. Principal instructors or guest instructors must be physically present during hands-on elements of the program, including instruction and assessments. 

  • Instruction: The principal instructor is primarily responsible for teaching skills as described in the curriculum and overseeing any portions of the training taught by guest instructors. 

  • Class size and student/instructor ratios: Class size should be limited to 25, with a maximum of 6 students per instructor during hands-on exercises that may impact students’ safety. Programs that plan on class sizes exceeding 25 or having a higher student/instructor ratio should describe how students will be adequately observed and directed during hands on activities. Classes should be conducted with the class size and ratios as approved in the DCCP application. Contact us to receive approval to operate beyond this instructor/student ratio.  

 

What you'll need

Please note the required attachments to apply for DCCP approval:

Program syllabus

Registered apprenticeship program partnership agreements/letters of support 

Partnership agreements and letters of support should include: 

  • RA Program Name 

  • Program Contact 

  • Length/history of partnership  

  • Numbers of prior apprentices hired and/or planned apprentices to be hired 

  • Specific occupations  

  • Description of any planned recruitment activities designed to drive the enrollment and employment of pre-apprentices in the RAP, including participating in job fairs, presenting to student cohorts, attending graduation events, etc. 

Applications

Applications are now being accepted in a rolling window. Use this application.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Helpful resources

 

Contact us

We welcome your questions. Please contact Helen Neely on the DCCP team at helen.neely@denvergov.org.

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