Building Strong Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways for High-Demand Careers

This three-part training series will equip programs with practical strategies to design Construction Plus (C+) pathways that prepare young people for meaningful work experiences and connect to high-demand careers and Registered Apprenticeships (RA). This series will help YouthBuild program staff understand how to translate bigger workforce goals into tangible, day-to-day implementable steps/action items by grounding each session in federal guidance and proven program practices.

Through sessions covering hands-on training, approved curricula, industry-recognized credentials, and apprenticeship partnerships, we will highlight what it takes to make pre-apprenticeship programs work across various C+ pathways. Participants will learn how aligning training with industry standards ensures credibility, how identifying the right credentials creates real value for employers and young people alike, and how intentional partnerships with industry and the workforce system open doors to lasting opportunities.

This series isn't just about federal guidance; it’s about building C+ pathways that deliver results. Whether you're launching new training tracks, strengthening existing ones, or looking to improve connections to apprenticeship sponsors, each session will provide actionable steps and examples from peer programs. Programs will leave with clearer strategies for identifying C+ pathways that help young people move confidently into careers that offer stability and growth while helping meet local workforce needs.