PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS PROGRAM
About Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
With a focus on apprenticeship, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pathways to Success program offers the Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC); a 192-hour apprenticeship and employment readiness training program to prepare adult job-seekers for a career in the skilled construction trades.
TACC introduces program participants to a variety of skilled trades through field trips, guest speakers, hands-on work days, and trades-specific training opportunities. The participants also learn about registered apprenticeship - an “earn while you learn model” which is often the next step to a career pathways in the construction industry.
Oregon Tradeswomen’s training program is offered at no cost to job seekers meeting the program criteria. Individuals successfully completing the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries certified program receive a certificate of completion recognized by industry registered apprenticeship training programs and employers. Both UA Local 290 and NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center provide direct entry to qualified program graduates.
To learn more, attend an Information Session.
TACC Class enrollment requirements
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Be able to pass UA drug testing – we test during class!
Learn more about our drug testing policy. - Want to go to work in the construction or manufacturing industries
- Our program priority service area is Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington Counties. We prioritize applicants who are low-income, BIPOC, veteran, and re-entry/formerly incarcerated
Overview of the Class Structure
- Learn basic trades math and measurement
- Receive an introduction to green building
- Explore topics such as job site safety and construction culture
- Learn to use hand and power tools
- Gain 30 hours of hands-on experience working alongside skilled female instructors
- Go on field trips to apprenticeship training centers and active construction sites
- Improve physical fitness with strength training taught by a certified fitness trainer
Upon graduation, Oregon Tradeswomen career counselors assist TACC graduates with their job search and application to apprenticeship training programs.
Oregon Tradeswomen career counselors also provide individualized employment counseling throughout the entire course of the graduate’s trades career.
WE DRUG TEST
Oregon Tradeswomen’s pre-apprenticeship program complies with the industry standard of zero tolerance for drug use. This includes marijuana. Oregon Tradeswomen conducts two drug tests during our program, once on the first day of programming at the mandatory orientation, and one random urine test during the period class is in session.
If you test positive at either of these times, you will be dismissed from class and asked to re-enroll at a different time when you are able to pass the drug tests.
2021 Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC) Schedule
October 19 – December 15
8:00 am – 4:00 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
(8 week session | Combined online and in-person learning)
NOTE: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, we are planning to offer our Fall TACC in a hybrid online and in-person format. However, depending on CDC recommendations, the full 8 week session might be held in person.
2022 TACC Schedule
Coming soon!
Enrollment Process
Step 1:
Attending an Information Session is the first step in the process of enrolling for the Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC).
Information Sessions are an opportunity for you to learn more details about our pre-apprenticeship offerings, the class structure, to meet the Instructor(s), and to ask questions.
All Information Sessions are currently full. To be notified when future Information Sessions are open for registration, enter your name and email address below to sign up for Training and Enrollment Notifications:
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Step 2:
After you attend an Information Session, you may apply to be considered for the TACC pre-apprenticeship program by completing and emailing an application form.
Tip: For an easy and convenient way to fill out, sign, and conveniently send sign PDF documents, install the Adobe Fill & Sign app on your phone, tablet or computer,
You will receive confirmation we have received your application and information about the next open class. Your application will be used to reserve an appointment for an Intake Interview prior to being accepted into the program.
Step 3:
Attend your individual Intake Interview. The Intake Interview will be scheduled on a date and time convenient for you and is conducted on Zoom.
After attending the intake, you will be notified if you are accepted into the class and will be provided with further steps.
Additional Resources & Information
Please visit our Apprenticeship Resource page or Industry Information Page for information on registered apprenticeship and other community-based apprenticeship-readiness training programs that may be helpful on your pathway to a career in the skilled construction trades. You may also want to explore these organizations offering exploration and training for careers in the skilled construction trades:
- Constructing Hope
- Mt. Hood Community College
- POIC
- Portland Community College
- Portland Youth Builders (for youth ages 17-24)
Oregon Tradeswomen encourages our veterans to explore careers in the skilled trades, whether you require additional training through our pre-apprenticeship training program or are ready to go directly to registered apprenticeship through programs such as Helmets to Hardhats or Oregon’s Department of Veteran Affairs .
Learn more about the benefits of registered apprenticeship for veterans on the U.S. Department of Labor's website.
If you are a service provider and interested in attending an Information Session to learn about Oregon Tradeswomen's free training program, please contact Iliana Fontal, Director of Programs and Strategic Impact, at 503.335.8200 x 122 or iliana@oregontradeswomen.org.
If you are currently an apprentice in one of the highway trades (carpenters, cement masons, operating engineers, ironworkers, laborers, painters) and are in need of support services, please visit Oregon Labor and Industries resource page.
Supports include funds for childcare, transportation, tools, and other industry needs and are based on financial need.
Learn More About Trades Careers!
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[…] crew that’s getting ready to install new floors in PCRI’s affordable rental home is a Trades and Apprenticeship Careers Class (TACC) from Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. The class is a free seven-week pre-apprenticeship training […]