PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS Overview
About Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
With a focus on apprenticeship, Oregon Tradeswomen’s Pathways to Success program offers a 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 career pathways in the construction industry.
Oregon Tradeswomen’s training program is offered at no cost to job seekers. 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.
Oregon Tradeswomen career counselors assist TACC graduates with their job search and application to apprenticeship training programs and employers. Oregon Tradeswomen career counselors also offer individualized employment counseling throughout the entire course of the graduate’s trades career.
UA Local 290 and NECA/IBEW Electrical Training Center provide direct entry to qualified TACC program graduates.
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
Eligibility Requirements
- 18 years of age or older
- Women and gender minorities
- Have a High School Diploma or GED
- Must take the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) test. Learn more below
- Able to pass UA drug testing – we test during class! Learn more below
- Desire to pursue a career in the construction industry
- We prioritize applicants who are BIPOC, veterans, and re-entry/formerly incarcerated
- There are no longer any income eligibility requirements - all income levels are welcome to apply!
Need Assistance While in Class?
Oregon Tradeswomen’s pre-apprentices may be eligible to apply for Oregon's Training Unemployment Insurance for the duration of the program.
The Training Unemployment Insurance (TUI) program helps dislocated workers — people who have become unemployed and are unlikely to return to their previous industry — support themselves and their families while gaining new skills. They can then return to the workforce and advance their careers.
Under the TUI program, dislocated workers can get training or attend school while receiving benefits from the Unemployment Insurance Program. The TUI program does not offer training or pay for training, but it removes the requirement of looking for and being available for work in order to receive benefits. This way, you can attend school full time.
Drug Testing: Policy and Information
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.
Click here for additional details about our drug testing policy.
National Career Readiness Certification® (NCRC®)
The ACT NCRC is a portable, evidence-based certification that certifies the essential skills for workplace success. Some Registered Apprenticeship programs look for it from candidates, whether they come directly from Oregon Tradeswomen, or through other postsecondary paths, because it is a valid predictor of job performance. To earn the National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®), you must successfully complete the WorkKeys assessments in Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. The exam is facilitated at several WorkSource Centers across Oregon.
Funding Notes:
Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF):
This program has been made possible in part by a grant from the City of Portland, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.
Prosper Portland, Metro, Worksystems, U.S. Department of Labor:
Oregon Tradeswomen's Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class is funded in part by Metro, Prosper Portland, U.S. Department of Labor, and Worksystems.
Worksystems, Inc. (WSI):
This program is financed in whole or in part with funds provided through Worksystems from Prosper Portland and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA Nondiscrimination Statement). In accordance with Federal Law providers are prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. Providers are an equal opportunity program/employer. Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY 1-800-735-2900. To place a free relay call in Oregon, dial 711
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