Apprenticeship Readiness Program

Start your career in a construction trade today!

Why join our pre-apprenticeship program?

The Apprenticeship Readiness Program is designed to prepare you for an apprenticeship in construction.

You’ll explore a wide range of trade options, gain hands-on experience and build the foundational skills needed to thrive in one of the 23 union construction trades. You’ll gain the knowledge to succeed when you’re ready to take the next step.

Ready to take the next step?

Click here to learn about San Diego County’s Building Trades Unions apprenticeship programs and see how this pre-apprenticeship can set you on the path to a rewarding career.

Buildings in construction with cranes in the forefront of a cloudy sky emphasizing the types of projects participants of the Apprenticeship Readiness Program can be part of in their future careers

Why join our pre-apprenticeship program?

The Apprenticeship Readiness Program is designed to prepare you for an apprenticeship in construction.

You’ll explore a wide range of trade options, gain hands-on experience and build the foundational skills needed to thrive in one of the 23 union construction trades. You’ll gain the knowledge to succeed when you’re ready to take the next step.

Ready to take the next step?

Click here to learn about San Diego County’s Building Trades Unions apprenticeship programs and see how this pre-apprenticeship can set you on the path to a rewarding career.

What you’ll learn

Using the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum, the 10 or 16 week program covers key industry skills and certifications, including:

Construction industry basics and tool usage

Health and safety practices

CPR/BLS and OSHA certifications

Construction math and blueprint reading

Green construction practices

Additional supportive services

Stipends

for eligible program participants

Job search assistance

in construction fields

Other services

to help you complete the program

Eligibility

  • Ages 17+*
  • Legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Resident of San Diego or Imperial County
  • Basic digital literacy preferred

*Applicants under 18 require guardian consent and are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the program location

Program locations and dates

Click on the providers below to view more details about upcoming cohorts.

Screening Window: June 30–July 25, 2025

Location: 900 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910

Length: 16 weeks

Schedule: Aug. 12–Dec. 16, 2025
Tuesday and Wednesday 5–9 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.–4:30p.m.

Screening Window: May 26–June 20, 2025

Location: 510 Sunset Dr., Vista, CA 92081

Length: 16 weeks

Schedule: July 8-Oct. 24, 2025
Tuesday and Thursday 5–9 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.–4:30p.m.

Note: Participants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this location. If you will be 18 by the program start date, you are welcome to apply.

Screening Window: Aug. 1-Sept. 1, 2025

Location: 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113

Length: 10 weeks

Schedule: Sept. 8–Nov. 20, 2025
Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Location: Imperial Valley, CA

The program at this location is expected to launch in 2025. More details will be announced soon.

Program locations and dates

Click on the providers below to view more details about upcoming cohorts.

Southwestern College

Screening Window: June 30–July 25, 2025
Location: 900 Otay Lakes Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Length: 16 weeks
Schedule: Aug. 12–Dec. 16, 2025, Tuesday and Wednesday 5–9 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.–4:30p.m.

Vista Unified School District

Screening Window: May 26–June 20, 2025
Location: 510 Sunset Dr., Vista, CA 92081
Length: 16 weeks
Schedule: July 8-Oct. 24, 2025, Tuesday and Thursday 5–9 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m.–4:30p.m.
Note: Participants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for this location. If you will be 18 by the program start date, you are welcome to apply.

San Diego College of Continuing Education

Screening Window: Aug. 1-Sept. 1, 2025
Location: 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113
Length: 10 weeks
Schedule: Sept. 8–Nov. 20, 2025, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Imperial Valley College

Location: Imperial Valley, CA
The program at this location is expected to launch in 2025. More details will be announced soon.

How to apply

Applications are open.

To see application screening dates for each location, see the program locations and dates section above.

Here is how to apply:

1. Begin your application (it takes 10-15 minutes)
2. Answer the supplemental questionnaire following your application
3. Wait for our team to respond about next steps

APPLY NOW

Questions?

If you have questions about the program or applying, email us at hello@workforce.org or call (619) 319-WORK (9675).

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