What is Pre-Apprenticeship?
Pre-apprenticeship programs at the Fairfield County Workforce Center are designed to help high school seniors build the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in a registered apprenticeship or skilled career. Students receive hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, career readiness support, and exposure to high-demand trades and occupations. Whether you’re exploring a new career path or preparing to enter the workforce, pre-apprenticeship provides a strong foundation and a direct pathway to rewarding careers with opportunities for long-term growth.
While students spend their days at the Workforce Center engaged in training, they are also expected to complete their required online high school coursework to remain on track to graduate.
How to Get Involved
Parents’ Night
Parents’ Night is a biannual event occurring during both the fall and spring semesters. It is a chance for parents of incoming high school seniors and their students to become acquainted with the Workforce Center and its programming. There are presentations, tours, and opportunities to chat directly with instructors. Parents’ Night is not a requirement for enrollment.
Discovery Days
Pre-apprenticeship at the Workforce Center starts with Discovery Days. To be accepted into a program, students are required to attend Discovery Days. Hosted annually every Thursday and Friday in September, Discovery Days are for Fairfield County high school seniors to attend and learn about the different training programs available. Each Discovery Day takes place during the school day from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. To attend, seniors must submit interest forms to their school counselor. After attending, students must complete an application to be considered for the program of their choice. Students are informed of their acceptance within the first week of October.
Discovery Days Schedule
2027 Schedule Coming Soon
Discovery Days Location
Fairfield County Workforce Center
4465 Coonpath Rd. NW
Carroll, OH 43112
Get directions (opens in a new tab and leaves the Workforce Center website)
Questions?
Please contact Jenni Sturgeon
Workforce Clerical Specialist
Fairfield County Economic and Workforce Development
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Programs
Browse and learn more about the Workforce Center’s various pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs are made possible by Hocking College, Ohio University, Freeland Contracting, and other employer partners who dedicate their time and expertise.
Carpentry
HVAC
Phlebotomy
Electrical
Industrial Technology
Water/Wastewater Management
Plumbing
Frequently Asked Questions: Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
How do students enroll in the pre-apprenticeship program?
During Pre-apprenticeship Discovery Days, students will receive an application to apply for acceptance into the pre-apprenticeship program of their choice. Applications must be signed by parents and a school counselor, then submitted along with the current school transcript.
How soon after applying will I know if I am accepted into the pre-apprenticeship program?
Applications are accepted throughout the month of September. Schools and students are informed of acceptance in the first week of October.
How are students informed of acceptance into the pre-apprenticeship program?
Students will receive an acceptance letter from the Workforce Center via email. Students will also be informed of their acceptance from their home schools.
Do students need to live in Fairfield County to attend the pre-apprenticeship program?
Students planning to enroll into the Fairfield County’s Pre-apprenticeship program must attend school in Fairfield County. Students can also be home-schooled and live in a Fairfield County school district.
What are the requirements to be accepted into the pre-apprenticeship program?
The basic requirements are listed below
- Students must attend school in Fairfield County
- Students must be a high school senior, on track to graduate
- Students must have a 2.0 GPA or higher
- Students must attend a Pre-apprenticeship Discovery Day
- Students must have good attendance
- Students must have reliable transportation and either have a drivers license or be willing to obtain one before their internship starts
Do students enrolled in phlebotomy get assigned to a job site?
Phlebotomy is currently not a pre-apprenticeship program. Students are not assigned to worksites, but are connected to local healthcare employers through the Career Readiness program.
What time do programs start?
Programs run daily 8:00- 2:00 PM, Monday- Friday
Am I able to switch programs?
Provided there is space available in the class a student would like to transfer into, they can switch during the General Foundations period and before actual enrollment into the Spring Semester (relevant safety training in General Foundations for their new field of study must be completed).
Is lunch provided?
No, students have open campus for lunch.
How do I complete my regular coursework for graduation?
All graduation credits and high school coursework must be completed online through their school districts online programming and completed by the home district's set deadline for graduation. Each high school has different standards and dates for completion.
Do I get college credit for my courses at the Workforce Center?
Students in Electrical, HVAC and Carpentry can earn 6 college credits. Water Wastewater Management students can earn 6-12 college credits.
Is transportation to the Workforce Center provided?
Students are responsible for their own transportation. Students can drive their own personal vehicles or schedule public transportation. Some school districts will provide school transportation.
Will my student need to purchase a uniform?
Phlebotomy students are required to wear scrubs, students working in carpentry, HVAC and electrical are required to wear work boots and jeans. The FCWFC pre-apprenticeship also has a dress code that will be provided at program orientation.
Will my student be responsible for buying their own tools?
Tools and books are provided to each student. If so, what will they need? A list of necessary tools that students receive will be provided in the spring when students enter into their programs. Tools and books vary depending on the industry.
Is there a school supply list?
No, there is no supply list.