Curriculum Resources

Effective pre-apprenticeship training requires classroom time, hands-on training, fitness, and “soft skills” training to learn about construction culture, work ethic, and meeting expectations. The below curriculum resources were developed for an all-female cohort of pre-apprentices, but can be adapted to co-educational training environments. The pre-apprenticeship program from which this curriculum is derived focuses on teaching basic carpentry skills as a foundation for all trades jobs.

The five primary components of this curriculum are:

1) classroom-based learning;

2) hands-on instruction for learning carpentry skills;

3) job site and apprenticeship training center visits;

4) physical fitness; and

5) relevant industry certifications

This training program is designed to take place over a course of seven weeks, three days per week. One day per week each is spent in classroom instruction, hands-on training, and field trips, with fitness classes taking place for a total of 2 hours per week.

While classroom learning can be more easily replicated, other portions of the pre-apprenticeship training curriculum will need to be flexible to meet the particular needs, opportunities, and limitations of every program. Training providers interested in developing curricula to serve women in their region are encouraged to reach out to Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. for technical assistance: info@tradeswomen.net

Hands-On Training Curriculum Video for Instructors

Pre-Apprenticeship Classroom Curriculum

This free Pre-Apprenticeship Classroom Curriculum is based on Oregon Tradeswomen Inc.’s (OTI) successful Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC).

This curriculum is designed for students similar to those who enroll in Oregon Tradeswomen Inc.’s TACC: women from diverse backgrounds with a variety of education and experience, including some work experience in construction or related industries. To successfully teach this curriculum, instructors should be experienced tradeswomen or men who are knowledgeable about all aspects of the curriculum content, including construction trades work.

Some elements of the TACC program are not included in this classroom curriculum. They include: student and instructor introductions and icebreakers, physical fitness, hands-on use of tools, construction culture, framing, and OSHA 10. OTI also provides students with job shadows, hands-on work experiences, and field trips to apprenticeship training centers and active construction sites. Those program elements are also not addressed in this classroom curriculum. Programs that are considering using these materials should consult with their local employers and apprenticeships to learn how to tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of their own community.

All curriculum users are required to sign a Release of Liability Waiver prior to accessing curriculum materials, and are encouraged to require their students to do the same.

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Release of Liability
The Western Resources Center for Women in Apprenticeship, Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Employment for Women, and Tradeswomen, Inc. (hereafter “WRC”) make no representation or warranty regarding the content of any curriculum materials provided to Users. User acknowledges and agrees that User is responsible for ensuring that the curriculum content and instruction thereof complies with all applicable laws, regulations, administrative codes, and industry and trade standards and best practices and that the instructors of the materials are properly trained in their use and regarding any potential risks or hazards. User agrees to instruct students and other persons or organizations that utilize the materials to do so in a manner that complies with all laws, regulations, administrative codes, and industry and trade standards and best practices.

Notwithstanding any other contrary provision in this Agreement, User will defend, indemnify and hold the WRC and its members, managers, employees and agents harmless for, from, and against any and all ‎claims, actions, proceedings, damages, liabilities, and expenses of every kind, whether ‎known or unknown (including but not limited to damages related to personal injury, bodily harm, or death, and including attorneys’ fees) resulting ‎from or arising out of any claim related to this curriculum by User, User’s students or former students, User’s employees, volunteers, and contracted workers, or other recipients or persons or organizations related to User.
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I assume responsibility for ensuring that this curriculum content and instruction thereof complies with all applicable laws, regulations, administrative codes, and industry and trade standards and best practices.
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I understand and release the Western Resources Center for Women in Apprenticeship and its affiliate organizations from all potential and future liabilities related from the use of its curriculum materials.
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Hands-On Training

The Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC) spends one full day a week in hands-on instruction activities. One tradeswoman instructor is on the job for every four TACC students. TACC emphasizes instruction in use of the cordless driver and Skil saw as the most basic tools and skills needed for carpentry. The below hands-on curriculum resources for training providers are designed to be used in tandem with each other and with the classroom instruction materials also available through the Western Resources Center website.

The below linked document describes the key components of TACC hands-on training, as well as the broad goals of this instruction. These components are demonstrated by actual TACC instructors and students in training in the video below, which is designed to emphasize the most effective tone and pace of instruction for women in trades pre-apprenticeship.

Hands-On Training Goals and Components Curriculum Aid

Hands-On Training Curriculum Video for Instructors

Job Site & Apprenticeship Training Center Field Trips

The Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. Trades and Apprenticeship Career Class (TACC) spends one full day a week exploring trades career options through field trips to apprenticeship training centers and commercial construction sites. Arranging for a host and presenter to address the students is a key component of the field trip activities. If possible, we recommend asking a tradeswoman instructor or female worker to deliver the presentation and tour to the students. The below resources should help in the planning of field trips, preparing hosts/presenters, and preparing students to make the most of the day.

Field Trips Overview

Field Trip Talking Points for Instructors

Example Talking Points Field Trip Presenters

Field Trip Guidelines for Students

Exercise – Remembering to Bring Your Gear

Trades Certifications for Pre-Apprentices

Requiring or encouraging your students to obtain trades certifications helps augment their training and makes them more competitive applicants for apprenticeships and entry level trades jobs. The below list details useful certifications.

Sample Certifications for Pre-Apprentices

Western Resources Center
for Women in Apprenticeship

A Joint Project of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Employment for Women, and Tradeswomen, Inc.