At local unions and IBEW/NECA training centers across the U.S. and Canada, pre-apprenticeship programs are a proven way of expanding access to the IBEW and extending the hand of opportunity beyond traditional demographic and regional borders. The introductory courses last between a few weeks and a few months, depending on the program, and are designed to help those interested in a full apprenticeship enter the trades with the skills and knowledge they need. Not only do the programs offer a less intensive way to try out the craft to see if it's a good fit, they offer classes like math tailored to the trade as well as supervised on-the-job training. Many programs offer direct entry into an apprenticeship upon successful completion. Click on your state or province below to find out if there is a pre-apprenticeship program or tradeswomen's organization near you.