PreApprentice
The pre-apprentice program was designed to help our students gain work experience. In the IT industry, post 9/11, the industry stopped accepting training due to data security concerns to non-employees. This was exacerbated by entry level jobs also requiring experience. To help our students and community, becoming a repair/service center enables our students this advantage.
Requirements
- Program is non-paid. You earn work experience hours.
- 18 years of age (high school students can enroll if 18).
- 10th grade Math & English.
- Drivers license or transportation to site.
- Current enrollment or completion of an A+ course.
- 10 month (school year Aug - May) commitment to program completion.
- Minimum 4 hours per week participation.
- Open hours 1:00 - 8:00 (Tue, Wed, Thu).
- Employment verification letter is created and end of program for your work experience validation.
- Completion of pre apprentice program is first step of apprentice program required for paid apprenticeship program.
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Working at the TechCenter At the TechCenter, services are handled by student pre apprentices under the direct supervision of certified instructors, providing a unique learning environment where students gain work experience while delivering services to our community. Our facility serves as a training ground, ensuring a blend of professional, industry practices with hands-on experience; guaranteeing quality outcomes for all students: Technology Services:
Business Services:
Community Services:
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COMPONENTS OF OUR PREAPPRENTICESHIP
Technical Skills
Equips pre-apprentices with the hands-on experience and industry- specific knowledge needed to excel in IT, while also enhancing their problem-solving, adaptability, and troubleshooting abilities in real-world scenarios.
Competitions
>Competitions challenges pre-apprentices to sharpen their skills, expand their professional network, gain industry exposure, build confidence, and step outside their comfort zone through real-world evaluations, travel, and public speaking experiences.
We currently participate in:
Projects
Research gives hands-on experience with IT project management while also building critical thinking, time management, collaboration, problem solving, and professional portfolio of work.
Projects:
- InMoov robot
- Custom LLM (AI) for IT Troubleshooting
- Boomer Shooter PC
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By participating, pre-apprentices gain valuable real-world experience while developing leadership, communication, and customer service skills; building confidence, giving back to the community, and creating connections that can lead to future career opportunities.
Workshops
Designing and delivering a workshop prepares for roles as IT trainers by honing their ability to explain complex concepts, adapt to different learning styles, and engage an audience, while also strengthening communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Sessions (see Hosting page for more info):
- Build Gaming PC 101
- TechSeniors
- VR HealthLab
Professional Development
Fosters a range of growth skills by enhancing critical workplace abilities such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, while preparing pre-apprentices to navigate real-world challenges and develop the growth mindset needed for long-term career success.
Areas addressed:
- IT services training (customer service, help desk, work orders).
- Typing proficiency.
- Team building
- Alison training - various courses.
- Linkedin / Github portfolio
- VR training (effective communication, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork).
