A Pathway into the Skilled Trades
The Karen Mayne Pre-Apprenticeship Program (KMPP), offered by Utah Women in Trades, is designed to help individuals explore and prepare for careers in the skilled building and construction trades.
This approximately 120-hour training program provides participants with hands-on exposure to multiple skilled trades, foundational construction knowledge, and the tools needed to pursue a registered apprenticeship.
Our goal is simple: help participants determine if a career in the skilled trades is the right fit and prepare them to succeed when they enter the industry.
Participants gain practical experience, industry insight, and support as they take their first steps toward a career in construction.
Participants must attend and complete all required program instruction and follow program policies.
What Is a Pre-Apprenticeship?
A pre-apprenticeship is an introductory training program that prepares individuals to apply for and succeed in a registered apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are the primary pathway into skilled trades careers. Apprentices work full-time while receiving classroom instruction and hands-on training, earning wages and benefits as they learn their trade.
The Karen Mayne Pre-Apprenticeship Program is not an apprenticeship, but a training program designed to help individuals prepare for and successfully apply to apprenticeship opportunities.
The Karen Mayne Pre-Apprenticeship Program helps participants:
- Understand how apprenticeships work
- Explore different skilled trades before committing to one
- Build basic construction knowledge and safety skills
- Prepare for apprenticeship entry requirements
- Connect with apprenticeship training centers and employers
What You’ll Learn
The program includes approximately 120 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training led by experienced instructors and industry professionals.
Participants learn construction safety, proper tool use, and industry expectations, and may earn certifications such as OSHA 10, First Aid/ CPR and MC3. Students are also introduced to several skilled trades and training centers, which may include electrical, plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC & refrigeration, sheet metal, ironworkers, laborers, insulators, heavy equipment, and more.
Throughout the program, participants take part in hands-on demonstrations, job readiness training, and industry preparation, including jobsite expectations, professional conduct, and apprenticeship readiness. Academic support is also provided to help prepare for apprenticeship math and aptitude assessments.
Program Details
The Karen Mayne Pre-Apprenticeship Program typically runs for 12–14 weeks, with classes held two days per week, though the specific days may vary depending on the cohort and training schedule. Sessions take place at various training centers and community partner locations throughout the Salt Lake area, giving participants the opportunity to learn in real industry environments.
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for individuals who are interested in exploring a career in construction and the skilled trades.
You may be a good fit if you:
- Have less than 1 year total of construction experience
- Enjoy working with your hands
- Like problem solving and building things
- Are interested in stable, high-demand careers
- Want to learn about apprenticeship opportunities
- Are ready to explore a new career path
No prior construction experience is required.
Program Requirements
Participants must be able to safely perform the essential functions of construction work.
This may include:
- Lifting 25–50 pounds
- Pushing, pulling, bending, and crouching
- Working in confined spaces such as attics or crawlspaces
- Using hand and power tools
- Following safety instructions and jobsite rules
Participants must attend and complete all required program instruction and follow program policies.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- At least 18 years of age
- High school diploma or GED (or willingness to obtain one)
- State issued ID
- Social Security card
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to pass a drug test for apprenticeship programs
- Driver’s license (or willingness to obtain one)
- Citizenship or eligible immigrant status for apprenticeship eligibility
Why the Skilled Trades?
Careers in the skilled trades offer competitive wages, health and retirement benefits, opportunities for advancement, and long-term career stability. Just as importantly, these careers allow individuals to build and create tangible work they can see and take pride in every day.
Skilled trades professionals play a vital role in building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our communities running.
Ready to get started?
