Next week, NEWTech Prep is hosting its third annual Apprenticeship Information Night to connect regional high school juniors and seniors with information about training programs for skilled trades careers.
“When I first started at NEWTech, I discovered that graduates did not understand the unique differences among the apprentices or how the application process works,” said Marie Miller, NEWTech’s Career Readiness and Work-based Learning Coordinator.
She also saw a need to help caregivers understand the process, so they could learn how to best support a student with an interest in carpentry, plumbing, or other skilled trades.
Aaron Delve, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Northwest Laborers-Employers Training Trust (NWLETT), echoed Miller’s emphasis on the importance of connecting with parents, who aren’t around when students attend career-connection events during the school day.
“NEWTech offers us coordinators the opportunity to speak with parents who are going to ask those questions — ‘What are the benefits? Do you offer retirement? What does it cost?’ And then they are there to hear about all the stuff the students don’t mention when they get home.”
NWLETT is one of a dozen organizations who will have apprenticeship coordinators at NEWTech next week.
During the event, attendees will see a short presentation from NEWTech staff, then have time to meet apprenticeship coordinators, ask questions, and explore next steps.
At Spokane Community College, apprenticeship programs range from two to five years, said SCC Apprenticeship Manager Kenna May.
“Apprentices complete at least 144 hours of classroom instruction per year while completing the majority of their training on the job,” she said.
That means that apprentices are earning while they are learning.
When students finish their apprenticeship, they have attained journey-level status. “They are highly skilled professionals in their trade, prepared for long-term careers with strong earning potential,” May said.
“Many of the skilled trades require an apprenticeship program to become a journeyman,” noted Miller.
NEWTech offers several pre-apprenticeship programs — electrical, construction and welding — but there are plenty of other ways high school students can begin preparing for a post-high school graduation apprenticeship.
Along with NEWTech programs, Delve encourages students to visit with their Career and Technical Education (CTE) counselors to let them know they are interested in the trades and would like to start looking at what options are out in the community. “Life happens a lot faster than lot of these students realize,” Delve reminded.
He also notes that they should start taking punctuality seriously, and that an after-school job can help them develop positive work habits.
May agreed. Along with encouraging hands-on classes to build foundational skills and confidence, she shared, “Equally important are good attendance habits, and reliability. Apprenticeship is a job from day one. Showing up consistently, being willing to learn, and developing a strong work ethic are some of the most important preparation steps a student can take.”
You don’t need to be a NEWTech student or even a Spokane Public Schools student to attend. This is a community event for anyone interested in learning about apprenticeships in the skilled trades.
To indicate interest in attending, please complete a brief Apprenticeship Info Night survey.
Apprenticeship Information Night
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 6-7:30 p.m.
NEWTech Prep, 4141 N Regal St., Spokane, WA 99207
Registered Apprenticeships
Associated General Contractors
Carpenters
Construction Industry Training Council
Electricians
Heat & Frost Insulators
Iron Workers
Laborers
Machinists
Plasters & Cement Masons
Plumbers & Pipe Fitters
Sheet Metal Workers
Spokane Community College
Support Agencies
Associated Builders & Contractors
Construct a Career
TradeUp2Construction
Pre-Employment Preparation Program
Contact Marie Miller at (509) 354-7421 for more information.