Welcome to Pre-Apprenticeship

Welcome to the DVC Pre-Apprenticeship Program!

Welcome—and congratulations on taking the first step toward a fulfilling and high-demand career in the skilled trades. I’m Shawn Kammerer, lead faculty for the Pre-Apprenticeship program at Diablo Valley College, and I’m excited you’re exploring what we offer.

For many students, breaking into the trades can feel overwhelming. Apprenticeship programs are extremely competitive and knowing where to start isn’t always clear. That’s where we come in. The DVC Pre-Apprenticeship program is designed to give you a clear advantage. While many apprenticeship exams have pass rates around 10%, our program raises that number to 95% for our graduates. Through hands-on learning, mock exams, in-depth test preparation, and interview coaching, you’ll be ready to walk into any apprenticeship exam—often in more than one trade—with confidence.

Not sure what trade is right for you? That’s okay. One of the most powerful aspects of this program is that it helps you explore different trades before you commit. Whether you're drawn to plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or another skilled path, you’ll get exposure to them all—helping you find where your talents and interests align best. This program is perfect for people just starting their career journey, as well as those looking to switch paths and find a better fit.

At DVC, you won’t just learn from textbooks. You’ll build scale models, frame full-size structures, and work with modern equipment—including CNC machinery and BIM (Building Information Modeling) software—just like on real job sites. We believe that learning by doing is the best way to prepare for the trades.

Most importantly, our program doesn’t just prepare you for tests—it prepares you for real jobs. Thanks to strong partnerships with local trades unions, contractors, and employers across the Bay Area, many of our students secure internships, apprenticeships, and full-time work directly through our network.

If you’re looking for a smart, supportive way to get started in the trades—and want to increase your chances of success from day one—this is it. We’re here to help you build confidence, skills, and a career you’ll be proud of.

Let’s get started.

Sincerely,

Shawn Kammerer

Program Lead, Pre-Apprenticeship