![A woman, labeled Nadine Abraham, is pictured next to text promoting pre-apprenticeships as a way to improve apprenticeship systems, with the source noted as Social Finance in The74.](https://socialfinance.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/5-Nadine-1000x673.png")
Public Sector Solutions, Workforce & Economic Mobility
Key Takeaway
In this op-ed for The74, Nadine Abraham argues that strengthening and scaling pre‑apprenticeships is essential to making construction apprenticeships more accessible and building a more diverse, skilled talent pipeline.
In this op-ed, Nadine Abraham explains why many aspiring workers are locked out of construction apprenticeships and makes the case for investing in high‑quality pre‑apprenticeship programs. She highlights how short‑term, skills‑building programs connected to real apprenticeship opportunities can prepare learners for entry assessments and help them succeed, but notes that chronic underfunding and limited data capacity hold these programs back.
Related Insight
![Two people work in a carpentry workshop; the person in front uses a power drill on a wooden board, while the person in back checks a tablet. Both wear safety gear.](https://socialfinance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/pexels-tima-miroshnichenko-6790812-1000x667.jpg")
Reaching One Million Active Apprentices Starts with Retention—And Investments in the Right Supports
Improving apprentice retention and completion is critical to achieve the Trump administration’s goal of one million active apprentices. This requires a deep understanding of the factors driving apprentice cancellations as well as targeted investments in…