WHY PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS?

  • Students have an opportunity to connect what they've learned in the classroom to a real world job and learn all aspects of a trade.
  • Learn skills and behaviors that will lead to success as an apprentice.
  • Students who have completed a pre-appprenticeship program are much more likely to be hired and registered as an apprentice.
  • Obtain skills and experience to make you more attractive to potential employers.

COURSES IN THE PROGRAM

Arithmetic for Trades (IPAT 1): This course is one of three approved pre-apprentice courses of the Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Training (IPAT).The IPAT supports vocational training leading to a Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship program.This course is specific to current employees within the manufacturing industry for skill development in basic arithmetic, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, signed numbers, grouping symbols, ration and proportion, round tapers, simple gear ratios, areas, perimeters, and rounding. Reciprocal, practical industrial shop problems are employed.

Machine Tool Blueprint Reading (IPAT 2): This course is one of three approved pre-apprentice courses of the Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Training (IPAT).The IPAT supports vocational training leading to a Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship program.This course is specific to current employees within the manufacturing industry for skills development in blueprint reading.This course will provide an introduction to blueprint reading, interpretation of various kinds of lines, the position of views, symbols, conventions, dimensioning practices, sectioning, auxiliary views, and symmetry with emphasis on techniques employed to show details in relation to assembly drawings.

Trade Related Preparation (IPAT 3): This course is one of three approved pre-apprentice courses of the Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Training (IPAT).The IPAT supports vocational training leading to a Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship program.This course is specific to current employees within the manufacturing industry for trade-related preparation, which is assessed through an overview of industrial processes.A review of math, blueprint reading, and measuring tools relative to shop application are major components of this course. Students receive diagnostic evaluation through testing in these major areas.

Register for the Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Training (IPAT)

Classes are tailored to fit your work schedule; by identifying your shift you will be placed in the section that corresponds to your day off work during the work week.

For other Registration Assistance or Questions, please contact wdce@prairiestate.edu

UAW-Ford Industrial Readiness Certificate Program (IRCP) Spring 2023 Schedule

Session A Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IRCP 1 001 C1A Shop Arithmetic Fri. Sept 8 – Oct 13 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 2 002 C2B Machine Tool Blueprint Reading Fri. Oct 20 – Dec 1 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 3 003 C2B* Trade-Related Preparation Fri. Sept 8 – Dec 1 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. A131 48 12

NO CLASS ON 11/24

         
Session B Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IRCP 1 001 C2B Shop Arithmetic Mon. Sept 11 – Oct 16 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 2 002 C2B Machine Tool Blueprint Reading Mon. Oct 23 – Nov 27 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 3 003 C2B* Trade Related Preparation Mon. Sept 11 – Nov 27 12:30p.m. – 4:30 p.m. A131 48 12

NO CLASS ON 11/20

           
Session C Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IRCP 1 001 C3C Shop Arithmetic Wed. Sept 13 – Oct 18 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 2 002 C3C Machine Tool Blueprint Reading Wed. Oct 25 – Dec 6 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 3 003 C1A* Trade Related Preparation Thur. Sept 7 – Nov 30 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. A131 48 12

NO CLASS ON 11/22, 11/23

         
Session SHO Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IRCP 1 001 C4D Shop Arithmetic Sat. Sept 9 – Oct 14 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 2 002 C4D Machine Tool Blueprint Reading Sat. Oct 21 – Dec 9 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A131 32 6
IRCP 3 003 C4D* Trade Related Preparation Sat. Sept 9 – Dec 9 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. A131 48 12

NO CLASS ON 11/25

  • Current Registration and/or completion of IRCP 1 and IRCP 2 is highly recommended before enrolling in IRCP 3.
  • Classes conducted with CDC and associated health guidelines.

Spring Pre-Apprenticeship Course Schedule 2021

Section A Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IPAT 1 001 C1A 
Shop Arithmetic
Fri. Feb. 19 – Mar. 12 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IRCP 2 002 C1A 
Machine Tool Blueprint Reading
Sat. Feb. 20 – May 1 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IRCP 3 003 C1A* 
Trade Related Preparation
Sat. Feb. 20 – May 1 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. A131 48 10
*No Class on April 2 and April 3
Section B Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IRCP 1 001 C2B
Shop Arithmetic
Mon. Feb. 15 – Mar. 8 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IPAT 2 002 C2B
Machine Tool Blueprint Reading
Mon. Mar. 15 – Apr. 12 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IPAT 3 003 C2B*
Trade Related Preparation
Sat. Feb. 20 – May 1 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. A131 48 10
*No classes March 29 and April 3
Section C Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IRCP 1 001 C3C
Shop Arithmetic
Wed. Feb. 17 – Mar. 10 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IPAT 2 002 C3C
Machine Tool Blueprint Reading
Wed. Mar. 17 – Apr. 14 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IPAT 3 003 C3C*
Trade Related Preparation
Sat. Feb. 20– May 1 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. A131 48 10
*No classes March 31 and April 3
Session SHO Dates Time Location Hours Weeks
IPAT 1 001 C4D
Shop Arithmetic
Sat. Feb. 20 – Mar. 13 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IPAT 2 002 C4D
Machine Tool Blueprint Reading
Wed. Mar. 17 – Apr. 14 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. A131 32 4
IPAT 3 003 C4D*
Trade Related Preparation
Sat. Feb. 20– May 1 5:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. A131 48 10
*No class on April 3

Registration and/or completion is required for IRCP 1 and IRCP 2 for registration approval for IRCP 3

**Maximum of 9 students permitted in each class. Food is not allowed in classrooms.

Classes will be conducted with CDC and associated social distancing guidelines.

FAQ's Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Training (IPAT) Program

What is the IPAT program?
The Industrial Pre-Apprenticeship Training is a program consisting of three classes: IPAT 1, Shop Arithmetic; IPAT 2, Machine Tool Blueprint Reading; and, IPAT 3, Trade Related Preparation.

What is the course description for Shop Arithmetic (IPAT 1)?
With practical application of shop problems, this course reviews basic arithmetic including the following: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, signed numbers, grouping symbols, square root, ratio and proportion, flat and round tapers, simple and complex gear ratios, practical industrial shop problems are employed.

What is the course description for Machine Tool Blueprint Reading (IPAT 2)?
IPAT 2 offers introduction to blueprint reading including interpretation of various types of lines, position views, symbols, conventions, dimensional practices, sectioning, auxiliary views and symmetry with emphasis on techniques employed to show details in relation to assembly drawings.

What is the course description for Trade Related Preparation (IPAT 3)?
The IPAT 3 course offers preparation for a career in the trades assessed through an overview of industrial processes. Major applications in the course include review of math, blueprint reading and measuring tools relative to shop applications. Students receive diagnostic evaluation through testing in these major areas.

What if I have an academic hold on my Prairie State College record?
Those with a recorded academic hold with Prairie State College must contact the Dean of Student Development and Campus Life for available hold release options. The Dean’s office can be contacted at (708) 709-3518.

What if I have a financial hold on my Prairie State College record?
Those with a recorded financial hold with Prairie State College must contact the Prairie State College Business Office for available hold release options. The Business office can be contacted at (708) 709-3577.
For questions/additional information, please contact Prairie State College at (708) 709-3757, (708) 709-7957 or (708) 709-7895 or email continuingeducation@prairiestate.edu .

How do I drop a class?
Learners who have registered for class, but find they cannot attend, must complete an Add/Drop form to officially withdraw from the course. Course drops must be submitted 48-hours prior to the start date of the class. Refunds will not be issued for courses dropped outside of the 48-hour drop requirement.

The Add/Drop form may be submitted electronically by contacting the Enrollment Services Office during business hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Enrollment Services is located on the PSC main campus as follows:
202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights – Room 1160
Phone: (708) 709-3513 or (708) 709-3514

How do I purchase/rent books?
Books are included and are at no additional expense to the student.

Whom can I contact with questions?
Questions may be addressed to Prairie State College as follows:
General Program Questions:

  • Roger F. Fisher, Manager, Workforce and Community Partnerships - Workforce Trades: (708) 709-7711
  • Bradley J. Schmidt, Business Solutions Coordinator (708) 709-3782