1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Expanding Opportunity through Pre-Apprenticeships Act . 2. Pre-apprenticeship program standards (a) In general In this Act, a pre-apprenticeship program means a program— (1) designed to— (A) assist individuals who do not meet minimum qualifications for an apprenticeship program; and (B) prepares such individuals to enter and succeed in such an apprenticeship program, including by providing the skills and competency attainment needed to enter the apprenticeship program; and (2) that meets the requirements described in subsections (b) and (c). (b) Requirements The program— (1) is carried out in partnership with at least one sponsor of an apprenticeship program; (2) demonstrates the existence of an active advisory partnership with an industry or sector partnership to inform the training and education services necessary for a pre-apprenticeship program; (3) demonstrates evidence of sufficient openings in an apprenticeship program at the completion of a pre-apprenticeship program to support a transition from a pre-apprenticeship to an apprenticeship; (4) has strategies in place with apprenticeship programs that will increase employment opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment and create a diverse talent pipeline, such that, upon completion of a pre-apprenticeship program, they will meet the entry requirements for success in such programs; (5) has plans in place, either directly or through partnerships, to provide supportive services to pre-apprentices, to support the recruitment, retention, and completion of the program; (6) provides hands-on training to participants, when possible, that does not supplant the work of a full-time, paid employee but accurately simulates the occupational conditions of a partnering apprenticeship program, with proper supervision and safety protocols