Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee's (AJAC) Mobile Training Unit Travels Across Washington State to Provide Apprenticeship and Just-In-Time Technical Short-Term Training

SEATTLE, WA – June 20, 2011 – The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), developer of Washington State registered aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship programs, announced today that it will take its training on the road beginning this fall with the new Advanced Inspection and Manufacturing Mobile Training Unit (AIM-MTU) . This 53-foot classroom on wheels will travel across Washington State to provide apprenticeship and just-in-time technical short-term training to the next generation of advanced manufacturing tradespeople. The AIM-MTU will visit employer worksites and community/technical colleges.

AJAC developed the AIM-MTU in collaboration with industry and educators in order to offer modularized training throughout the entire manufacturing process across Washington State. Modules include product design, programming, testing, setup, machining, inspection and reporting. This training will be taught by highly skilled instructors using 'Advanced Inspection and Manufacturing' curriculum and state-of-the-art equipment and technology such as:

Computerized training stations - CAD, CAM and HAAS Simulators
Advanced Metrology Lab
3-D Prototype Technology
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Laura Hopkins, Executive Director of AJAC, explained the big picture behind the AIM-MTU and how it came to fruition, "With our vision for this mobile training unit, we are creating the first generation of just-in-time, hands on training, a model of training for the future. AJAC owes a big thanks to its employers for all of the time, expertise and knowledge they have contributed to make this vision possible. They have provided input regarding certifications, subject areas, course content for curriculum and the most effective ways to reach employers."

The AIM-MTU will provide training in a number of industry sectors and accommodate employers in a variety of ways.

Education and training in the aerospace, medical manufacturing, marine and automotive industries plus many others
Specialized trainings for individual worksites, including training journey-level workers to be on-site trainers
Flexibility to visit worksites for whatever time is needed
Ability to train employees inside the AIM-MTU while regular work takes place on machinery at the worksite
Option to supplement the on-site piece of apprenticeship or short-term training
Training on equipment not available at company worksite
Accommodation of a large group or just one or two employees

Mike Fitzpatrick, manufacturing instructor, author and consultant, summed up the value and benefits of the AIM-MTU, stating,"Beyond buying the metrology equipment needed at the application point, the greatest need is for worker training. But that takes a shop's equipment offline. In the mobile training unit, not only can you teach today's methods, CMMs and smart height gages but use new technology such as a scanning microscope and a measuring arm. In fact, it's a complete integrated factory. Start at the front and train your people to create solid models using Solid-Works and Mastercam X5, then test the code on the HAAS CNC simulators. Then the worker makes the part on the prototype printer and inspects it in the back half of the unit using the universal language PC-DMIS software."

If you are interested in finding out more about the AIM-MTU, visit our web site or contact AJAC at info@ajactraining.org or 206-764-7940.

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) is a statewide, state-funded, non-profit organization that develops and implements Washington State registered apprenticeship programs for aerospace and advanced manufacturing occupations. Some of the occupations include aircraft-oriented machining, composite technicians, aircraft interiors assembly mechanic, etc. AJAC provides advanced manufacturing employers with their next generation workforce by offering a method to capture the knowledge and the trade secrets of a master tradesperson. Apprenticeships combine supervised on-the-job training experience (93%) with classroom instruction (7%) that includes theory and hands on learning. For more information about AJAC, visit: www.ajactraining.org

Contact Information:
Lisa Van Dyke
Communications Specialist
Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC)
Phone: 206-764-5832
Fax: 206-764-5329
lvandyke@ajactraining.org
www.ajactraining.org