About AJAC

Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) Launches New Machining Apprenticeship Program in Tri-Cities at Columbia Basin College (CBC)

SEATTLE, WA – August 2, 2011 – The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), a non-profit, statewide developer of Washington State registered aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship programs, announced today that it will offer a new machining apprenticeship program this fall at Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco, WA. Apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training experience (93%) with classroom instruction (7%) that includes theory and hands on learning. This will be AJAC's first program in the Tri-Cities area and sixth program overall. Other program locations include: Spokane, Tacoma, Everett and Seattle. In addition to machining, AJAC has designed and is developing training programs for nine other registered aerospace and advanced manufacturing occupations, such as composite manufacturing specialist, aircraft interiors assembly mechanic, aircraft mechanic airframe and maintenance machinist, etc.


"AJAC is excited to expand its apprenticeship program to the Tri-Cities area and work with CBC and employers to continue addressing Washington State's growing shortage of skilled aerospace and advanced manufacturing workers, said Laura Hopkins, Executive Director of AJAC. We are very appreciative of CBC's commitment to helping AJAC provide the next generation of tradespeople with the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to enable employers to produce the highest quality and most innovative products in the world."


AJAC's machining program at CBC will be taught to aircraft-oriented precision levels and give apprentices the opportunity to learn and/or enhance their knowledge of a variety of skills. These skills include: Math; CNC Technology; CAD/CAM; Inspection; Metallurgy and Advanced Materials; Cutting Tools; Conventional and Advanced Machining; and Print Reading. Apprentices are also introduced to other cutting edge technologies, such as Waterjet and Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM). Through this partnership with CBC, the college is offering AJAC utilization of its machine shop, classroom facilities and computer labs. In addition to aerospace, AJAC offers training for machining and its other occupations across a number of industries, including: advanced manufacturing, medical manufacturing, marine, automotive and agriculture.


Derek Brandes, Dean for Career & Technical Education at Columbia Basin College (CBC), said, "We are very excited to add the AJAC apprenticeship program to our offerings. It is a great opportunity to strengthen our technical programs and meet community needs."


AJAC will also be offering CBC use of its Advanced Inspection and Manufacturing Mobile Training Unit (AIM-MTU). This 53' classroom on wheels will provide apprenticeship training throughout the entire manufacturing process: product designing, programming, testing, setup, machining, inspection and reporting. It includes state-of-the-art manufacturing and inspection equipment, including: Computerized training stations — CAD, CAM and HAAS Simulators; Advanced Metrology Lab; 3-D Prototype Technology; Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and more!


AJAC's industry-driven programs offer aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers the opportunity to build a well-qualified and experienced workforce by giving them a method to capture the knowledge and trade secrets of their master tradespeople. In the AJAC program, companies can either enroll current employees or identify new candidates to earn journey-level certification. These employees can be added to an existing AJAC program or if a company has 15 or more employees that need training, AJC can create a brand new program exclusively for that company. To find out more information about how your company can participate in any of AJAC's apprenticeship programs, including the program at CBC or create a brand new one, please contact AJAC at 509-533-8299 or info@ajactraining.org.


AJAC enables companies to create their next generation of experts using programs developed with industry input and emerging practices from their Washington State counterparts. These employers have contributed time, expertise and knowledge to curriculum development, mentor programs, advisory committees and equipment and technology donations.


In addition to obtaining journey-level certification as a master craftsperson, AJAC's unique programs set the apprentice on a path towards earning an associate's degree that can articulate into a four-year degree. AJAC's innovative apprenticeship programs also:


  • integrate competency based learning,
  • implement instructor training to develop the next generation of trades instructors that utilizes master craftspeople,
  • partner with employers, community and technical colleges and others across Washington to implement innovative training models that establish career pathways from K-12 through master craftspeople,
  • work with certifying agencies to enable apprentices to achieve multiple certifications,
  • participate in pre-employment and pre-apprenticeship training across Washington State, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to secure an entry-level position in machining and advanced manufacturing,
  • offer hybrid online/in-person classes

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) is a statewide, state-funded, non-profit organization that develops and implements Washington State registered apprenticeship programs. AJAC provides aerospace and advanced manufacturing employers with their next generation workforce by offering a method to capture the knowledge and trade secrets of their master tradespeople. 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 or contact AJAC at 509-533-8299 or info@ajactraining.org.


Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a comprehensive two-year college that provides quality education and effective job preparation. CBC exists in an environment of diversity, fairness, equity and sustainability to ensure that the people of Benton and Franklin counties have access to educational programs providing sufficient knowledge for higher educational achievement, meaningful employment, basic skills development, cultural enrichment, physical and emotional well-being.


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