How do aerospace apprenticeship programs work?

Aerospace apprenticeship is a partnership of employers, workers, the State of Washington, and a variety of schools and community colleges. Aerospace apprenticeship is occupational skills training that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. It is a proven way to train people for careers in the aerospace industry that demand a wide range of skills, knowledge, and independent judgment. Apprenticeship is a highly successful occupational skills model and is often referred to as the original four-year degree.

Apprentices can get paid while learning an occupation on the job and at the same time, earn college credits and a journey-level certificate. Employers get a low-cost training program that captures and passes on the knowledge of their current workforce to a new generation of workers. Employers also find many other advantages such as easier recruitment, increased productivity and safety, less turn-over and a way to screen new employees.

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) connects many individuals and organizations to provide skills for the future.

• Employers provide on-the-job training through journey level workers
• Apprentices commit to fulfilling the apprenticeship program requirements including off-hours classroom training
• Schools, community colleges, and industry training centers provide off-hours classroom training
• The State of Washington provides the official certification for apprentices who complete the program, provides support to the apprenticeship committee, and supports apprentice recruitment efforts

The aerospace apprenticeship programs combine progressively challenging tasks, learned and practiced on the job, with classroom training. Most apprenticeship programs last two to four years. An individual who has successfully completed an aerospace apprenticeship program and can demonstrate a high level of competency in an occupation is considered to have reached journey level status. Journey level workers receive a journey card and certificate that is nationally recognized and respected by aerospace industry employers.

An aerospace apprentice may be a man or a woman, either newly entering the work force, looking to upgrade current skills or someone already working in an occupation. The apprentice is usually brought on as a full-time employee who is learning while earning. The beginning salary, about half the salary of a fully trained worker, increases as the apprentice learns and performs more complex tasks proficiently. The apprentice is matched with a journey level worker to learn the skills of an occupation.

In addition to their job, an apprentice spends a specified amount of time studying theory and practical application in classrooms taught by journey level teachers. Classroom work helps the apprentice prepare for more difficult tasks on the job. The required classes are usually offered by a community college.

As the apprentice progresses in the program, the employer evaluates their progress before recommending advancement to the next pay level. The employer also recommends an "Award of Completion" certificate when an apprentice has satisfactorily completed the required course work and on-the-job training.