How Do Aerospace and Manufacturing Apprenticeship Programs Work?
What is an Apprenticeship Program in the Aerospace and Manufacturing Industries?
Who Can Become an Apprentice?
How Long is an AJAC Apprenticeship Program?
How Much Do Apprentices Earn?
Where are AJAC Apprenticeship Programs Located?
What is Earned at the End of an Apprenticeship Program?
What is an Apprenticeship Program in the Aerospace and Manufacturing Industries?
Aerospace apprenticeship in Washington State is not just a job, but a career opportunity! Aerospace and manufacturing apprenticeships provide occupational skills training that combines supervised on-the-job training experience with classroom instruction. It is a proven way to train people for careers in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries 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 that makes him or her nationally recognized in their chosen trade. Employers get a low-cost training program that captures and passes on the knowledge of their current workforce to a new generation of aerospace and manufacturing 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.
Apprenticeship committees, made up of employee and employer representatives from the aerospace and andvanced manufacturing industries, operate apprenticeship programs. Both state and federal governments have a role in regulating on-the-job training programs. Aerospace and manufacturing apprenticeships at the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) are a partnership of employers, workers, the State of Washington, and a variety of schools and community colleges.
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 in Washington State 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
During the on-the-job training portion (93%), the apprentice:
- Learns and practices progressively challenging tasks of the occupation
- Is matched with a journey-level worker to learn the skills of an occupation
During the classroom instruction portion (7%), the apprentice:
- Spends a specified amount of time studying theory and practical application in classrooms taught by journey-level teachers
- Uses the classroom work to prepare for more difficult tasks on the job. The required classes are usually offered by a local Washington State community colleges
Who Can Become an Apprentice?
An aerospace or manufacturing apprentice can be anyone newly entering the work force, looking to upgrade current skills, or someone already working in an occupation. AJAC is committed to creating methods for diverse peoples to get trained in a skill that will provide them with a means to achieving a living wage job. Fundamental to the success of the aerospace apprenticeship programs is having a workforce that represents all people. To assure success in achieving a high level of diversity among apprentices, AJAC strives to remove barriers and challenges that would otherwise keep someone from becoming an apprentice. AJAC partners with organizations that provide training and support to gain skills to be successful in the trades.
AJAC and their Registered Training Agents comply with the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) requirements of the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council (WSATC) and the US Dept of Labor's Equal Opportunity regulation 29 CFR Part 30, and are dedicated to providing EEO in all areas without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. All people are encouraged to apply.
How Long is an AJAC Apprenticeship Program?
Most apprenticeship programs last two to four years.
How Much Do Apprentices Earn?
An apprentice is usually brought on as a full-time employee who is learning while earning. The beginning salary for an apprentice is about half the salary of a fully trained (Journey-Level) worker, who has completed their on-the-job training and are master craftspeople in their trade. Aerospace/manufacturing apprentices receive pay increases as they learn and perform more complex tasks proficiently. The employer evaluates the apprentice's progress in both related classroom instruction and on-the-job training 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. Journey-level workers are well paid employee in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries and have unlimited opportunities to become supervisors, leads or shop foremans.
Where are AJAC Apprenticeship Programs Located?
AJAC currently has education and training programs in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett/Snohomish, Spokane, the Tri-Cities and plans to open more!
What is Earned at the End of an Apprenticeship Program?
An individual who has successfully completed an aerospace/manufacturing 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 and advanced manufacturing industry employers.