AJAC offers three main programs to individuals looking to advance their career: Apprenticeship Preparation (Manufacturing Academy), Youth Apprenticeship, and Adult Apprenticeship.
Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships
Offer AJAC's Apprenticeship Programs to Your Employees
Become an Employer PartnerLaunch Your Career as an AJAC Apprentice
Become a Registered ApprenticeOffer AJAC's Apprenticeship Programs to Your Employees
Launch Your Career as an AJAC Apprentice
Who Is AJAC?
AJAC is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 to skill up the advanced manufacturing workforce through registered apprenticeship.
AJAC’s Training Efforts Focus on Three Key Areas:
- Adult apprenticeship programs for individuals currently working in industry.
- Youth apprenticeship programs for high school students
- Apprenticeship Preparation programs for individuals looking to gain foundational manufacturing skills
With advancements in machinery and automation, we address the needs across assembly, production, processing, machine automation, machine operations and maintenance; from raw materials whether they are grown or mined, to finished goods.
Our Footprint
400
+
Apprentices
300
+
Employers
20
Training Locations
AJAC operates in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in a variety of advanced manufacturing industries to bring apprenticeships to the 21st century.
We Partner With:
- Advanced manufacturing companies to offer our apprenticeship programs to their employees.
- Community and technical colleges to ensure our classroom training is college accredited.
- School districts and skills centers to offer Youth Apprenticeships to high school students.
- Community-based organizations to secure funding streams and support services for the individuals we serve.
How AJAC's Apprenticeship Works
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Once an individual agrees to enroll in a program, AJAC works closely with the employer and employee to go over responsibilities, on-the-job training competencies, and college-level classes.
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Apprentices are enrolled in AJAC’s classes taught at local community/technical colleges and/or online. Classes are college accredited, held one night a week for four hours. Most apprentices have the summer quarter off.
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Apprentices work full-time as paid employees throughout the duration of the apprenticeship while receiving one-on-one mentorship and wage progressions.
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Apprentices submit their on-the-job training hours each month through AJAC’s online Apprentice Tracking System. Employers review these hours and approve them on a monthly basis.
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Once an apprentice has met their required on-the-job training hours and passed all of their college-level classes, they will receive a journey-level certificate through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
AJAC's Training Programs
The Manufacturing Academy, AJAC's apprenticeship preparation program, offers a solid foundational career pathway into advanced manufacturing apprenticeship opportunities. Our programs are currently offered at multiple locations across Washington State.
AJAC operates the Manufacturing Academy at no-cost through grant funding that focuses on encouraging women, people of color, displaced workers, and low-income individuals to develop manufacturing skills and obtain living wage jobs.
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AJAC's Youth Apprenticeship programs are designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.
These apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training at an AJAC employer and college-level classroom instruction which can lead to a high school diploma, journey-level card and short-term college certificate.
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As an adult apprentice, you work at a full-time job while training with a mentor and earning wages + benefits. In addition, you attend classes typically one night a week at a local community or technical college to learn the theory behind the training.
Within two to five years, you earn a Journey-Level Certificate, enabling you to work anywhere in the U.S. as a master tradesperson.
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Automation & Machinery
Space
Aerospace & Defense
Computer Electronics
Chemicals & Plastics
Medical
Clean Energy
Food & Beverage
Transportation & Logistics
Wood & Paper
Maritime Manufacturing
AJAC's Apprenticeship Occupations
AJAC provides apprenticeship training for 13 high-growth, in-demand apprenticeship occupations to serve high school students and adults across Washington State.
From machining and CNC programming to maintenance and logistics, AJAC’s programs vary from entry-level programs (18-months) to more advanced programs (4-5 years).
Apprenticeship for Employers
AJAC is funded to develop, create, and implement no-cost apprenticeship programs for manufacturing employers in Washington State, Idaho and Oregon.
93% of each program is on-the-job training at your company, on your machines, using your work processes. 7% of the program is college accredited classroom instruction delivered by industry professionals to teach the theory behind the skills learned on the job.
Automation & Machinery
Space
Aerospace & Defense
Computer Electronics
Chemicals & Plastics
Medical
Clean Energy
Food & Beverage
Transportation & Logistics
Wood & Paper
Maritime Manufacturing
Send Us Your Question About Apprenticeship
AJAC staff are ready to help guide you through the process of becoming an apprentice or becoming an employer partner. Please use the link below to get the conversation started and we will be in touch shortly.
This workforce training program receives partial support and funding from U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship: Building America grants. Read more about USDOL grant funding at esd.wa.gov/usdol.