Author: Aaron Ferrell

October 9, 2024

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Last week, Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier contacted AJAC to learn more about our training programs in the 8th congressional district. She wanted an opportunity to meet apprentices who have excelled…

December 8, 2021

Nearly two years ago before the start of the pandemic, AJAC held its last in-person employer roundtable in Snohomish County. Since then, a dramatic shift in workforce development and skill…

November 9, 2021

  AJAC is thrilled to announce we are the recipients of $1.3 million in grant funding through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries’ “Aerospace Workforce Development Expansion” Grant.…

October 7, 2021

  Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, MFG Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of…

October 4, 2021

Beginning in 2014, AJAC partnered with the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to provide a 12-week pre-apprenticeship training to incarcerated young men living in a DCYF transitional…

September 17, 2021

The Equity Index was established to develop equity-based partnerships and provide resources and support in the most vulnerable, underfunded communities in King County. With the Equity Index, the Port employs…

August 23, 2021

Economic Alliance Snohomish County offers regular webinar’s through their Coffee Chat’s series. The topic on August 17th was Leveraging Apprenticeships to Strengthen Your Workforce. Participants included Angie Sievers, Snohomish STEM;…

July 20, 2021

The Pacific Northwest Aerospace Alliance (PNAA) invited AJAC and Tool Gauge to their Factory Friday Tour event to discuss workforce training solutions including registered apprenticeship programs for advanced manufacturing. The…

July 19, 2021

Beginning in 2014, AJAC partnered with the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to provide a 12-week pre-apprenticeship training to incarcerated young men living in a DCYF transitional…

July 19, 2021

Advanced Manufacturing Prep (AMP) is a two-day in-person workshop developed by the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) to help job-seekers navigate the various career pathways into the aerospace and advanced…

July 6, 2021

On June 22nd, AJAC held its first virtual apprenticeship graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 and 2021—ushering in 129 graduates across six different apprenticeship occupations. These 129 graduates represented…

June 15, 2021

Meet AJAC’s new Fiscal Specialist—Stephanie Simmons! Stephanie has over ten years of experience in administration, accounting, human resources, and fiscal compliance within the casino and hospitality management industries, as well…

May 7, 2021

  Tracey Turcotte, AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship Manager held an information session for prospective Youth Apprentices interested in joining our programs for the 2021-2022 school year. AJAC currently operates two registered…

April 20, 2021

Meet AJAC’s new Financial Aid Manager, Leo Vogel. Leo comes to AJAC with over 12 years of experience in financial aid which spans career/adult education, private university education, and public/state…

April 2, 2021

Meet Connor Snell, a Production Technician (Youth Apprentice) through the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC). Connor launched his career in manufacturing after receiving an offer from WEMCO, Inc., a Spokane-based…

March 22, 2021

AJAC Machinist apprentice, Mallory Martindale, was invited to speak on a panel regarding women in nontraditional occupations hosted by WANTO. Mallory is nearly complete with her four-year machining apprenticeship, and…

March 5, 2021

Nyck Davis spent his afternoons measuring objects around his house. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Nyck to reimagine himself, not as a former automotive technician at Mercedes Benz, but as a…

March 4, 2021

This article was originally written and published by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).  One of the many benefits of youth placement in least restrictive community…

February 26, 2021

Hector Martinez enrolled in AJAC’s two-year Automation Technician (Youth) Apprenticeship program in 2019 after receiving an offer from Yakima Chief Hops. Hector went to Toppenish High School and was also…

February 23, 2021

America’s youngest workers, particularly young adults of color, are facing the most dire employment prospects since the Great Depression. As our nation looks toward recovery, and policymakers and investors seek…

February 5, 2021

  AJAC’s Regional Program Manager, Heather Collins, and Manufacturing Academy instructor, Stephen Matczak, sat down with Michelle Smith from the South Central Workforce Council to talk about AJAC’s exciting new apprenticeship…

January 21, 2021

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) is excited to offer a new CNC Programmer Apprenticeship this spring! This program combines on-the-job training (OJT) with evening classes one night a week. AJAC…

December 22, 2020

What was the last experience that made you a stronger person? Making the move back to Seattle was something that made me a stronger person.  Moving and going through a…

December 15, 2020

Kailey Harding’s interest in manufacturing first peaked when she saw students making carbon fiber skateboards at the Pierce County Skills Center. As an avid longboarder, she was immediately drawn to…

December 7, 2020

What will your new role at AJAC include?  My role here at AJAC will be teaching the Manufacturing Academy pre-apprenticeship program. I will be providing instructional training for individuals that…

November 30, 2020

She was ready for a fresh start, now she’s got a fresh career | Renton Reporter Connect to training – and employers hungry for new talent – in advanced manufacturing.…

November 23, 2020

Lift off! Take your career from the launch pad to the stratosphere | Kent Reporter Aurelia Greene has completed all of the college-level classwork for her Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee…

November 19, 2020

No-cost training to launch this spring to upskill machine operators through registered apprenticeship YAKIMA, WA-November 19, 2020 – Over the next 10 years, 596 food-processing employees across Washington State will…

November 17, 2020

Maximize Your Mentoring Effectiveness Having a structured mentorship system is a key component of an effective workforce development strategy. Never has this been more critical than today, with the vast…

November 12, 2020

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2020, AJAC sat down with former machinist graduate, Evan Thomas, for a candid interview about his apprenticeship experience. Our 24-minute conversation covered a wide variety…

November 9, 2020

Advanced manufacturing apprenticeships launch out-of-this-world opportunities | HeraldNet.com Mallory Martindale’s apprenticeship with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee is almost complete. She’s been working in manufacturing since she graduated high school,…

November 3, 2020

It’s shortly after 8 o’clock in the morning on a farm outside of Tacoma, Washington. Summer has ended and the mornings have become brisk with a layer of fog blanketing…

October 2, 2020

Meet Noah Retallic, a 17 year-old Automation Technician Youth Apprentice through the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC). Noah enrolled in the Youth Apprenticeship in Spring 2020 and immediately began his…

September 23, 2020

Please welcome our newest Manufacturing Academy instructor, Stephen Matczak! In 2010, Stephen completed his machining degree at Perry Technical Institute in Yakima, Washington and in 2013 became one of the…

September 2, 2020

As a statewide, nonprofit 501(c)(3) aerospace and advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeship organization, AJAC raises public and private resources through grants and contracts on behalf of our mission to develop, implement…

July 28, 2020

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), Kent Valley Economic Development, City of Kent, Port of Seattle, and Green River College have partnered to support Kent manufacturers and their employees during…

June 19, 2020

AJAC’s annual graduation ceremony at the Museum of Flight was postponed this year due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Although we will celebrate all of our graduates during the 2021…

May 28, 2020

Meet Rachel Bertapelle, one of 19 AJAC Industrial Maintenance Technician apprentices at Agri Beef in Toppenish, Washington. Rachel enrolled in AJAC’s 8,000 hour program this past winter and is now…

May 27, 2020

New Lost-Cost, Short-Term Trainings From AJAC AJAC is excited to announce this July we will offer three consecutive short-term trainings at our Advanced Manufacturing Prep Training Center in Kent, Washington.…

May 15, 2020

Nathan Hall, a Tool & Die Maker Apprentice at SEA-LECT Plastics in Everett, Washington was tasked to help combat the spread of COVID-19 by creating a custom injection molded face…

May 15, 2020

AJAC hosted two Youth Apprenticeship Webinars to better connect students, parents, and counselors with our next cohorts kicking off Summer 2020. During the webinars we discuss the following: program benefits,…

April 14, 2020

During these unprecedented times, AJAC understands the disruption this crisis has caused in many lives.  Our top priority is to ensure apprentices can continue to learn and instructors are able…

February 26, 2020

Meet LaDante Weems—a formerly incarcerated youth and now graduate of the AJAC Juvenile Rehabilitation Manufacturing Academy program—tells his story on becoming a full-time employee at Tech Marine. We at AJAC…

January 31, 2020

AJAC is launching a new Manufacturing Academy program in Federal Way through a partnership with the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club, Truman High School and a grant from Aspen…

December 12, 2019

Meet Heather Collins, AJAC new Regional Program Manager for central Washington State. Heather comes to AJAC with a breadth of experience in program and business development including work in the…

December 10, 2019

Selene Castro is no stranger to adversity. She has been fighting an uphill battle for years and while some would crumble under the pressure, it is has left her strong…

November 5, 2019

Below are the new grants AJAC has been awarded over the last 3 months and the partnerships we have forged with local and national organizations. City of Seattle Office of…

October 31, 2019

On October 24th, Seattle Business Magazine hosted an event honoring 15 visionary enterprises. AJAC (Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee) was one of the establishments honored and wound up taking home the…

October 25, 2019

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) recently partnered with the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership (WRTP) on a multi-state effort to encourage more women to enter into technical apprenticeship programs. WRTP…

October 25, 2019

  Christian Gray has never been a person who enjoys wasting his time. Christian has always felt mature. He thrived at homeschooling because his mom would focus more on the…

October 8, 2019

Take a tour of Machinist Inc in Seattle, Washington as the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) and Hazen High School (Renton School District) celebrate National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) 2019.…

September 23, 2019

The Wells Fargo Foundation, established in the U.S. as a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1980, is the company’s primary philanthropic funding arm. In 2018, the foundation donated nearly half…

August 28, 2019

Please welcome our first intern since 2014, Eytan Raphaely! Eytan studied marketing communications at the University of Washington and recently graduated this past June. His role at AJAC will focus…

August 22, 2019

When you walk into AJAC’s Manufacturing Academy at South Seattle College-Georgetown Campus the first thing you’ll notice is the intimidating computer numerical controlled (CNC) and manual machines scattered around the…

July 16, 2019

Please welcome the newest addition to the AJAC family, John Manning. John has been hired as our new Apprenticeship Navigator serving primarily King and Pierce Counties. John will help navigate…

July 11, 2019

On June 28, 2019, nearly 100 newly registered Youth Apprentices from across Washington State celebrated the beginning of their apprenticeship at the ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington. Signing Day brought…

June 18, 2019

On June 14, 2019, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee graduated 79 registered apprentices representing 48 companies from across Washington State. The apprentices were joined by their family, friends, and colleagues…

June 6, 2019

It’s six in the morning at Tool Gauge, a Tacoma, Washington manufacturer that creates complex, high-quality plastic and metal parts and assemblies for the global aerospace industry. In walks a…

June 6, 2019

AJAC is thrilled to announce 10 new partnerships and grant funding we have received to help support local partners and workforce development initiatives to advance apprenticeships here in Washington State.…

April 29, 2019

KING 5 News interviewed former AJAC machinist apprentice, Evan Thomas about why he chose to pursue an apprenticeship after high school, even when his friends were off to four-year colleges.…

March 28, 2019

The South Central Workforce Council recently interviewed AJAC’s Director of Youth Apprenticeship, Bri Durham for their podcast “South Central Works.” In the podcast, Bri touches on how AJAC’s apprenticeship program…

February 26, 2019

Over the last year, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee has partnered with the Northwest Automotive Service Association and Independent Technicians Automotive Committee (ITAC) to council and guide their new General…

February 18, 2019

New Video Provides a Cinematic Look at Registered Youth Apprenticeship in Washington State. SEATTLE, WA-Washington State Governor Jay Inslee calls it the “supply train for the supply chain”. Aerospace and…

October 26, 2018

During a private meeting at Cadence Aerospace, Governor Inslee and his staff met with representatives from the aerospace manufacturer, AJAC and current Youth Apprentices to discuss how the registered Youth…

October 9, 2018

Family based. Good pay. Good benefits. Those were the three takeaways from students who toured Buyken Metal Products last Thursday as part of a nationwide celebration of manufacturing. Manufacturing Day—occurring…

July 3, 2018

On June 27, 2018, 67 newly registered Youth Apprentices signed their letter of agreement signifying a commitment to work in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries through the  Aerospace Joint…

June 29, 2018

SEATTLE, WA – On Friday, June 22nd, Washington State became home to 72 new aerospace and advanced manufacturing journeymen and women apprentices. The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) recognized the…

May 7, 2018

Seth Hamilton was nearing his 17th birthday and knew he wasn’t going to college. His after-high-school plans did not involve a four-year institution. Rising student loans and lack of finances…

February 1, 2018

Apprenticeships are not an alternative to higher education. It is higher education. This sentiment rang loud and true during the 2018 Governor’s Youth Apprenticeship Summit, which in its second year,…

January 10, 2018

Governor Inslee delivered his annual State of the State Address to the Washington State Senate and the State House of Representatives on January 9, 2018. During his speech, Governor Inslee…

January 9, 2018

A new report performance audit for Washington State emphasizes the state’s need to better align high-growth, high-demand occupations with career and technical education (CTE) courses currently offered in high school.…

January 8, 2018

Trevor Mohon, a first-year machinist apprentice at RTC Aerospace – Fife Division, discusses his decision to pursue machining after high school. Trevor explains how this industry has challenged him, the…

December 13, 2017

Kent, Washington has a new home for advanced manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Prep (AMP) Training Center was unveiled during a grand opening on December 6th in partnership with the City…

December 12, 2017

On October 16, 2017, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee met with the partners, community organizations and local-area employers to discuss how the first year of Youth Apprenticeship has gone. The…

November 29, 2017

On October 6, 2017, students from the Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) toured Gensco, Inc. as part of Manufacturing Day. Manufacturing Day is a celebration of modern manufacturing meant to inspire…

October 12, 2017

What does it mean to work in manufacturing? For some, they see it as an industry booming with innovative ideas and state-of-the-art technology. For others, they see engineers and machinists…

August 29, 2017

AJAC’s new intake specialist will work directly with individuals needing guidance to carve their career in aerospace and advanced manufacturing through job-readiness preparation and pre-apprenticeship training. 1.What is the best part of…

August 28, 2017

AJAC’s Manufacturing Academy has partnered with Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration and Pioneer Human Services this past year to offer young adults an opportunity to learn job-ready skills through the 12-week, pre-apprenticeship…

August 7, 2017

Robin Williams may not come back from the dead, but AJAC’s newest hire has a knack for bringing new programs to life. Meet Erin Williams, our new Snohomish County business…

July 10, 2017

To become a journey-level worker signifies a changing of the guard – an ideology that mastery occurs on the job – not solely in the classroom. For AJAC’s 49 apprentice…

July 7, 2017

Washington STEM, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) and AJAC gave a joint presentation on all-things Youth Apprenticeship during a live webinar on June 26, 2017. Josie Bryan…

June 29, 2017

In partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Workforce Board, WSU Extension, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Washington STEM traveled across the state to explore…

May 10, 2017

He is a jack of all trades but he has mastered the perfect pizza combo. Meet AJAC’s new Apprenticeship Preparation Manager, Jim Johnson!  What’s the best part of your job so…

May 3, 2017

Yakima’s West Valley High School was given the baton last week to launch their first AJAC Youth Apprenticeship program. High school juniors Trevor Mackey, Osborne Rogers, and Bradley Ethier individually…

April 17, 2017

On Monday, April 24, Grays Harbor Youth Works, Greater Grays Harbor, Inc., Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and Grays Harbor College worked together to provide North Beach and Lake Quinault High…

April 10, 2017

All eyes were on Pacific Machine last week as the city of Tacoma ushered in a new era of career-connected learning. The decade-old mindset of ‘every student should attend a…

March 13, 2017

AJAC’s Youth Apprenticeship program continues to garner attention across our region as the first group of students prepare to begin their apprenticeship in high school. Seth Hamilton, one of our…

February 16, 2017

AJAC was honored to receive PNAA’s “Inspire” award during the annual Aerospace Conference in Lynnwood, Washington. AJAC’s Executive Director, Lynn Strickland accepted the award during the Aerospace Excellence Awards Banquet.…

February 15, 2017

AJAC’s Exective Director, Lynn Strickland alongside Chamber CEO Andrea Reay On Friday, February 10th, AJAC was selected for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce “Small Business of the Year” Award during…

January 31, 2017

c What will your new role at AJAC include? As Program Manager of Instruction, I will work with subject matter experts, curriculum developers, and instructors to review existing and develop…

January 26, 2017

From left to right: Jody Robbins (L&I), Ron Langrel (Bates Technical College), Lynn Strickland (AJAC), John Altman (Governor’s Office) and Tom Layson (KBTC) The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) was…

January 23, 2017

From left to right: John Page from Tacoma Public School, Kristi Grassman, AJAC, Lynn Strickland, AJAC, Jesse Cote from IAM 751 and Sandra Husbands, L&I at the Washington Apprenticeship Training Council…

November 4, 2016

(From left to right) Governor Jay Inslee, Lynn Strickland and Jesse Milbrath Over the last two years, the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, the…

October 7, 2016

The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee partnered with Training Agent Buyken Metal Products for the third annual Manufacturing Day in Kent, Washington. Over 40 students from Kentridge High School and Kent…

September 16, 2016

  The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee, in partnership with the YWCA and South Seattle College hosted the first-ever Women in Manufacturing Symposium at South Seattle College – Georgetown Campus, highlighting…

September 2, 2016

AJAC’s 2016 Summer Newsletter is fresh off the printing press! Grab your copy today and check out what our apprentices, pre-apprentices, and community partners have been up to the last…

August 29, 2016

Internships can be a grueling yet necessary step most of us endure before we are accepted in the working world. In manufacturing, internships are far-and-few between – but one program…

August 29, 2016

In 2012, the median age in manufacturing was nearly 45 years old, a number that is expected to rise continually over the next decade. An influx of young talent into…

August 29, 2016

Join us for this forum and networking event introducing women to career and training opportunities in the exciting and dynamic field of advanced manufacturing. Hear from a panel of women…

August 29, 2016

AJAC Machinist Graduate, Irwin Downes shaking hands with IAM 751 Organizer, Jesse Cote TUKWILA — Apprenticeships have the power to change lives. That’s the message graduates of the Aerospace Joint…

August 29, 2016

What is your proudest career moment? I worked on 1.5 million dollar grant that was awarded by OJJDP to Pioneer Human Services and JJRA to run a pilot AJAC Manufacturing…

August 29, 2016

  Senator Patty Murray stopped by the Seattle Manufacturing Academy program on August 9th to discuss how the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has helped undeserved and disadvantaged individuals to…

August 29, 2016

  TULALIP — When the Seattle Goodwill started its Youth Aerospace Program five years ago, it was aiming to take advantage of the high density of aerospace manufacturing expertise in…

August 29, 2016

[vimeo src=167495188] The Victory Series | Episode 12 Featuring Matt Washburn of Senior Aerospace AMT from 4th Avenue Media on Vimeo. How a business leader is keeping manufacturing and machining…

August 29, 2016

Tommy grew up in a big family with three brothers and two sisters in Grays Harbor on Washington State’s coast. He was involved in school and sports as a young…

August 29, 2016

  AJAC’s Training Agent Aeroplastics was recently interviewed by Seattle’s KING-TV to highlight their efforts in creating parts for industries outside of aerospace. Watch the clip above and read more…

August 25, 2016

In the United States, the plastics industry is the third-largest manufacturing industry. The outlook is strong nationally, from injection molding companies to high-demand 3D printing, plastics companies are expecting a…

August 23, 2016

From apprenticeships to formal coursework and academic degrees, professional development is the driving force behind those who want to continually grow their career. However, finding a company that instills an…