When Makeba Priester walked through the doors of her first manufacturing job, she didn’t know she was stepping into a career that would come full circle. Now, as the new Regional Program Manager for AJAC (Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships) in Central Washington, Makeba is helping build the same pathways that once transformed her own life.
“I was working in the manufacturing industry and did the Industrial Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship,” she recalls. “My employer invested in me—and I was successful in the program.”
That investment sparked something deeper in Makeba: a passion for helping other businesses do the same.
Today, Makeba isn’t just AJAC’s newest face in Central Washington—she’s a living example of how apprenticeship works. Her journey from apprentice to advocate gives her a unique perspective. “I really enjoy watching people learn and grow,” she says. “As an apprentice, I saw how the classes reinforced what I was learning on the job. Everything came full circle.”
Her experience is now fueling a much larger mission: equipping manufacturers with the skilled workforce they need to thrive.
Makeba supports AJAC’s three core programs in the region:
- Manufacturing Academy: A free, 10-week pre-apprenticeship that provides hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications for people entering the field.
- Youth Apprenticeships: Opportunities for high school students to learn and work side-by-side with experienced mentors, helping develop the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent.
- Adult Apprenticeships: For current employees ready to level up their skills—and for businesses looking to retain and grow their workforce through smart, long-term investment.
With over 300 companies already partnering with AJAC, Makeba is eager to expand those connections throughout Central Washington. Her message to employers? “Apprenticeship not only levels up your workforce—it gives employees a reason to stay.”
Workforce development is personal for Makeba. It’s not just about filling jobs; it’s about building futures. “I learned so much as an apprentice,” she says. “Now I want to help others find that same success.”
If you’re a manufacturer in Central Washington ready to invest in your people, there’s no better person to guide the way.
Connect with Makeba Priester and learn how AJAC can help you build your next generation of skilled workers.
